My husband and I find packing a constant challenge. I am a just in case packer as well and often on our trips we find that we have things that we really did not need. One tip I received that I try to follow is that once I have got all my things in the suitcase - relook and try to take out at least 2 - 3 things - for me this sort of works.

Re the travel books, i pick either one book for the area and then do notes so that I might have a file folder with pages or a spiral bound pad with 1-2 pages per day or per site depending on the information i want to take.

Pacing is always a challenge - part of the travel planning process.

Enjoy the travels

Carol Toronto, Canada