Dilemma

Dilemma #1...what to pack?!? I've packed for some time at the beach...simple...a couple of shorts, a couple of t-shirts, and a pair of flip flops....done! I've packed for a special evening in the city...dress, heels, light jacket...done! I've packed for sightseeing...comfy top, comfy pants, comfy shoes...done! I've packed for hiking (not really, but I've brought stuff along IN CASE I should feel like hiking)...shorts, ugly top, tennis shoes...done! I've packed for a day in a city...nice top, nice shirt, nice shoes...done! But to pack for 23 days combining all these things, and realizing that your suitcase will be weighed...yikes! Besides...one has to be concerned about lugging that suitcase everywhere and trying to board a bullet train with that luggage when all de-boarding and boarding of the train has to be done in three minutes flat! OK, that's just the first concern. Then there's technology. 1)Can we get an international plan for our phone? (Answer...no) 2)Can we get cell coverage on our iPad? (Well, if you want to spend a few hours of your vacation time in a cell service store, this would probably be possible.) 3)How will I keep connected with my kids and my five adorable grandchildren if I can't use my phone? (I guess the answer is Face Time, but I'm quite new at this.) 4)Can we use the Google maps on the phone or iPad while driving on unfamiliar roads in unfamiliar countries? (refer to #1 and 2) And how much "stuff" do you take? We thought we were being wise by getting an iPad thinking we wouldn't have to take our laptop or Garmin. But after seeking counsel from MANY people, we've just given up and are packing everything...along with all the adaptors, convertors, chargers, and cords. (We may have to pay the $100 fee for an extra suitcase!)