Nope, today’s Travelin’ Thursday post is not about fancy luggage and travel accoutrements, but rather what to put INTO the luggage!
I saw this on Pinterest today: (yes, the addiction is fierce)…
Source: containerstore.com via Meredith on Pinterest
Sure, this fancy schmancy list is just fine… but I’ve always been a fan of making my OWN list before traveling. It helps keep my anxiety features in check, and everyone knows I love a list… but what exactly is on my list?
MY ABSOLUTE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:
- Photo ID, Credit Card, Cash
- Eyeglasses, Sunglasses
- Camera, charger, memory card
- Chapstick
- Gum
- Prescription(s)
- phone and charger
FAVORITE TRAVELING CLOTHES:
- flats you can wear with both skirts or pants
- black jeans- dressy or casual
- knit / casual dresses (I rewear these over and over on urban adventures and just switch my earrings) roll these in your suitcase. They are also good for travel days
- tights
- lightweight longsleeves (better for hiking or outdoorsy trips)
- denim jacket
- black or brown pashmina wrap/scarf
EXTRAS:
- snack bars (Luna, Clif, Gnu, sometimes even Snickers) for if the hunger monster strikes
- notebook (ideas from locals, thoughts while sitting in sidewalk cafes, a place to keep stubs and coatchecks, etc)
- guidebook from library with maps inside
- A great mid-size over the shoulder bag for carrying a day’s worth of stuff.
So that’s pretty much the drill. Of course I pack underwear, some socks, more clothes than this, and the requisite shampoo, eyeliner, and moisturizer. When it comes down to it, though, this would be my capsule “best hits” of packing.
A few last notes: I almost never pack an umbrella, because if it rains, what an excuse to duck into the nearest cafe for a hot whiskey? Its not like you’re in a hurry! Also, I’ve come to love Skechers as my favorite cute-while-keeping-comfy shoes. I wear my tie up boots on almost every vacation, and my mary janes usually come along for the ride as well. Once I’ve gotten through security at the airport, I always stock up on beverages. Why?
My final rule: Always prioritize your most basic needs. For me, I have a constant fear that I will be somewhere without something to drink (the other one is that I won’t have a bathroom… which obviously has something to do with all of the drinking, but I can’t really do anything about that). Thus, I always prioritize knowing where my next beverage might be from and carry an empty water bottle with me sometimes too.
And also, of course, I make sure to have my trusty camera with me at all times…
What is on your “travel essentials” packing list? Do you have any outfits that you know are tried and true traveling and sight-seeing outfits? How much do you carry around with you on an adventure in a new place? Any tips for the rest of us?
Meri
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