Update on the shoes - I wanted to clean the Birks before packing them and along the way realised that one of the shoes is starting to come apart. They got a lot of wear for a few years so I'm not mad, but it's an inconvenient time for sure. I don't want to risk that they give up on me during the holiday... I then went on a hunt for the Tevas. I found them, but I can't wear them. They're ten years old and it seems like my feet are much wider now. I have decided to just go and buy new Birkenstock sandals, they're the only shoes that I know will be comfortable. Unfortunately they don't offer my sandals anymore, I will need to buy the ones with the wide straps. Oh well. Maybe they'll have a color different than black. I'm definitely going to ask if they have anything else in my size, but in the end being able to walk is more important than style. I mean they're not too bad, right? *desperate*

I think the clothing capsule is great Astrid. I go on similar sorts of holidays with a similar sort of size capsule, with a couple of exceptions. I tend to do laundry every second day on holiday and summer things dry so quickly. You have at least four days worth here so you will be fine!!

I normally only have one swimsuit - they dry quickly.

The additions I would add (for me) are
- long sleeved loose top (to cover shoulders in the sun)
- exercise gear (shorts or tights and tank and running shoes and cap)
- light cardigan or bolero or denim jacket to throw over dress or shorts and tee in the evening
- one more pair of shoes, I usually go away with four pairs (running shoes/two casual sandals/slides, one dressier pair). I could make do with three pairs though.

Your breton may cover the first and third points, and it sounds like you have the sandals in hand.

Have a wonderful time!!

Thanks Sally. You're right, things are going to dry quickly, I do think I'm fine with the amount of clothing. I'm also going to pack the thin longesleeved tee below, I'm wearing it today (together with the black straight legs and sneakers) for the train journey home this evening. This also works with the shorts and is thin enough for warm temperatures. I don't plan to do any sports besides swimming (and just generally walking a ton), so no need for exercise gear.

I'm going to go for a run to the stores now and buy those sandals. I'll post some pics when I'm back to show you which pair I ended up with.

They had very little choice left, even though I ended up going to two stores! I bought the ones below. Way more earthy than my old ones, I think these scream for boyfriend shorts and graphic tees to be honest. But I think they're going to work well enough with my clothing. Maybe I should add the baggy pinstripe bermudas to the bag for these...

ETA

I just realized they gave me the wrong size. Honestly... Now I'm stressed.

Breath deep, Astrid! Like you said, you're not going on a survival trip.

You don't sound excited about those Birks. Maybe be picky and wait for the right ones both in terms of shape and colour?

ETA: I like how you strip down your packing to a minimal. Stick with that

Oh dear. Bad timing for the wrong size shoes to be given to you!
I do like your travel capsules. With warm weather and laundry facilities, you won't need much at all.
I hope you enjoy the time and travels with your family!

Thanks Harmonica! The only problem is that they might not take them back once I'm back in Berlin... I might need to resell. Oh well. It is what it is. I'm in public transport right now and still have almost two hours until I need to catch the train. I'll go to another store and buy some slides that I can afterwards wear as slippers at home. And then I'll hope my dad manages to fix my existing sandals with some glue...

Thanks Helen.

So they didn't have leather slides either. Seems like I'm looking for an unicorn. I give up now and hope my sandals are fixable.

I have a hat! It's as easy as that. It's my dad's and it fits perfectly. Seems like I need to look in the men's department in the future.

You look adorable in your dad's hat! The question now is: will he let go of it?

And some slides! We just went grocery shopping and I found these, I wasn't even looking for shoes! They are fun and they're comfortable. Now I just need to do my toes. My sandals are probably also fine and for rough terrain I can borrow some trekking sandals from my sister. Happy ending!

Ha thanks Harmonica! He's a hat person so he has a few. He told me I could wear the one that fits me best, he's taking one of the others.

Love the metallic sandals! Metallic looks refreshing!

Isn't it nice when all unexpectedly ends well? That is the perfect hat, you look so good in it, and those sandals are beautiful! I'm happy for you!

Funny that I also found my new cognac sandals going grocery shopping! Literally 1 hour before leaving for my last vacation, I quicly went to my greengrocer to buy some fruit for the trip, and in the nearby footwear shop I unexpectedly spotted a pair of sandals that were exactly what I had in mind (practical but pretty). I dashed into the shop (it was almost closing time), they had my size, tried them on, found them super comfortable and bought them in a flash. They were also 50% discounted. Grocery shopping has brought luck to the two of us!

Agree, Harmonica! And they'll look nice with the dresses. I won't wear them for a whole day walking, I prefer my sandals for that. But for going out to eat or to the beach...

Sisi, it's nice for sure! How awesome that it was the same for you. We also did buy food and water for the car journey, leaving early tomorrow morning. Now I'll go and help my sister with packing...

I'm so glad the sandal issue worked out! I really like those metallic slides. I had sandals in a similar color and I wore them so much that I wore them out. They just seemed to go with everything. The hat is super cute on you. I

Thanks Sara.

I haven't had anything worthwhile to add to your capsule dilemma, but did want to pop in to wish you a great vacation!

Thanks Elizabeth! I added one thing, I'm taking my navy wool cardigan which I had left at home the last time. Right now it's really cold and the cardi is more comfortable for the drive than anything else.

Sounds like it worked out all around. Fun and safe travels.

Thanks! It was great to have all the help of the forum.

The sandals are cute, hope they're super comfy! And the hat should, you know, find it's way home with you ^^ Enjoy your vacation now that everything's sorted!