I have seen a lot of blogs that write about travel that have posts about what/how to pack including lists and pictures. Only tonight, though, did I realize I actually have something unique to add to the conversation. Basically, I determined only this evening that the process I go through to pack is probably not the way other people do it and it's entirely a ritual/fun past time for me.
It starts with a good, old fashioned list. The number of casual, dressy, workout outfits is determined. I make sure to actually write out basics like socks and underwear just to make sure I cross them off when they are legitimately in the suitcase, lest I forget something essential like bras. I also list out all the toiletries one by one so nothing is forgotten. Of course, the list also includes the entertainment section with notes about ipods and cameras and corresponding chargers. This list is typically drawn up days in advance during some downtime.
Packing doesn't really begin until the night before, to be honest. The week leading up to a trip includes more laundry than usual and some strategic work outfit choices so I don't sully anything I want to bring but might not have time to wash again. I find it hard to pack well in advance because I need all my toiletries each day. Even when I pack them the night before, I keep them all contained in beach bag/tote bag so I can access them in the morning before departing.
So here comes the fun part: the fashion show. I like to know I am going to be comfortable on my trip and that the outfits I put together will be appropriate for the climate and activities I am heading off to enjoy. Unlike a friend who brought a skirt to Spain only to try it on there and find it no longer fit, I don't want to bring items I am not going to use. Also, I don't want to pack an outfit that ends up making me self concious. Sooooo, I pull all potential items out of the clean laundry bin or closet. i lay them out in piles: tops, bottoms, pjs, dresses, etc. Hanging items get to stay on the hanger but rest on a dresser knob or closet door so they are more visible. Then I start trying combos on. If something is too __________________ (fill in the blank with the word of your choice), it get's vetoed. It's like elimination rounds. The final contenders have to be paired up into actual outfits and I bring enough for the number of days I will be gone plus one or two, just in case. I make sure I have a couple outfits that are specifically for night events and there's a separate set of outfits for multiple days of workouts. Undergarments are chosen based on what wins a spot in the suitcase. When it comes to footwear, I try to get the most bang for my buck and choose multiple outfits that can be worn with the same few pairs of shoes. Tonights winners in the shoe category: one pair of heels for night time, one pair of sneakers for workouts, and two pairs of flip flops: black and brown. I'm debating bringing my mesh Merrell things, too but I'm not comitted to it yet.
This process has served me well. My selections end up having more variety, greater comfort and are overall more user friendly than if I had just tossed items together. Are pre-vacation fashion shows abnormal? I'm guessing not everyone handles packing this way.
Showing posts with label Packing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Packing. Show all posts
Friday, September 23, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
6 Reasons NOT to Travel Light
So I read travel blogs like priests read the Bible. Not being Catholic, I'm assuming that's a lot, right? If it is, then my analogy works quite well.
I have seen countless blogs that admonish travelers to "travel light" and pack just one pair of jeans and a couple of shirts. I rather enjoy the blogs that list out what they pack or show pictures. While cutting down the number of items you bring when you travel around the world for a year makes all the sense in the world, when you are traveling for just a few weeks, I think it actually makes less sense.
So, I'm calling BS on the pack light philosophy when it comes to short term travel.
Here's why I think you should pack more:
1. You can.
With a shorter trip, you usually aren't lugging your bags around too many places. On my last trip, we visited four cities. One of my traveling companions packed way too much and struggled each time we had move our bags; it actually became a real sore spot for her when people commented on the heaviness of her luggage, much to my amusement. I don't recommend traveling like a diva but one medium size piece of luggage, especially if it has wheels, is just right. I had zero issues bringing mine from place to place.
2. You will be taking lots of pictures.
Ok, maybe this is vain and frivolous but it's also reality. On a shorter trip, where you are sightseeing most days, you are likely to get pictures of yourself in front of different landmarks each day. Aside from looking good in those pics, it's actually really handy to be able to remember what you did each day based on the outfit. Silly? Maybe, but it works! When you are seeing a number of sights in a short period of time, it can be really helpful to follow your timeline based on the outfit of the day.
