Sucker for SHOES!

Anyone that knows me will attest to the fact that I LOVE SHOES! In fact, I will find almost any reason to peruse the shoes in any store that I am in. It's an addiction really.

So, Mickey and I have been looking into shoes for our trip. You'd be amazed at the abundance of information for would be backpackers looking for the right type of shoes. Do we pack sandals? Cross trainers? Walking shoes? Hiking boots? The list could go on and on.

But, after determining that we would be trekking pavement for most of our trip, we decided on taking a solid pair of sandals and tennis shoes.

I'm most excited about the sandals because I don't really see myself rocking tennis shoes in the 85+ degree Mediterranean heat. So, lo and behold, my sandal selection!!!

I am just in love with these because they're not only functional, but, cute! And isn't that what every girl hopes for?

Mickey is still deciding between a couple of pairs of Teva cross trainers and we will be shoe shopping this weekend. I'm going to go ahead and order mine online shortly so that we both have time to "break in" the shoes as so many others suggest before the big trip.

Get this...expert backpackers the world over also suggest testing out backpacks WITH contents prior to a trip. So, check out Bridlewood Avenue somewhere in the neighborhood of mid May to catch a glimpse of two wandering backpackers complete with large packs of random stuff meandering through their residential neighborhood! Should be good for a laugh, at least!

Thinking about what to pack

So we're nearing the point of determining what exactly to pack and take with us. What a difficult process! Especially considering that this is our very first backpacking trip. We found this great video clip with great tips that we will definitely use.

We also found this helpful checklist of things to do before you go:

Before You Go Checklist

1. Apply for passport. If you have one, check the expiry date.

2. Arrange for any visas that might be required.

3. Order your railpass.

4. Start reading your guidebook. Highlight anything that sounds interesting or that you want to remember.

5. Get copies of any prescriptions from your doctor. This is especially important if you are diabetic or have any other condition that requires you to carry needles on you. Bring extra medication with you and keep it in the original bottles.

6. Get a copy of the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses.

7. Put together a small first aid kit - pack the following in a heavy duty ziplock - bandaids, antacid, antidiarrheal medication, antihistamine (allergy) pills, Ibuprofen or something similar, antibiotic ointment, cough and or flu medication, tweezers, antiseptic wipes. These things are OK out of the box as long as it says on the back what it is.

8. Check the expiry date on your credit card to make sure it will last the length of your trip.

9. If your ATM pin isn't 4 numbers, arrange to have it changed.

10. Purchase a small amount of travelers cheques for emergencies.

11. Make copies of all important documents. Leave one set with someone at home and take one with you. You can also scan the documents and send it to the email address you are going to use while travelling.

12. Purchase travel insurance. (See below)

13. Break in any new shoes you are bringing.

14. Set up an email address you can access from Europe.

15. Make a note of your favorite websites, like say guideforeurope.com perhaps, or those you might need, in the back of your journal or send yourself an email listing them.

16. Put on your backpack and go for a walk. Adjust it so it feels comfortable. Wear the hipbelt and don't allow for space between your pack and your back - it shouldn't be pulling away from you.

17. Do a trial packing run to see if what you are planning will fit. Don't fill your pack completely, leave room so you can bring home a few things. Roll your clothes to cut down on wrinkling, store things that could spill in ziplocks.

18. Buy small locks for every zipper on your pack and daypack.

19. Book (at least) your first hostel. You don't want to show up with jet lag and try and find a bed - it won't be pretty.

20. Confirm your flight 2 days prior to traveling.

Any other suggestions from anyone that's done this before? (Or just suggestions in general??? If so, leave us a comment. We need all the help we can get!)

Map of our Travels

View Travel Map in a larger map

Click the map above and move the mouse to see all of our mapped destination points. Also, when you click on the destination pins you will be shown a picture of that location. We will be using this map to update everyone on our whereabouts during travel. Happy mapping!

A quick look at some of the places we'll be staying!

The excitement is mounting! Check out some of the great places, in even greater locales!

This is the "Rooms Elizabetta" in Cinque Terre, Italy

Another view of Cinque Terre

The view from one of the rooms

Hostel Villa Saint Exupery in Nice, France

A room at the Villa

A view of Nice

The garden area at the Villa

These are just a couple of the places we've booked so far. We're still deciding on places in Rome and Paris. Here's to wishing that all decisions could be this easy!

The 2 things I'll miss most while we're gone...