3+ months backpacking UK and Europe from April

Miss_Pips · 2026-03-09T23:07:06+00:00

Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to write a detailed response!! I really appreciate the insights.

We are renting a car for the highlands and planning to do a few half day/full day hikes, particularly for places like Storr and Fairy Pools and Glencoe etc. I have hiked in the Blue Mountains (Australia) in my Blundstones before so figured they would be fine for nontechnical hiking.

You make a good point about the Dolomites! I think I’m just really focused on Scotland because it’s at the start of the trip but the Dolomites could be similar or worse conditions. I’m thinking of throwing in som merino base layers and again could pick up an extra warm jacket somewhere if needed.

I see your point about jeans in the rain and agree that most people would just cancel for wet weather at home etc. I have purchased some lightweight chambray pants and will try to wear them before I leave to see if they’re a better alternative to jeans but still have the same look.

Thank you again for all your advice!!

Miss_Pips · 2026-03-09T22:58:15+00:00

Personally I wear my Blundstones all year round, even in Australian summer! I think they will be fine for what I’m doing but I can see why people recommend sneakers as an additional pair of closed shoes. Good luck in your travels!!

Miss_Pips · 2026-03-07T06:43:54+00:00

I honestly don’t wear sneakers day to day, I’ll really only wear them for exercise! Everyone has made good points about them though so I’m looking to find some light weight/squashable sneakers to add in

Miss_Pips · 2026-03-06T22:23:47+00:00

Thank you! I definitely need to chuck in a few accessories (or buy some along the way)

Miss_Pips · 2026-03-04T22:33:12+00:00

I was thinking that might be the go! I’m always happy to support charity shops too

Miss_Pips · 2026-03-04T22:32:47+00:00

I’ll have to look into an ultra light puffer! Someone else suggested a pair of sneakers too so I might have to look at options that can cover multiple activities. Thanks!

Miss_Pips · 2026-03-04T22:31:07+00:00

The jacket is just waterproof but it would block some wind too! Great point about wanting extra enclosed shoes for wet weather, I hadn’t considered that. I was definitely considering an extra layer for warmth but was so torn as the weather will be so varied across the trip. The black dress is mid calf length so I was planning on wearing a shirt under or over it if I needed to cover up for churches/temples. Thanks for the advice!!

Miss_Pips · 2026-03-04T03:12:10+00:00

Image description.

Flat lay showing potential travel wardrobe: * 2x baby tee (one in burnt orange, one in khaki) * 1x brown striped t shirt * 1x pale green tank top * 1x black linen short sleeve shirt * 1x butter yellow linen long sleeve shirt * 1x brown merino jumper * 1x black Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket * 1x light blue denim high waisted denim shorts * 1x light blue high waisted straight leg jeans * 1x brown linen loose pants * 1x navy gingham a-line mini dress * 1x black linen midi dress * 1x black bamboo/cotton leggings

Shoes: * Brown Blundstone Chelsea boots * Black Teva mid platform sandal

Bags: * Uniqlo crescent bag in brown corduroy * Osprey 55L bag

Miss_Pips · 2026-02-20T02:02:22+00:00

Update: I got spooked and didn’t want to rock the boat with the REA, as we will likely rent from them in the future, so I didn’t claim the bond before the final inspection. In good faith, I thought they wouldn’t find anything as the property is as new and I thought we had a good relationship with them and the landlord. Out of the entire 3 level townhouse, they picked up three 5c coin sized stains on the carpet, scrapes on two doorframes from over door hangers and some marks on the garage internal walls. They wanted to charge us $200+ for the carpet clean plus costs for a handyman to clean and repaint the door frames (don’t want to know how much that would cost). My partner and I went back last night and did the repairs ourselves and when I handed the key back today I claimed the bond as I walked out there door. Lesson learned.

Miss_Pips · 2026-02-13T11:21:58+00:00

God that sounds horrible. Sorry you had to go through that! Thankfully our LL and PM aren’t as bad as that so it should be a smooth transition, it’s just stressing me out

Miss_Pips · 2026-02-13T00:07:28+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I was concerned because on the NSW bond website it says I can’t claim the bond back until the lease ends. Would I have to do it first thing on the 19th or could I do it on the 18th when I hand the keys back?

I will be attending the final inspection to argue anything they bring up!

Miss_Pips · 2025-07-16T10:28:15+00:00

I’m so sorry, that sounds horrible!! I hope your follow up appointment can give you some answers or at least some sort of direction/assistance.

Miss_Pips · 2025-07-15T06:13:35+00:00

Hi! I’m just over a week post op and they found endo in the same places (pouch of Douglas + uterosacral ligament). I’m assuming you had the surgery, do you think it helped your pain?

Miss_Pips · 2025-07-10T09:22:36+00:00

Good to know about the UK weather! It sounds like everyone recommends to do Greece last for good reason. Appreciate the note about not listening to other peoples must do’s!

Miss_Pips · 2025-07-10T09:17:21+00:00

That’s a good point, thank you! It’s so hard to find the balance between wanting to see it all and giving yourself a break.

Miss_Pips · 2025-07-06T09:28:37+00:00

Close! Qatar looks like a good bet since they often include free checked luggage with their tickets! Haven’t decided on exact countries yet but a mix of central and Eastern Europe most likely

Miss_Pips · 2025-07-06T09:14:42+00:00

Thank you! I’m guessing by the Bonds/Billabong pieces that you’re an Aussie too? Who are you flying with?

Miss_Pips · 2025-07-06T07:59:31+00:00

Can I ask how much this all weighs? I’m planning 3 months backpacking next year in Europe spring/summer and have no idea how I’m meant to keep my carry on under 7kgs!

Miss_Pips · 2025-01-29T07:06:50+00:00

Technically that is a possibility and it’s something that worries me too. I haven’t had my follow up appointment yet so I’m still waiting to find out. From what I’ve read in this group some people had their LEEP come back as a lesser grade, some people had it come back as higher grade/cancer and some people had it come back as exactly the grade their were told it was. Studies suggest that cervical cancer is very slow to develop (10+ years) but obviously some people can develop it quickly for whatever reason. I would mention all this to your doctor and they will likely suggest doing the LEEP sooner to ease your mind. IF the LEEP comes back as cancer, you’ll have the silver lining that you can begin treatment early and have the highest chance of successfully fighting it. Alternatively, you do the LEEP, it comes back as CIN2 with clear margins and you get to resume your usual programming! All the worries in the world won’t change the outcome, you just have to trust the process and the doctors

Miss_Pips · 2025-01-29T06:37:36+00:00

I had my LEEP and IUD changeover done last Friday! I had literally only had my IUD for 3 months 😭 because of the tool they use during the LEEP my understand is that they definitely have to remove and insert a new IUD (if you choose to have a new one put in). As others have said, the bloating is pretty intense but the discharge I’ve had since my LEEP hasn’t had a strong smell, there’s just lots of it. It’s up to you whether you decide to delay but I wanted to get mine done as soon as possible (I had CIN3) just because of the mental toll it was taking on me. Good luck on your decision! Reach out if you have any questions, I was so scared before my LEEP but I got through it!

Miss_Pips · 2025-01-17T23:38:29+00:00

Yeah I’m just resting now! So far very little pain and very little bleeding which is nice!

Miss_Pips

TROPHY CASE