Travelling light

Arriving in Adelaide, Australia

I did it! A personal challenge on my recent 2 ½ month trip to Australia was to travel with only carry-on luggage. I certainly did not miss standing by the baggage carousels. On domestic flights I was happy not to pay extra to check even one bag. 

One personal item and one small suitcase to carry on

Guidelines can vary from one airline to another but generally the economy class passenger can carry on one bag weighing up to 7 kg plus a small personal item which can include a small computer bag. This is tricky if changing climates. Shoes are a big issue. 

Although I bought only very light weight gifts for family I was given a couple of small gifts while away over the Christmas season. Anything I added to the suitcase meant something had to be removed, making me glad I had brought old clothes I could easily discard. 

Arriving in Canberra, Australia

I certainly intend to travel again without checked luggage and have a few ideas for refining my packing. For ideas on how to pack light, including suggested packing list see these sites:

Nomadic Matt

http://www.nomadicmatt.com/
http://www.nomadicmatt.com/?s=packing+list

One Bag

http://www.onebag.com/

Wrapping up Australia

Poinciana or Flame Tree in subtropical Queensland.

I am  starting this blog as I prepare to leave Australia again. This time I have been here 2 1/2 months. While here I have reflected on my first trip to this country 40 years ago and how my life may have been different had I stayed then. 

As on most trips to Brisbane I have visited the little worker's cottage, built a century or  more ago and still standing in the inner city suburb of Spring Hill. It was my home when I first arrived in Brisbane in the early 1970s.

Inner city cottage, my old home in Brisbane.

In Australia I love the vegetation, some native like the eucalyptus and some, like the Poinciana or Flame Tree, introduced from elsewhere.

One of Australia's many species of eucalyptus. 

Appreciating Brisbane's outdoor art

Papaya and mango sculptures on Brisbane's 1872 General Post Office.

Yesterday I participated in a free walking tour of Brisbane given by a volunteer from Brisbane Greeters. 

http://www.brisbanegreeters.com.au/Brisbane 

The tour focused on some of Brisbane’s outdoor art, especially that commissioned for Brisbane’s World Expo 88. Good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water were on the list of what to bring. Since the city has been having occasional rain showers I also put an umbrella in my bag. Fortunately I did not need it. 

Except for a short ride on Brisbane’s free loop bus and a 10 minute cold drink break, it was 3 1/2 hours of walking with temperatures in the high 20s C (about 82 F) and fairly high humidity creating a bit of sweat. Although I have spent considerable time in Brisbane over the years, I learned a great deal about the city and found the tour most worthwhile.

Funky little cafe in the alley provided welcome cold drinks.  

The first Greeters program was established in New York City in 1992 and Brisbane is one of many cities that are part of the Global Greeter Network. Check to see if your city or one you plan to visit has Greeters. In Canada I found only Toronto listed among the worldwide Greeters programs.

http://www.globalgreeternetwork.info/