Where Do You Want To Go?

Where Do You Want To Go?

That is something I often ask myself. I have day and night dreams about all the places I want to go. I can smell the ocean breeze, feel the sand and hear the waves. I know that my dreams are not the same as the dreams of others. Some people aspire to much different things, but still have a dream of going somewhere, someday. That is why one of my favourite questions to ask people is: "Where do you want to go?". There are two common ways people answer: a quick, decisive pronouncement; or a long, drawn-out bucket list.

No matter how people answer, the answers are always fascinating - as is the seemingly innate desire most seem to have to see and experience this magnificent world in which we live.

Over the past year people have started asking me this and other questions. "Where are you off to next?" "Any travel plans coming up?". So for those fine people who care, here is what I hope to do this year:
the summer will be full of camping. Several trips, both planned and impromptu, will be spent with family. I'll also be doing the requisite outdoor adventures with friends which will surely include as much fishing as possible. Then, in the mid-fall, I will be taking off to check out Europe - exploring Rome, Italy and Athens, Greece.

Trevi Fountain Rome, Italy - Photo From Travelling Editor

Athens, Greece

So now you know. And now it's your turn. I want to know where you want to go. Would it be tasting fresh bread in Paris and taking a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower? Or will that selfie be at the top of Empire State Building in New York City with a slice of pizza in hand? Perhaps your plans don't include selfies. Perhaps it's just the sound of the ocean that you are after? Or a drive down the winding scenic roads of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way? Maybe free drinks and cute cabana boys? Please, leave a comment below letting us know where you plan to go, or just where you want to go in the coming months. We really want to know.

Insert Selfie Here

Or Here

Here at Real Man Travels, we want to share our travel experiences and share in yours. After all, it's a great big world full of endless opportunities.

Chris

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Packing for a Vacation: Carry-On Suitcase Only

Everyone deserves a vacation; we all work hard and need some time to relax and unwind. But with a vacation comes a bit of planning and understanding your own personal needs to pack efficiently and properly.

Two questions that I receive frequently when or after vacationing are:

1. Why do you pack with only a carry on suitcase?
2. How do you get everything into just your carry on?

The answers are quite simple.

1. I travel with carry on only because of the freedom. I have all belongings with me at all times. I do not wait for baggage claim or worry that my suitcase may be left behind or get damaged. 
2. When I first started travelling I severely over-packed for the melodramatic "what ifs" scenarios that I would devise in my head. I quickly learned those scenarios do not present themselves as easily as I thought they would. So with time I got smarter and realized I needed less and less and began to pack accordingly. I also bring a laptop bag along with me to house my important documents and to keep my electronics safe.

So with those questions answered I would like to share how I pack for a vacation in just a carry on suitcase. The trip I will be demonstrating today is the typical 7 day all inclusive trip to a tropical destination.

Everything I would need for an all inclusive trip.

Pictured above:

• Carry on suitcase
• 3 Pairs of shorts
• 2 swim trunks
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 4 pairs of socks
• 7 T-shirts
• 1 pair of dress pants
• 3 button up shirts
• 1 pair of dress shoes (I wear these on flight days)
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 toiletries bag (items inside will vary person to person)

Not pictured that I wear on travel day:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 rain coat
• 1 t-shirt
• 1 pair of under wear
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 sweater
• A baseball hat
• Sunglasses
• Headphones

Stuff socks and underwear into your shoes to save space. I personally wear mine on flight days so I will not be using this technique below. 

If you do not wear your dress shoes start with them (stuffed with socks and underwear) at the bottom.

I start with my toiletries bag at the bottom standing vertically.
**TIP** Make sure all items in the bag conform to airport requirements before leaving home! 

Next I add the 3 pairs of shorts and 2 swim trunks to the right of the toiletries bag on the bottom of the suitcase.

Next up are the 7 T shirts in the top left corner of the suitcase.

Follow that up with the 7 pairs of underwear in the top right corner.

Then I lay my 4 pairs of socks on top of the toiletries bag

Then I will lay the 3 dress shirts over everything evenly.

Then I lay my dress pants over the shirts (leg openings touch the waist band). There is still room for more items if you pack this way.
For example: An extra pair of pants or dress shirt, some tank tops or t shirts. Just be careful of the weight restrictions airports have.

I then tuck my sandals into the front pocket of the suitcase. There is also room for any accessories you may need, like a belt. 

Voila! Fully packed and ready to lay on a beach for a week!

So I hope this may have helped anyone who was looking to exchange their monster sized suitcase and slim down to just a carry on suitcase. 

If you have any helpful packing techniques please let me know by either commenting below or tweeting me @EdRealManTravel.

Also be sure to check out our Facebook page and click the like button for tips and tricks that you won't find on the blog.

Happy travels!

-Ed

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