Ladies Backpacking in Italy Don't Make the Mistakes I Made

Former Supermodel - Kim Alexis : May 27, 2016
KimAlexis.com

Packing minimally doesn't always pay off. Not if you feel like you're cheating yourself.

[KimAlexis.com] Recently I traveled to Italy, taking only a backpack. I have since come home and realize that I have a greater appreciation for America and all of our benefits in this country. I'm also thankful for the little things that make my house a home.

Don't get me wrong: I had a marvelous time and found the people in Italy to be warm and generous. I am just happy to be home.

The backpack that I took was wonderful. I kept the weight at around 20 pounds knowing that I would be walking with it for long stretches as I traveled to five different cities.

I flew into Venice airport, walked fifteen minutes to a water taxi and got dropped off at the top of the island. As there are no cars in the city, that was the last taxi I took until the morning I left for the airport 17 days later! In Venice, there are a lot of small narrow alleys that they call streets. It took 20 minutes of walking (after only two hours of sleep) to find my small hotel. It felt great to put the pack down. I must have walked ten miles that first day trying to stay awake. It was painful, but helped me quickly get on Italian time, which was eight hours ahead of mine. (Photo via KimAlexis.com)

I thought when I packed, that I had covered all the bases. If you had asked me when I left if I packed only the most necessary things, I would have given an emphatic "Yes!"

I learned some things though. Basically, I got by with less clothing than I brought. In fact, it was my black capri pants paired with basic solid colored sleeveless tops and a pullover that I wore the most. Because restaurants are hot in Italy, I would often throw on a black sweater walking to and from dinner. And although I don't wear them here in the States, in Italy I loved accessorizing with colorful silk scarves. And my small over the shoulder purse was priceless -- as was my raincoat!

So how would I have packed differently? Well, I brought two solid-color dresses and two black skirts that I hardly wore. I wished that I had brought black short boots as it rained a lot while I was in Venice. I wore black sneakers instead, but certainly would have felt more dressed up -- and fit in better with Italian fashion - if I'd had black boots. I also craved things like hair conditioner, my flatiron and perfume.

In conclusion, I should have been easier on myself. Bringing less clothes and shoes made me feel denied and punished. I think I went too far "staying minimal." For the next trip, I will bring the "stuff" that makes me feel more at home no matter where I am!

To carry Kim's column in your blog, newsletter or newspaper, contact Kim at thekimalexis@gmail.com. Visit her website at KimAlexis.com

BIO: Kim Alexis is part of an elite team of models who rose to the "supermodel" status in the 1980's. In 1983 she replaced Lauren Hutton as the face of Revlon's Ultima II line, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in America. She was the fashion editor for Good Morning America for three years. She then went on to host TV shows such as "Your Mind and Body", "Healthy Kids" and "Ticket to Adventure". Her most recent hosting was for "She's Got the Look" on TV Land. She appeared in the film "Holy Man" as well, alongside Eddie Murphy. Kim authored the nonfiction book "A Model for a Better Future" and a fictional book, "Beauty to Die For". She also wrote "Modeling: How to be Discovered", "Dieting Lessons", "My Thyroid Journey", "Cheat Eat" and "Lean Clean" available on Amazon. Known for her background in sports and her healthy life style, Kim has run 8 marathons and was a spokesperson for the New York City Marathon and the More magazine half-marathon. One of her greatest goals is to encourage other women to be their best in all areas of life.