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Travel packing nightmare

32 replies

pocketvenuss · 16/10/2022 08:43

I can't be the only person who is rubbish at packing for travel. I don't know how people travel light. I panic pack and gather clothes like a squirrel gathering nuts and then try to squash it all in. I start dragging out clothes I never wear in some delusion that I'm going to definitely need them on this trip. I triple up on things in case the one thing is dirty when I need it and maybe the second one will shrink irreparably in the wash so I need at least 3 of it. I can never figure out what I wore at home in the season I'm travelling to as it's the opposite of the weather at home now. I take too many shoes. I take 12 t-shirts because they are all slightly different cuts. My lotions and lotions and electrical stuff and hair stuff and makeup and first aid and medicines take up an entire suitcase.
Help me.

OP posts:
clary · 16/10/2022 17:58

You have said you are going down under for a month which is a fair old time, but visiting family makes it a bit easier. I am a demon light packer so here are my tips in general:

Minimise shoes. I used to go for a fortnight UK beach holiday with three pairs - walking boots, flip flops and trainers - and I only took the trainers bc I run. There is no Pembrokeshire family bucket and spade holiday occasion which cannot be answered by flip flops or walking boots. Even for a month in Aus I would only add maybe one pair of nice comfortable shoes - maybe Converse or similar - to wear to go out.

If you will have access to a washer (surely you will) you can halve the items. One hoody or one cardigan or whatever you wear like that. Wear your coat if taking one. Probs no need for Australia just now tho.

Take things that all go together - a dress that can go over a T shirt or be worn alone, trousers to go with the same T shirt, shorts ditto. That's four outfits from four items. Stick to black, white and one other colour.

Make up and toiletries - I use a lot of these (I mean a big variety) but when travelling I force myself to be minimal; one moisturiser for day and night, one serum ditto, one eyeshadow, one lipstick, small shampoo and toothpaste, hotel shower gel is fine. Samples of perfume are good.

Essentials - meds, underwear (but take less and wash if going for a month), passport, phone, charger, contact lenses, glasses.

I would never take hairdryer or all that even for a month. Surely you will be able to borrow one? Agree with PP - why two sets of gym kit? I went to Vienna for five says with DD, ran every day, just wore the same kit. It was fine. Well, the top was a bit yucky in the end but if I was really worried I could have washed and dried it in the hotel room.

Bear in mind that I will avoid checking in luggage if at all possible as the last time I did, it went missing and turned up three days later. Obv (I suppose) if I were going to Australia for a month, I would check in. But I recently flew on a three-day trip where I had to take three separate outfits apart from my actual clothes, plus shoes for those outfits, and my laptop, and still got it all in my carryon with ease.

mrsjimhopper · 16/10/2022 18:48

@Hbh17 I like taking hair stuff and make up and sure lots of other people do too. I don't do my hair and make up because I feel I have to, I do it because I like it - and that includes on holiday

pocketvenuss · 16/10/2022 18:49

I can't wear gym kit twice. Nope. Nananaaaa. Maybe I'm just sweaty!! So I need two. Wash one wear one! I can do laundry. Weather will change from chilly mornings and evenings to quite warm so need layers. I have found for a month, toiletry miniatures don't work. I have ti take several which ends up messy and cluttered. I'm better off just taking normal stuff but small tubes rather than big jars.
I absolutely want my own hair appliances. My friends will need theirs so won't be able to give them to me for the duration!

OP posts:
greenhousegal · 16/10/2022 19:28

Check in a bag love and bring the kitchen sink just in case. It's the only way since you appear to be going to the Great Victoria Desert where you can buy nothing and must live on fried insects.

shinynewapple22 · 16/10/2022 19:51

@pocketvenuss "I'm not going on a beach holiday. I'm going to visit family back where I grew up in the antipodes. So city stuff and weekends away and meeting up with old friends do want to look nice. A month"

Ahh! Well you didn't put this in your OP. Quite understandable that most people have advised on packing for the kind of travel they are experienced in - which for most people is a 2 week break in the sunshine or a city weekend .

If it were me visiting family I would probably hope/plan to borrow their hair dryer etc and use their washing machine .

shinynewapple22 · 16/10/2022 19:54

@bigbluebus I hope you enjoy your trip. Coordinated clothing is definitely key . A thought - if you are doing a lot of sightseeing in warm countries, you may prefer to go in the Spring rather than the summer - especially if you are transporting all your stuff round on your back .

StarbucksSmarterSister · 16/10/2022 20:09

straightener, volumiser, 3 styling brushes, styling spray, dry shampoo, hair spray, blah blah blah so much stuff
Body lotions and potions
Face lotions and potions
Medications
Small first aid pouch

If you're going back home, just buy it there. Why take it with you?

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