3. You want to have the right outfit for each occassion.
Again, if you are traveling for a year, it makes sense to make do with one dressy dress for assorted occasions. When you are traveling for 4 weeks or less, you can spare room for a couple dressier outfits. If playing dress up isn't your thing, you can also splurge by bringing your actual hiking boots instead of getting by in your sneakers.
4. You can be clean!
Face it. We all know that tops get dirtier than bottoms. Your armpits touch your t-shirt but you have underwear on (hopefully!) to safeguard your jeans. Therefore, the key is to keep some things basic: just a couple of basic bottoms can be changed out with lots of fresh tops or just one pair of dressy shoes can be worn with both of your dressy outfits.Then you have plenty of room left for a different shirt every day!
5. You might not have a way or the time to clean and dry your clothes.
When you travel for long durations, you are actually more likely to have time to wash out your skivvies and leave them to dry. When you are doing a shorter trip, you are likely trying to cram in more activity or to soak in the ambiance as much as possible. I think it's something about the impending return to work and stresses at home that makes you want to use up every inch of your vacation. For some people, that means as much time running around snapping photos, for some it's relaxing as much as possible. But ultimately, you are on the go.
6. To reiterate, BECAUSE YOU CAN.
Laundry is what you do at home when you are wishing you were traveling.
I have seen countless blogs that admonish travelers to "travel light" and pack just one pair of jeans and a couple of shirts. I rather enjoy the blogs that list out what they pack or show pictures. While cutting down the number of items you bring when you travel around the world for a year makes all the sense in the world, when you are traveling for just a few weeks, I think it actually makes less sense.
So, I'm calling BS on the pack light philosophy when it comes to short term travel.
Here's why I think you should pack more:
1. You can.
With a shorter trip, you usually aren't lugging your bags around too many places. On my last trip, we visited four cities. One of my traveling companions packed way too much and struggled each time we had move our bags; it actually became a real sore spot for her when people commented on the heaviness of her luggage, much to my amusement. I don't recommend traveling like a diva but one medium size piece of luggage, especially if it has wheels, is just right. I had zero issues bringing mine from place to place.
2. You will be taking lots of pictures.
Ok, maybe this is vain and frivolous but it's also reality. On a shorter trip, where you are sightseeing most days, you are likely to get pictures of yourself in front of different landmarks each day. Aside from looking good in those pics, it's actually really handy to be able to remember what you did each day based on the outfit. Silly? Maybe, but it works! When you are seeing a number of sights in a short period of time, it can be really helpful to follow your timeline based on the outfit of the day.
3. You want to have the right outfit for each occassion.
Again, if you are traveling for a year, it makes sense to make do with one dressy dress for assorted occasions. When you are traveling for 4 weeks or less, you can spare room for a couple dressier outfits. If playing dress up isn't your thing, you can also splurge by bringing your actual hiking boots instead of getting by in your sneakers.
4. You can be clean!
Face it. We all know that tops get dirtier than bottoms. Your armpits touch your t-shirt but you have underwear on (hopefully!) to safeguard your jeans. Therefore, the key is to keep some things basic: just a couple of basic bottoms can be changed out with lots of fresh tops or just one pair of dressy shoes can be worn with both of your dressy outfits.Then you have plenty of room left for a different shirt every day!
5. You might not have a way or the time to clean and dry your clothes.
When you travel for long durations, you are actually more likely to have time to wash out your skivvies and leave them to dry. When you are doing a shorter trip, you are likely trying to cram in more activity or to soak in the ambiance as much as possible. I think it's something about the impending return to work and stresses at home that makes you want to use up every inch of your vacation. For some people, that means as much time running around snapping photos, for some it's relaxing as much as possible. But ultimately, you are on the go.
6. To reiterate, BECAUSE YOU CAN.
Laundry is what you do at home when you are wishing you were traveling.
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