4 Weeks, 1 Carry-On, Europe Bound in Autumn

Greetings from a Whimsical Train Ride through the English countryside!

After releasing my recent blog post about quitting my job (🫣), these past two weeks have whisked me away on a magical adventure. It’s been an absolute dream, wild and amazing. It’s also terrifying because, for the first time, I’ve completely ditched any trace of a routine. My daily habits have been replaced by unpredictability, and it’s a whirlwind of a change.

Every day is entirely new. It’s my lifelong dream come true, despite the thought of this incredible journey ending. Even adventures have their finales, don’t they?

For this crazy experience, I’ve attempted something I’ve never done before – tackling a four-week European/UK escapade with just one trusty Away carry-on bag & a backpack. And let me tell you, I’m halfway through, and it’s been educational!

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4 Weeks, 1 Carry-On, Europe Bound in Autumn

Table of Contents

4 Weeks, 1 Carry-On, Europe Bound in Autumn

As I’ve navigated through these past few weeks, I’ve relished almost every second of it. However, I must admit, I didn’t have the time to plan this adventure out. The unknown is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, but it’s also a test of adaptability and resilience for me… and we all know, I love a challenge.

4 Weeks

Truth be told, I’m still figuring it all out. But, I’m committed to savoring the adventure of a lifetime without accumulating more stuff. So far, I’ve learned a lot, and here are eight things I’ve done right:

Meeting my cousin in Dublin
Exploring the Cliffs of Moher
Savoring a hearty bowl of Guinness beef stew
Falling head over heels for Edinburgh
Trying stovies, a local delight
Embarking on a two-day Loch Ness Tour
Investing in waterproof shoes (a game-changer!)
Traveling by train to York

You’ll have to follow my travels on Instagram & threads for real-time updates!

1 Carry-On

Before we continue, let’s talk about my trusted Away carry-on bag. A Christmas gift from four years ago, it’s been my reliable companion. It’s the perfect size for airline regulations, so I never have to fret about whether it’ll fit on the plane.

However, there are a few quirks to this plan. There’s barely any room for souvenirs, so that tartan blanket in Edinburgh had to remain in the shop (though the website came to the rescue with fair shipping prices). I’ve also parted ways with the $3 thrift store cardigan I brought. In my defense, I’m not attached to it but I wore it the first day and it does nothing for my completion so It has to go.

What I regret bringing

My $3 thrift store cardigan – left behind in Edinburgh)
My Bose headphone case – it’s so bulky!
My neck pillow – though perfect for long flights, it’s unwieldy and space-consuming
My heeled waterproof booties – only worn once
15 pairs of underwear – 8 or 9 would suffice
The sweater I’m knitting – remains unfinished and I have a long way to go
Two pairs of leggings – one would do

What I wish I’d brought

A black long-sleeved top for extra warmth – bought.
High wool black socks for extra warmth – bought.
One of my many beanies – refusing to buy.
Flat waterproof Chelsea boots. They’re so fashionable and practical on cobblestone – no room in my suitcase to buy.
Flip flops for potential hostel stay, an essential for showers – next trip!

Europe Bound in Autumn

Again, I am midway through this delightful journey, and I’m still uncertain about my next steps. After spending over two weeks in familiar weather, I spontaneously booked a flight to somewhere warm. A goal I want to achieve before returning home for Thanksgiving.

That said… Autumn has been BEAUTIFUL. Absolutely stunning!

Dublin and Edinburgh have been magical, and the Scottish Highlands in the Fall? Breathtaking! The leaves have painted the landscape with rich orange, yellow, and red hues. 🍂

It’s been incredibly difficult to leave. Even now, as I sit on this train to York, the greens of the English countryside don’t just captivate; they literally cast a spell that’s so easy to romanticize.

As I continue, my heart brims with gratitude and excitement. The unknown has become my greatest adventure, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter of this enchanting tale takes me.

Stay tuned for more adventures, misadventures, and the timeless magic of discovery. 🚂✨