Talk me down and tell me what the feck to take

[turnandfacethenamechange]

Am currently pacing around my flat in circles taking weird shallow breaths.
I'm leaving for the airport at 5 to get the airport hotel and fly out for two months travelling tomorrow morning. I cannot seem to do anything except stare impotently at my piles of belongings and empty suitcase then procrastinate even more. Then putting stupid shit in the bag and taking it out again. Am meeting DP out there but am doing 6 days alone first at a yoga place. I've never done any real traveling before and I'm shit scared of flying. Keep thinking passport has somehow leapt out of rucksack. Have list of things to pack but maybe it's all wrong. Also Friday was last day at job after 6 years and was very sad to leave friends. Suddenly seems insane and reckless to quit safe boring job to go abroad. Help 😭 Shout out the most important things I might need. I keep mentally revisiting the dream I have where I get to the airport and have no clothes or tickets.

Write a list based on the hints you need for the type of weather you’ll encounter. Include passport, medication, toiletries, wipes, cosmetics if you need them. Cross off each item as you pack it and write down where you’ve put documents and money/ cards/ phone/tablet, whatever.

Look at your clothes and see what goes with what. Coat or jacket? What will go in the carry on bag? What do you need for yoga? Leggings, sports bra, tank?

That’ll do to start.

Thanks. I did make the list and start doing that but then starting adding random stupid shit. Think need to start over. Maybe different colour pen. Wash bag is enormous and bulging beyond all sense. Eyelid twitching in v.annoying way.

Underwear
Clothes
Health insurance details on phone
Tickets
Passport
Phone
Charger
Paracetamol
Any other medication
Plasters
Toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste)

pile of day clothes: yoga, relaxing, going out
pile of underwear
pile of PJs
travel adapters
toiletries

hand luggage:
passport
money
cards
boarding pass
headphones
phone
charger

Deodorant

A book for the plane and airport

PJs! I hadn't even written that down!

As long as you have money, tickets, passport and medication you can survive anywhere so don't panic if you forget anything!

Passport
Ticket
Phone & charger
Credit card

Anything else is just ballast.

Underwear
Change of clothes

One trick my mother taught me was to work out what to take on paper, then lay out what you are planning to take in clear sight , ideally on a bed.

Check it all to your list and put most of it back. 😀. You really don't need so much. Leave the rest in plain sight

Think over what you need, what you are going to be doing day by day. Only pack them away an hour or so before you go.

Saves lots of packing and unpacking.

Photo of your passport tickets and emergency contacts. Email it to someone whose email address or phone number you know so can contact even if your stuff is lost or stolen.

Ideally pack a paper copy of these contacts in your case separate from you valuables bag.

Breathe out and enjoy.

I can put an aerosol in the hold bag can't I?

Is there anyone who can come round and sort you out? Sometimes another person with a clear mind, can really help

Yes you can!!

Agree put it all out and take half away.

Agree put it all out and take half away

Yes, 8 books looks too many!

There’s very little that you cant buy in most countries if you forget them.

Ask yourself - what am I actually worried about?

Make sure you have those key things which can’t be replaced so easily - so passport, currency card, portable charger if your tickets are online, photograph of the info page your passport is useful. Send to your trusted person at home.

But the rest from shampoo to sandals, from toothpaste to pants - all available anywhere and not the end of the world if forgotten.

Also DP always says take laptop in carry on not hold, even if you're not going to use it. Do other people do this or is that just him? Sorry for being clueless and thanks for help!!

Yes I would take laptop in carry on

Take a small amount of concentrated washing liquid and much fewer clothes. Wash them out as you go

Never ever put a laptop (or any other valubles) in your checked in luggage, apart from the fact you will not be insured for them they could be broken/stolen/missing.

Dont forget to take the laptop out at security.

...Anyway my suggestions as an ex-pat and regular traveller...

Important documents to hand in carry on (with photocopy's or pics on phone)

Tickets, paper or otherwise
passport
insurance details
contactable people in case needed
not sure where you are going but details of any inoculations
details of how to get to your first place you are staying at
map of transport/airport info for taxi/train/bus

Other hand luggage items

Any medication
Money/credit cards/phone cards
phone and chargers, also charger for PC (put all these in small plastic bags much easier to find)
Hand wipes/sanitiser (in liquids bag)
earplugs/eye-shade/wrap for the plane

I also take a spare change of underwear/socks/flipflops (dont walk around the plane in socks) as well as something to sleep in, you need to be comfy

Deoderent/face cream/other lotions and cream all under 100mls must go into a 20x20 bag for security.

Book or reading material for the plane, pen/notepad.

These are what I tend to have in hand baggage

Checked in baggage

No valuables!

oops!

Anyway, checked luggage, again not sure where you are going but the essentials just to get you going on arrival so your not having to find shops to go to

Small shampoo/conditioer/mozzie spray/body cream/towels/tampons until you find local shops that sell what you need
Combs/brushes
Clothes to suit the climate and yoga stuff!

Really I could go on but it would be helpful to know where you are going.

If you have and are taking a tablet/phone you really don’t need to pack more than 1 or 2 books.

And I say that as a reader myself! Kindle app will usually suffice with 1/2 hard copy books for emergencies (yes not being able to read is an emergency for me!)

That out of the way I am a ninja packer and can pack for a fortnight in hand luggage.

But it would help if you said at least what climate you’re travelling in?

