Airfares booked, accomodation booked, tours booked.. still, so much left to do. Yesterday marked one month until take-off, when the first of July comes around, I'll be parking my derriere on a flight not so direct to Heathrow.

On the way I'll stopover in Bangkok and Zurich, but the main course will be Europe, where I will take a contiki tour (a right of passage to any young person visiting Europe for the first time.)

First time, well kind of.. does it count that the last time I took off on a trip this big to Europe I was only 9 years old? I'm 25 now. That was far too long ago, and what a tragedy that I have left it so long.

So what is left to do? Well you would think this spring chicken is very organised by now, but there is still so much to do, and after almost suffering a mild heart attack after leaving the booking of accomodation so late, now it's time for the fun stuff.

Which I now realise are even bigger dilemmas.... what to pack? Do I take extra clothes, knowing I'll have to throw things out to make room for all the new goodies I'll be purchasing on an almost hourly basis? Or should I just pack really light and hope for the best?

Do I really need to take 3 different colours of the same pair of denim shorts? Even though I know they would look so cute in the European sun?

Then there is the test pack situation.. Do I do a few test packs before my trip, to get a better idea... or should I just wing it the night before and well, fingers crossed?

I think it's all nerves and stress now, but by the time I'm sitting on that Qantas flight (hopefully minus the maggot snacks) I'll be calm yet excited with travel pillow wedged behind my head, and probably popping some kind of medication to calm my nerves and help me sleep.

29 sleeps to go!