Prior to packing comes shopping, and before shopping for cruise wear comes dieting.

Here I am last fall, towered over by one of my bonus grandsons, Montana, who was 18 years old at the time. Although he is more than a foot taller than I, he didn’t outweigh me by much.

Fortunately, Montana’s good looks draw attention away from my “spare tire” but clearly something needed to be done.

Shortly after my son David was born, I purchased a dress I hoped would motivate me to do whatever was necessary to be able to fit into it.

David will be 34 this year(!) and I am determined to have finally lost the baby fat before cruising the Mediterranean. I may never have occasion to wear the dress, except perhaps to an 80’s Theme Party, but at least it will fit comfortably.

If you have experienced a travel-motivated transformation, choose Contact Me from the website’s menu and we’ll talk. Perhaps your tale of triumph can be shared in a future update, or on the blog page!

Packing for a Cruise to the Mediterranean

Let’s continue with a step-by-step approach. Use the process provided in Step 6 on the website’s menu for Be Your Own Travel Guide, but add a Mediterranean twist.

Step 1

Assemble your basic travel wardrobe, choosing:

– light-colored clothing rather than dark colors that attract heat;

– lightweight fabrics that breathe, rather than polyester or nylon blends that hold in heat and odors;

– clothes that can be layered;

– simplicity, clean styling, and a good tailored fit in keeping with day-to-day European custom;

– dressy tops and nice jeans, walking shorts or skirts, dresses and maxi dresses for ladies; jeans/pants and collared shirts such as buttoned-down or polo for men;

– bathing suit and cover-up (which can double as a shawl or large scarf);

– sunglasses that block both UVA & UVB rays;

– evening wear (optional).

Step 2

Check the long-term weather forecast for places we’ll be visiting. Check it again three days before we leave. The clothing we pack should reflect the percentage of days we’ll be experiencing warm weather vs. the number of days temperatures will be low. On this cruise it will be a mixed bag.

Step 3

Bring no more than 3 pairs of shoes all of which should match your clothing: a pair of walking shoes, shoes for any special activities that are planned, and a pair to dress up your outfits.

Step 4

Ensure that along with your toiletries you bring:

– motion sickness remedies and any other required medication;

– contact lenses/solution and/or (reading) glasses/cleaner;

– laundry soap sheets and flat rubber sink stopper;

– sun block and lip balm;

– a small magnifying mirror to make application easier on the go and in cramped cruise cabins.

Step 5

Both men and women require a small easy-to-carry day pack to hold:

– a plastic water bottle or flask that can be filled at public water fountains, especially in France and Italy;

– valuables, like a smartphone, ID, money and room keys;

– a camera;

– sun protection;

– Ziplock baggies packed with lunch from the ship;

– a lightweight rain jacket, hoodie or sweater for unexpected weather;

– sun/reading glasses;

– enough room to add anything purchased along the way.