I have a travel bin (large plastic storage container). In between trips all my travel necessities go in it. I keep a packing list that really never changes. Either I’m taking shorts or pants but that’s the only major variation.
I created a list of necessities and use it as a checklist, though most of these items are left in the suitcase all the time. I usually use the same checked bag every time.I'm a diver so all that is used for diving is on the list as well. I pack lighter than I used to since I've found that it's not worth taking - if I missed bringing some small item I can replace it easy enough at most destinations. I usually set out all my clothes a couple days ahead of departure so I have time to rethink what I REALLY need. Shorts and tops can be washed at a condo or rental pretty easily so I just need to bring a little soap or not - dish soap works fine on most everything. I do bring a small bottle of stain remover for serious stuff like chocolate, ketshup, etc. When I get home, i replace any of the used up little necessities so I'm ready for the next trip.We're heading off soon on a two week, three-location trip. Today is the day I'm packing most things into my suitcase. And now I'm curious as to how other people pack. How do you do it?
I've found my preferred suitcase still has a lot of things left over from my last trip with it, and I'm deciding how much of it I want to take. I used to think I needed every little thing I hauled with me, just in case this or that situation came up. But a lot of this stuff I haven't used in several trips. Some of it I've never used. Do I really need to take it?
Do you leave a bunch of "must take with me no matter what" miscellaneous items in the suitcase, or do you clean it out and start from scratch every time? I don't mean clothing, I mean the rest of the stuff we first-world travelers think we need.
What about the suitcase itself? Do you lay everything out you know you'll want to take, and then decide which suitcase to use, or do you always take your tried-and-true favorite every time? What about a carry-on? We'll be on three flights and a cruise ship this time - so having the right carry-on is important, but how much is enough?
What about time? When do you start packing? Is it months before, a few days before, or the day of the trip? Do you worry about whether you left something important at home? I've had a growing pile of "I think I want to take this along," but I'm thinking of starting over with just a toothbrush, and seeing what develops from there.
I know some folks are super-experienced with packing light, and others take everything but the kitchen sink. I think I need some new habits. How do you do it?
Dave
Yes! I love taking a few ziplock bags! They are handy for so many things when you are at your destination and take up no space to pack or use for small items in the suitcase to prevent spills etc.I hoard travel-sized toiletries. I have bins in my walk-in closet of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. They are souvenirs from various trips. These full bins will outlive me, I'm sure. I am good about replenishing the bags as needed, so they are always filled with bottles that aren't "nearly empty." I find that I can usually get through a week as long as the bottle is relatively full, and I am a master of the quart-sized Ziploc Tetris bag game, usually fitting in two bottles of shampoo if needed (for example.) If I'm traveling longer, I am usually staying a least a few nights in a hotel, and am picking up more.
PS--I do go through about every year or so and donate a bunch to homeless organizations. I'm not ready for an episode of Hoarders.
I keep my liquids in my checked bag. Less hassle at TSA and you can bring enough to last for the whole trip. We usually are staying someplace for 2-4 weeks.I understand. But people are saying the toiletries are always in their carryons from the last trip. They must run out I would think after one trip.
Your recommendation has caused me to order these, from Zappos, to try. I ordered two sizes because I kind of fall between them and in European sizing I either wear a 40 or 41 depending on the shoe. So I know I'll be returning at least one pair, but heck, it's Zappos!I have been traveling with these Ecco shoes for years: https://us.ecco.com/ecco-felicia-stretch-21704351052.html?dwvar_21704351052_color=51052#start=1 I have them in black and navy. They are so comfortable that I can wear them all day and night, every day. They are soft and have no seams to rub blisters and they wipe clean with a damp cloth. They are somewhat water proof too. They have great support for my feet. Under long pants, they look like I'm wearing boots. I do take a pair of ballet flats for dressier wear and a pair of flip flops for pool or slippers.
Your recommendation has caused me to order these, from Zappos, to try. I ordered two sizes because I kind of fall between them and in European sizing I either wear a 40 or 41 depending on the shoe. So I know I'll be returning at least one pair, but heck, it's Zappos!
I'm hoping these work. I just received, and immediately packed up to be shipped back, a pair of Naturalizers. They were dressier than these, but I had hoped would be a good travel shoe. They cut across one of my feet and the cross straps on them were too loose and gappy. Big disappointment.I was looking at them today at a local store. I noticed that they are making a flatter loafer look in them now. I haven't tried them. Might be good for warm summer trip. Think I still like the mine as it looks like a smooth boot out from under slacks. So whether jeans or "business casual", they look good. I wear a 39. I usually wear an 8.5 in America sizes. Sometimes an 8. You want them a little roomier for some thick socks if you are in a cold or rainy climate.
...snip... I do bring a small bottle of stain remover for serious stuff like chocolate, ketshup, etc. When I get home, i replace any of the used up little necessities so I'm ready for the next trip.
I'm hoping these work. I just received, and immediately packed up to be shipped back, a pair of Naturalizers. They were dressier than these, but I had hoped would be a good travel shoe. They cut across one of my feet and the cross straps on them were too loose and gappy. Big disappointment.
The only place I take open toed sandals is to Hawaii. Actually I bring about 3 to 4 pairs, including the flip flops I wear to the beach.I tried on Naot's Papaki in navy today. I need a walking sandal but I didn't like the price and the front edge of an open-toed sandal can get caught on a raised piece of pavement and take one down. I know. Fell flat on my face in London two years ago. I was embarrassed, scraped up and my back hurt! ARGH! I've done the same in Charleston with our very uneven sidewalks...even in front of our own house!
The only place I take open toed sandals is to Hawaii. Actually I bring about 3 to 4 pairs, including the flip flops I wear to the beach.
My favorite shoe that goes through all seasons, can be worn with, or without socks, with pants, shirts, shorts, just about anything are my Merrells Encore Breeze. I have them in beige, black and navy.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/merrell-encore-breeze-3-mesh-clog/3595079
Definitely the Ecco is dressier. The Merrell is just a good all round shoe for me for home, and I do take it on trips as well. For example I wear then with socks and my long (zip off) pants when we fly to Hawaii. When we arrive I ditch the socks and the bottoms of the pants, so I'm in shorts and shoe I can wear without socks. But I am looking for something dressier for Chicago and NYC this year.Similar to the Ecco though I think the Ecco is dressier.
Two travelers - Two carry-on, one city style backpack, one tote bag. Testing the limits - one week Florida, followed by 16 day TA cruise, followed by four+ weeks in Europe. No souvenirs to bring home.
Two travelers - Two carry-on, one city style backpack, one tote bag. Testing the limits - one week Florida, followed by 16 day TA cruise, followed by four+ weeks in Europe. No souvenirs to bring home.
We take carry-ons only, even for a long trip. If I get somewhere and find that I need something else, I buy it...It's liberating!
First, I have an entirely separate wardrobe for vacations.
Quick dry tops and underwear from REI and exofficio, rolling everything, two pairs of shoes. One rain/wind breaker jacket with lining. Also - we are staying mostly in same climate zone now and going north when it gets warmer there.I never bring back souvenirs except maybe a tiny thing if anything at all. If we are traveling by car- like we just did- I might buy a book or calendar. If I was going overseas- nothing. I would avoid customs at all costs anyway.
I am impressed by your packing since it is such a very long time away! Good for you! How are you doing it exactly?
Days before the trip I like to start writing a list of things to pack so that when the time comes I don't forget anything. it's a very good idea and it has worked very well.