The only exciting part about packing is knowing you will be going somewhere exciting in a few hours . Packing can be frustrating, especially if you leave it for the last minute. Even when you plan ahead there is always that daunting , “I hope I haven’t forgot anything” feeling. I won’t tell you exactly what I am packing, as that is a secret I’ll never tell. This trip will be a mix between a holiday and visiting relatives and I will be traveling to different places for various time periods. The rest of this post is based on my upcoming trip to South Carolina and New York for the next 10 days. Here is a quick check list:
- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME WITHOUT:
- Passport or ID
- Wallet with money/cards
- Ticket for train/plane
- House keys
- Health insurance card if you have one
- CLOTHES
Yes, we all need them, unless your going to a nudist destination. Although, unless you charter a private jet, you will at least need some clothes to get you into the airport and through security. I used to be notorious for taking too many clothes, as I was never sure what I was going to wear. After years of lugging around suitcases with more clothes then I needed, I am now plan an outfit for each day of my holiday. Of course I am also taking two extras outfits just incase and one formal dress, as you never know when that might come in handy. So here’s what in my suitcase : ( remember I am going to warm places )
- 3 dresses ( two casual and one formal )
- 2 pairs of shorts and 1 pair of jeans
- 8 shirts ( mix of casual and nicer ones for dinner or going out)
- 2 sets of comfy shorts and shirts to wear as PJs.
- 12 sets of underwear and 4 pairs of socks
- 1 bikini
- 1 bomber jacket and 1 light sweater
- SHOES
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 1 pair of flip-flops
You might have a million shoes at home but you really don’t need to take them all on your vacation. Yes, it really is ok to part with them once in a while. The best option is to bring neutral coloured shoes (like black or white) so you can combine them with every outfit.
- BAGS
- 1 backpack – I have a nice one from Victoria’s Secret which I use as my hand luggage.
- 1 small chain bag for dinners or going out on the town.
- 1 tote bag – at the moment I use my favorite bag which I got in Ibiza last year.
- ELECTRONICS
Obviously, we shouldn’t be hiding behind the computer or our phones the entire time we’re on holiday, but we do need our gadgets for at least a few minutes per day.
- IPhone + iPhone charger. I also always carry one of the extra juice packs. I recommend the Jackery Titan which allows you to charge two devices at once. Of course ify ou want something smaller I would recommend the Jackery Mini (which is one of the smallest reliable portable charges I have used).
- Computer + charger
- Photo camera ( for this trip I am taking my Canon 5D mark III and Canon PowerShot G7X ), plus chargers
- Pink Beats Headphones
- Adapters. If you’re traveling abroad I recommend buying a few of these on Amazon or similar ahead of time. It’s a small expense and if you travel frequently it’s definitely worth it.
- ACCESSORIES
- Travel charger
- Sunglasses ( I normally take two pairs, fancy ones and one pair I won’t care about losing)
- Plastic bag for laundry.
- Book
- Notebook and pen. There is just something nice about writing on paper versus typing away on the keyboard.
- Jewellery ( very basic, nothing fancy or expensive, like a watch and a couple of earrings )
- TOILET/ MEDICINE BAG
I used to fall for the small, expensive little travel sets but then I found something better. You can get little plastic bottles which you can refill with your own shower gel, shampoo and conditioner every time you travel, so you can still use your favorite products without having to buy the little mini bottles. Plus, if your staying in a hotel they almost always provide you with those things anyway. Of course you can’t use the small bottles for everything but it does save you a bit of money. I usually take too much toilet stuff but I can’t imagine starting my day skipping basic routines like brushing my teeth or washing my face.
For this trip I packed:
- Shower gel
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Face cleanser
- Make up remover ( I use wet wipes when I am traveling)
- Sun screen
- Body lotion
- Deodorant
- Razor and Shaving Cream ( in this instance I do still buy a small travel bottle)
- Some plasters
- Dry Shampoo
- Hair Brush
- Medications, like pain killers
- Perfume
- MAKE UP
I am going to sunny places so I doubt it I will be using it a lot but I am sure there will be occasions where I will need it, so I am going to pack a little bag with:
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Eyeshadows
- Highlighter
- Powder