Packing for Domestic/International Travel

Do you pack too much stuff?

There is something about savoring and enjoying the past couple of weeks traveling through Italy and now being home that makes me want to create a more lasting tribute to this huge bucket list item that now has a big green check beside it! But before going on a trip of a lifetime, say, the two weeks prior to leaving, the packing has me in a panic for a spell. Maybe panic is too strong a word, but I fret it out until the last second before zipping my carry-on Away suitcase with no turning back.

Do you know what gives me the heebie-jeebies? Shoes. Yes, shoes (and boots if it's cold weather or hiking is in our plan). If I "need"nice boots or hiking boots on a trip, I plan to wear them on the plane going and coming home. This past trip, no boots. It was much easier to plan with only shoes, though I did not wear a thin, lightweight pair of flip-flops that I packed.

Overall, I think I packed well this time around. A photo below shows what I did not wear (four short-sleeved shirts, two sleeveless tops, a pair of socks, summer PJs, two scarves, a swimsuit, and a black running bra). You know, a suitcase has precious real estate, and every ounce counts! My goal was to plan my clothes for the weather (cooler for me than I thought it would be) and always know in the back of my mind that if I really needed something, I could buy it. The clothes that I did not wear took up some of that valuable real estate...just saying. And I scrunch up everything as small as possible (I do not use the vacuum-sealed method others may use). Happily, except for what I mentioned above, I used every single item packed.

Also, please note that plane travel changes every day, which can include security threats, weather conditions, staffing shortages, air traffic control issues, airport closures, and air traffic itself! Phew! So, packing "light" helps. If you follow Rick Steves, he is all about packing light and carrying a backpack, and not so much a suitcase. He's a hardcore traveler and knows the ropes! I bought a money belt and an Eurail pass from him in 1995.

Even though we bought Economy Flex tickets and all had carry-on suitcases, they were not allowed in the cabin - only backpack-like items and a personal purse/cross-body, etc., were allowed. Some folks did carry theirs on and slipped them onto the upper bins, but we followed the rules. Plus, we didn't want to bother with them in the airports this time.

I must add that I didn't pack too much stuff, but I still needed to be creative with the few souvenirs I bought and had to pack. Last year, while in Paris, I went into a luggage store and purchased an airport-compliant lightweight bag that folds up to a flat 6"x 6" little sack. I almost didn't pack it, but I'm so glad I did. I threw it in at the last second; It saved me! I added some clothes to the bottom along with a pair of sandals, rolled up my backpack to add to the bag, then added all my electronic stuff and toiletries. Violá! I also had my personal item, a larger leather tote/purse, loaded down. When I got to the airline counter, I handed the attendant my passport and placed my bright yellow suitcase on the weigh belt. She then looked at me and my other two items and said I was good to go - I was compliant! Yippee!

For some reason, though, no matter what is packed, by the end of the trip, the stuff seems like it weighs a ton, or at least for me. My bags seemed heavier each time I heaved them over my shoulder. The rolling suitcase is a relief, since it, well, rolls, once retrieved from baggage claim.

For my next trip via a plane ride, I'm going to try like heck to be highly judicious about what I pack and carry. I want streamlined, even if that means two pairs of shoes/sandals and two outfits. I think I can do it, ha! Maybe not for two weeks, but maybe a week? I'm willing to try.

How is your packing plan? Too much? Too little? Or just right?

bSoleille!

Terri