15 LBS

When we first signed up to go to Africa, one of the first questions that we asked was how much luggage could we take?  It was an important question after all because myself and my travel buddies pride ourselves on being good girl scouts...always prepared.

The first time that we asked the question, the answer was 30 pounds in a carry-on bag.  I thought I was going to have to pick Alicia up off the floor when she heard the words: 30 POUNDS.  I think her first words were:  I won't be able to take my big study Bible. Smaller Bibles do not have good cross referencing.  She also had some concerns about shoes.  She likes to have a variety of shoes.  And I can't say I blame her for that. 

After some airline research, we quickly found out that 30 pounds was not the limit...

lucky us, the airline had changed their carry-on policy and now the limit is 15 pounds! 

It's like I signed up for Survivor or something?

While Alicia had some concerns about the weight of her Bible (Please note: I just weighed the study Bible that I have and it weighs over 3 pounds.)  I had some concerns about serious items like shampoo and hairspray.  Friends that have gone on trips before us, have told us to pack and then unpack half...you won't need all that stuff.  Well, I've packed and repacked several times, and I just seem to find more stuff to pack. 

So, I thought I would take a few pictures of the things that I think I need to take to Africa...

I'm going to be hitting three airports, three continents and a whole lotta germs in a 24 hour period, so I think this is justified.

These are a few toiletry type items that I've packed so far.

And yes, that's a can of Big Sexy Hair Spray. I may be going to Africa,

 but I ain't going there with flat hair.

I like to call this the Big Nanny survival kit. 

Some people think I'm crazy for taking a can of beef stew, Chefboyardee and a canned chicken salad pack.  When I bought these, I was looking for vienna sausages, but I got sidetracked by all of my canned food choices and forgot them. 

This is my carry-on suitcase and my McGyver style backpack.

Please know that I'm more of a tote bag kinda girl so this backpack thing is all new.

And last but not least...

you can't be warm and cuddly without your snuggie.
Great for travel!