I finally have my travel capsule pulled together. PHEW! I’m not totally thrilled with a few things but overall it’s find and I’m declaring Victory and saying DONE! (We leave in about 24 hours). It took me a LONG time to plan what to bring, because it required two completely different capsules, neither being well represented in my wardrobe or daily life, and I ended up buying quite a few new things. I will not be checking a bag on the outbound flight because we are picking up a car and driving
right after we land and did not want any chance of lost luggage holding things up. I WILL be doing laundry a few times, and that’s totally OK with me. I have no illusions that I will look as stylish/well dressed as the
locals in Barcelona, but it will be ok. I know I’ll look like a tourist but my
goal is to not stand out as the most obvious American tourist in the crowd. (For example we are NOT bringing any Boston Red Sox baseball hats, and DH is not bringing any obvious American company/slogan t-shirts)
Here is the final Itinerary:
Day 1: Overnight flight to Barcelona; expect to wear the bulkier hiking
items (shoes, raincoat, light fleece) on the plane to leave more room in the suitcase for other stuff. As if I need a raincoat and hiking shoes on a plane!
Day 2: land in Barcelona, pick up a car, drive to “traditional fishing
village and seaside resort” on the north coast of Spain and spend one night there. Will wear clothes from the Barcelona capsule below.
Days 3 - 7: Pyrenees Mountains in France, at our friend’s B&B. Weather
in the mountains is going to be more cool, rainy, and windy than normal. Our hostess is quite unhappy about this. We told her we want to do some hiking anyway! There is also sightseeing. I'm bringing those bulky hiking items I'll wear on the plane plus a running turtleneck and an SPF hat. Added 1 cotton sweater, a scarf, and some very thin loafers so I have the option of being a little less outdoorsy/sporty at dinner at the B&B. I can also wear things from the Barcelona capsule.
Days 7 - 11: Barcelona. I wanted a capsule that was a bit more polished than I wear most of the time, suitable for heat. Cropped pants, linen/cotton loose shirts, short sleeved tops, lightweight scarves, and a very light short sleeved cardigan w/cami. Bathing suit for the rooftop pool. Walking sneakers, and sandals. White straw hat. No room
for a skirt or dress - maybe I’ll find one to buy.
Day 11: Flight home by myself. (DH returns two days later after his seminar finishes). I will probably check my bag so I will decide at the last minute what to wear on the plane.
The exact capsule is here:
https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=4338
p.s. I obviously did not stick with my original black/grey color scheme
p.p.s. I’m not totally thrilled with my footwear selection but as long as my feet are happy (which I think they will be) I am done worrying about it and will instead focus on enjoying the trip....:-)
Adios and Au Revoir!
