Boldly Go Solo

Uh, that solo traveler would be me. I've given myself the challenge of sparing my bags from the hands of the airport suitcase tossers who frequently have routed my precious belongings to cities I have no intention of setting foot in. Not nice.

I bought my 21-inch bag last night. I'm leaving Sunday at 6 am. (Does
everyone operate like this or is it just me? This last minute thing, that is? I seem to work to deadline.)

The photos here show the difference between the bag (on the right) that would make packing easy versus the bag (on the left, in this season's hot fashion color – "plum") that all my stuff is now packed in, ready to depart from home at 4:30 am tomorrow. (ugh)

 Why have I chosen to squeeze everything into one and a half bags (carry on and a "personal item") when I could have the luxury of packing and living large? In a 26" suitcase?

Saving the baggage fees ($15 each way on Continental) is one small reason, although it would actually be worth it to pay for the luxury of having someone else drag my stuff on and off the airplane.

What really convinced me is that I want my luggage there at the same time I am. Not two days later. (Madrid, a couple of years ago.) Not four days later. (The Netherlands, a few years before that. See post.)

No, I want that bag trailing right behind me like a dog that heels. As soon as I'm on the ground.

I don't want to have to wait, pathetically, while the luggage carousel
goes round and round while all the other passengers clear out and it becomes obvious there's nothing there for me. (Charleston, S.C. several years ago.)  And there's no one to moan and complain to. Solo traveler, remember?

I want to have my PJ's for bedtime and a fresh set of clothes to change into in the morning. I want all my shoes. (Although I won't be able to take many in such a small bag).

I ended up having to buy a pair in Madrid while waiting for my bags to catch up with me.

This time, I'll be taking a taxi to a family that is hosting me while I do Spanish immersion classes. I really don't want to have to ask them to take me clothes shopping first thing.

So there you have it. The bag is packed and ready to go. Including a fold-up bag that I may end up using as a second suitcase if I end up bringing a lot of stuff home. Like gifts, food, trinkets.

Okay, scratch the "may end up using." It will be used. And I will end up checking my bag on the way home. But that's okay. I don't care if my dirty laundry takes a few days to meet back up with me.

Photos: Ellen Perlman