Essential Basics imo are:

Paperwork - passport, tickets, insurance docs, health info - also have copies of all this info on phone/in cloud just in case.

Purse.

3 of each clothing item - 1 to wear, 1 to wash, 1 clean ready to wear

Also

1 smart, 1 casual, 1 that can go either way

Are you going to have laundry or even just hand washing facilities available?

So

3 each of:

Knickers, bras, socks (if cooler climate or needed for hiking/walking shoes), pjs, tops, bottoms, dresses if dresses are suitable.

3 pairs of shoes - for me for a beach holiday that would be flip flops, trainers and dressier sandals. Flip flops can double as slippers.

Washbag - basics only = wipes, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush and paste, deo, hairbrush/comb, hair ties if hair long , Sanpro if needed, meds. Anything else is icing on cake.

Makeup if you wear it - tinted moisturiser, powder, neutral/versatile colours eye, cheek and lip makeup, mascara.

Accessories - travel adapters, batteries if needed, phone/tablet/laptop & charger (I’ll link to one I have which is great for travel) and spare cables.

Agree that most parts of the world you can buy whatever you might need (and usually cheaper than here too!)

I always pack valuables, toiletries, makeup and one set of clothes & shoes in hand luggage if I’m checking luggage as then if checked luggage gets lost/delayed you have enough in hand luggage to get by for at least a few days until checked luggage turns up or you can buy replacements.

I’d NEVER put a laptop in checked luggage, I’ve a friend who’s a baggage supervisor and the luggage gets pure tossed about! They haven’t time to be delicate.

You’ll have a great time!

I also hate flying, top tip - ONE shot of whatever is your tipple as close to boarding as possible, then some gum to chew on takeoff both as a nervous energy focus and to help with any “popping” ears. I also bury myself in a magazine such that I can’t see out the window on takeoff and landing, I’m generally fine while in the air unless there’s turbulence.

Forgot the link! Might be too late for op but others may find useful:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07QMVB2WK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Adapts to different countries AND you can usb plug in up to 4 devices. Was recommended to me on here I use in uk for multiple devices, dd I got her one for her girls holiday last year and she was beloved by her pals for it

Also meant to say in hot places I tend to sleep nude, but cooler places I still tend not to pack/wear normal bulky pjs but instead sleep in things like vest tops/t-shirts and leggings/jersey shorts. Which are more versatile for other things too.

Sorry if it helps am going to Bali next week then on to WA for the rest. Have been to WA before, admittedly DP was there from beginning to end, so am ok with that bit it's just being alone in Bali that is spooking me. I think leaving job etc is what's not helping. Have jettisoned one book but want lots incase I don't like it once I start I mainly Audible though so should be ok.

Graphista you're speaking my language on the fear front. I have this whole routine I have to go through. Have to get water, plastic bag, tissues, BIG wine and sandwich right before boarding, go for a wee twice, put v.loud song on during takeoff. I always cry but i'm usually ok once I'm up but the turbulence scares the life out of me 😕

I still haven't bought my travel insurance. There were SO many different options I got really confused 😕

In the end I went for a swim! Haven't done that in years so feel great.

In relation to DH free time - if he goes out walking it means there's no time for a family outing - we've NT membership and used to use it a lot but not since the walking started up.

I've realised recently that's I do find it hard to just chill in the house - I always see something that needs doing. I can relax in the evenings - I generally have a bath and read in bed.

Oops - wrong thread!

Glad you enjoyed your swim!

Travel insurance get that sorted as priority.

I'm housebound currently but when I'm not I love travelling (preferably not flying but quite happy to do so by car/train/boat) and I get annual insurance.

Check out money saving expert for top tips even post on the forum they'll soon have you sorted.

I've only had to claim once and they were spot on. But it was years ago and I can't remember company sorry.

My last flight was BAD for turbulence (just a Uk flight) and it wasn't just me - Even the aircrew we're turning white and strapped themselves in it was a bad one! Pilot apologised when we landed and there was much applause. I'll admit I've not flown since then but mainly as I've not had to. I will again at some point but I really hate it!

I never flew at all until I was an adult which probably didn't help, I hate heights and I hate feeling out of control - I don't even particularly like being a car passenger! My favourite ways to travel are train and boat! (I'm a good swimmer - I can't fly!)

My first flight was a nightmare was my first holiday with ex and he practically had to drag me on, parents were hoping it would be a good flight as I had to fly home, unfortunately it was also turbulent with a dodgy
Landing! I threw up in the departure lounge twice awaiting the return flight!

They're much better with nervous passengers these days though too.

Also you'll be on a proper big plane for your flight which is less likely to be bad for turbulence etc.

That last flight I was on was a stupid tiny (3 seats across!) twin prop job - awful! Hated it!

You'll be fine!

It's an incredibly brave thing quitting job etc too but I'm guessing you've no dc or other ties yet?

Best time to go adventure! I'd love to go to Bali on a yoga retreat my idea of heaven! I'm an ageing hippy spiritually speaking.

I was lucky via ex to be able to travel/live overseas with him before having dd and I wish every 20-something had the wherewithal to do that.

I'm 47 but if I can get my health issues sorted enough I'm hoping to do more travelling in my 50's as dd now an adult and off living alone and doing her thing.

I've not yet made it out of Europe due to finances but I'm hoping I can resolve matters so I can visit family and friends in nz, aus, USA, South Africa etc.