Student Essay: A Week Without Luggage

This guest post was written by ACIS student traveler Carter Norton about his trip to Italy with ACIS:

My spring break trip to Italy is one that I will never forget. Not only did ACIS do an amazing job planning and helping me throughout the entire trip, but they made it a learning experience that was truly enjoyable. However, there was one small complication that I had to deal with during this adventure. My luggage was lost by the airline, and I wouldn’t get it back until the last day of the trip. The only thing I had in my possession while traveling around Italy was a school shirt, a pair of sweatpants and a pair of khakis. And thankfully, ACIS had advised us to carry our passports and documents with us at all times.

At first, I was disappointed that all the time I’d spent packing had been for nothing, but I realized that I should accept my limited possessions in order to have a great time on the trip. Now, this new way of thinking worked until my roommates decided it would be funny to hide both pairs of my pants. You don’t know the meaning of “rushed” until you are running around in nothing but your underwear trying to find the only things you own before breakfast.

I also created a system that seemed to be working flawlessly. I would wear sweats on days that we would travel and my khakis on the days when we would walk around a new city.

When ACIS realized that I wasn’t going to get my luggage back anytime soon, they provided me with some money to help me do some shopping and expand my (very) limited wardrobe. I promptly used this money to buy a Toblerone, two packs of gummy bears, and a muffin. Looking back, I do not regret that decision at all; in fact, these were some of my better purchases.

In the end, I reflected on the trip and realized that I had it easier than anyone else. I could carry everything I owned at all times in a tiny bag and I would always get the best seat on the bus. I learned that packing as little as possible is beneficial in the long run. You don’t need a heavy suitcase with your entire wardrobe in it to have fun. Pack light, go out and explore the world. This trip ended up being the greatest vacation I have ever taken and I wouldn’t change a single moment of it.

Has an airline ever lost your luggage? Tell us your story in the comments section below!