When packing to go abroad, you should try to pack as light as possible. Of course, pack things that are essential to you every day, but you should try to leave out things that you may only use once or twice the entire trip. For first time travelers, like I was, it is difficult to determine what all you might need for the entire trip, especially when it lasts 18 days. And if you are worried about forgetting something, chances are you can find it in a store somewhere or ask a friend.  A good rule of thumb is that if you don’t use it much at home, you won’t use it while you are abroad. Bring clothes that you can layer and use for multiple different outfits. Something helpful that I brought is called Sink Suds, and it is small packets of laundry detergent you use to wash your clothes in the sink. I would always use them if we were staying in the same hotel for two or three nights so that the clothes would have time to dry before packing up again. By using these, you are able to wear the same clothes multiple times throughout the trip which can help you save some room in your suitcase. Also, you should always utilize your carry on. Having a carry on is great for the plane ride back home because you can stuff your heaviest items in there instead of in your suitcase. I definitely wish that I would have packed lighter for this trip. There were many times when we would have to carry our bags upstairs and lift them to store on the trains. As the trip goes on, your bag gets heavier because of the souvenirs. It is a good idea to keep this in mind before you leave, instead of bringing too much stuff to begin with.