We know how lazy it is to have to organize a suitcase or a backpack. There are times when I want to throw everything inside, sit on it, and try to close it as best I can... but since I always want to take more than necessary, I can never close it.
So what I usually do is: think about the number of days the trip will last, what the weather is going to be like, what kind of trip it is, and if I have any special 'event'.
For summer I usually wear basic bottoms: a skirt, a pair of shorts, some thin long pants that are cool and some long ones that are a bit more warm just in case (because I hate being cold). The bottom garments usually last without washing for more days, so unless you have an event, do not exaggerate the amount of clothing. If it is for winter, take several long pants.
What you shouldn't overdo with if you're a bit like me are socks. Take many and more if you are going to be walking all day. I, on camping days, have come to use two pairs per day plus those I usually lose along the way, I try to take a couple more on the days I travel (if I go five days I take seven pairs). Same with underwear. Pajamas are enough.
Take T-shirts with you on the days you travel except one, you can always wash or reuse them. I usually buy a bar of soap if I go for enough days to be able to wash them. But if you go for five days, you can take 4 t-shirts.
You can also take a sweatshirt and a dress in case you want to go out one night.
Keep in mind that if you go on a backpacking trip, take half of what you think you will need, seriously. It is still weight that you carry all day on your back, think if you really need everything that you are going to take with you.
In my toiletry bag, I always carry my toothbrush and hairbrush, and a couple of rubber bands to comb my hair. If I wear makeup, I usually wear very little; the blush (which I also use for eye shadow), the mascara, and my two essentials: the eyebrow comb and the gloss.
What is a must for me, to travel more calmly, is a small first-aid kit. I take some pills in case I have a headache, mine from allergies that I can't go anywhere without, some band-aids, and a little alcohol to disinfect.
Afterward, I can never forget the chargers for the phone and I always carry a portable one, headphones for long trips, and a copy of all my documents in case there is a loss.
With Gaby, since we are a bit of a disaster, we created a folder 'to be responsible' and we kept there all the documents that we were given during the trip (including passports and vaccination cards).
Here is a downloadable list to which you can add whatever you need to make it easier for you to pack when you travel. What is essential for you?
Comments