(Warning: This post is a bit nerdy as I delve into the art and science of packing for travel. If you only pop in here for the occasional chuckle or picture of the family, feel free to skip this one.)
Recently a friend asked us to do a little documenting of our packing systems, so here’s the first installation. You may have noticed that I’ve been traveling a lot these past two years. Aside from intense patience, planning, and organizing, that level of travel also requires a certain finesse with packing. Admittedly, I am still an overpacker. Totally guilty. But I’m getting better and I think I am dialing it in pretty well. (Maybe not as good as Larry, but, not too bad.) It should be noted that while I may be an overpacker, I am extremely low maintenance when it comes to hair, make-up, shoes, and jewelry. These three aspects automatically give me an advantage on light packing.
The most important thing is that I can manage my own luggage. That is the first rule of travel. If you need help moving your stuff, you’ve got too much stuff to move. You need to have freedom and independence. You need to be able to get your bag on and off a train, into a tiny rental car, or in the wickedly small budget airline spaces. Likewise, you want to be able to hussle to catch a plane, move with enough confidence as to not attract pickpockets, and be able to manage cobblestone streets without breaking an ankle or wheel.
I recently bought a new backpack/suitcase by Eagle Creek and some new packing cubes. I had a chance to test them out on a long weekend trip (Thurday – Sunday) with my son to the Netherlands. What I packed for this trip could last for a 5 – 7 day trip if I were a wash-my-panties-and-socks-in-the-sink kind of gal. It could easily cover 7 or more days with a pair of leggings and an additional top. Because we were traveling in January and expecting inclement weather (30 – 35 degree temps, rain/snow) I included extra socks and an extra pair of shoes. Because I was expecting my menstrual cycle, that added bulk to my toiletry items. We had no need to be anything other than casual for clothes (no fancy dinners). We planned to be outdoors walking a lot. We were budgeting the cost so we were sharing a room. PJs were mandatory for both parties.
So here is my backpack fully packed and my pocketbook for the flight. Next is the contents of my pocketbook. Electronics and liquids in separate baggies per airline regulations. Change purse and collapsible shopping bag (I consider both essential for smooth European travel), passports, tissues, scrunchie, tweezers, benedryl (for my allergies), mint, gum, wallet, book, notebook & pens.
Next my open backpack and all its contents.
Some tips and tricks
I carry my own tea (sometimes my own healthy snacks, depending on situation). I reuse altoid tins for advil and tums. Longer trips I use one of the weekly pill cases. I have a bag of nice-to-haves with shout packets, safety pins, small sewing scissors, pepto bismol, etc. I also have a small bag for dirty laundry or dirty shoes. When weather is nice I add to the toiletry bag sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, contact lenses, and travel saline. I keep everything (tickets, reservations, etc) on my phone (which I backup before I leave). But the back section of the back pack I store paper copies in case I need them. I use the space inside packed shoes for anything small, in this case, gloves and slippers
And after getting all of this into the bag, I still had room to add one pair of Elliot’s jeans, pj bottoms, and t-shirt to my luggage to give him room in his bag for homework and laptop. With his items included my backpack weighed 17.5 lbs.
Lastly, a word about my travel outfit (not pictured is my cami, bra, undies, socks, jewelry). I almost always opt for the pain-in-the-ass version of high boots and multiple layers which all must be removed at security, but I find it easier to wear the bulky items than pack them. The boots and scarfs are staples for my travel in all but the hottest conditions.
This bag has the feature to be used as a backpack (with zip-away, comfortable straps) an over-the-shoulder bag (as shown) or carried with a handle (on multiple sides). These conversions made it easy when I had to carry multiple bags to the car. Overall, I’ve really happy with the bag and looking forward to trying it out again soon.
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