The Packing Tips Digest, Issue 4

In my last installment of collected packing tips I wanted to take about weather – specifically, spend some time investigating the climate of the location you are visiting. I know that sounds pretty ludicrously obvious but I also know people who don’t really do it (myself included, on occasion) and wind up spending a few weeks somewhere with clothes that are too heavy or too light to be comfortable. To illustrate my point I give you the majesty of Edinburgh. I visited this magical city (to date it’s the best vacation I’ve ever had) in March and spring time in Scotland means cold winds and rain. So even though it was warm spring weather back in New Haven, I packed a hooded windbreaker, a warm fuzzy toque, and plenty of long sleeved shirts and hooded sweatshirts. And was I ever glad I did! A nice scarf or two is also a good idea and it can help create more outfit combinations in addition to keeping you warm and snug.











My Scotland trip also offers me a further chance to make an endorsement about bringing along a statement piece or two. This trip was wholly for fun (wooo, spring break!) and so I packed what is quite possibly the most ridiculous article of clothing I own: my Crypt Keeper t-shirt. Remember the Crypt Keeper and his funny costumes and delicious puns? Anyways, because I am sort of a jerk (but I amuse myself a great deal), I wore this little number to some of Edinburgh’s finest churchyards and cemeteries and proudly made an international jackass of myself (I also made it my business to ask staff members at various historical sites where “ye olde-timey toilet” was, so yeah, job well done on my end). So statement pieces can be goofy, irreverent, and fun – just know your audience!



And finally, if you know you are going to be on your feet a lot, pack yourself some ultra-comfy shoes and remember that sore muscle balm can be a girl's best friend. I mean look how happy I was to find a tube of it -- so happy in fact that I got this great glamour shot!