Surprise, Surprise, The Girl and I are off on another one of our wickedly awesome adventures. The Handsome Husband and Monkey Boy are staying behind to play video games, eat Doritos {we bought them 4 bags of chips} and to take care of our flock of chickens. Don’t worry, we didn’t put them in charge of watering the garden. Not after what happened the last time we left.
This time, we are going to try and tackle 7 countries in 7 days. Yep. You heard me right. So be sure and check back tomorrow and we’ll let you know how things are going.
As for what we packed…
Well, for one thing I don’t believe in checking bags. Not only because it is a major hassle, but who wants to stand around wasting time at baggage claim? I sure don’t. Plus, if you only bring a carry on, plus 1 personal item {purse, laptop} you really don’t have to worry about losing to much stuff… because there isn’t anything to lose! Ha Ha Ha.
Here is what I packed in my backpack –
- 8 T-shirts
- 1 tank top
- 1 pair nice black chinos
- 1 pair grey shorts
- 1 pair loafers
- Socks and underwear {No Helen, I am not going commando}
I don’t know about you, but I think the shampoo and conditioner in most hotels stinks. So we like to pack our own. Plus, if you are a couponer, you probably have a boatload of free samples in your stockpile anyway, so just go raid it before you leave and take what you need.
And.. let’s not forget about the snacks. I also brought along a zip baggie full of goodies I got from my latest 2 bartering sessions with Mrs. Hillbilly. Here is the first one, and my second barter with her involved trading some whipping cream and potatoes for more treats. I’ll tell you about how I earned those Starbucks gift cards in another story.
Last but not least…
Fanny packs are LAME, but money belts are cool. I’ve been wearing a money belt when we travel out of the country for years now. Leaving your purse behind is awesome! All you really need are 2 different credit cards {just in case one gets lost or stolen}, an atm card {for cash} your driver’s licence, passport and a wee bit of cash.
So there you have it. That is how my daughter and I pack light when we travel.
How about YOU? Do you tend to pack a ton of stuff and regret bringing it later?
Or do you pack light too?
Mavis wants to know!
Life is a Trip: The Transformative Magic of Travel
Jane says
Have fun! I pack light too (as light as I can with 4 kids). I love the money belt idea, never thought of doing that.
High five on the black and gray wardrobe, our closets would match!
Heather S. says
Who’s going to pick up your free food this week? I’m guessing not your husband 🙂 Seven countries in seven days sounds crazy and amazing all at the same time. Can’t wait to see some pictures. Have fun!!!
Mary Ann says
I hope someone is going to be harvesting and weighing while you’re gone! 🙂
Have a fabulous time. I’m so jealous!!!
Michelle says
I’ve been wondering when you were gonna do some traveling! I love these posts…is it a game this time? If so, I already have my first clue ready! lol
Have a great time…have fun and be safe. oxoxox
Mavis says
Yes, at some point it will be. 🙂
Karol says
I have not been out of the country for several years so I have a question…..Have the airlines begun putting a limit on the size handbag you can carry on the plane?I have a HUGE vintage Vera Bradley bag and I carry a light cardigan in it along with change of undies and a few of the sample size goodies. Also, when we were in China, I wished for plain old salt and pepper. So now, I have those in a pencil case in my bag. I can hardly wait to see where you traveled. And did your chicken come home?
Mavis says
Nope. Peanut is still missing. 🙁
Robbie says
What was the name of that movie?…If it’s Tuesday it must be Belgium? Dating myself I know. Safe travels to you both and looking forward to the posts.
Mike says
Since this is my 29th year of flying weekly I’ve learned to pack light too, but I must admit you and Bird Girl seem to have me beat. One of the drawbacks of packing light is if there are problems and you get stuck somewhere. We were supposed to be back in Newark, NJ yesterday but our flight attendants timed-out and so we got stuck for another day in Mumbai. Yes, there are times you wish you didn’t pack so light :).
Mavis says
Well, hopefully the hotel has a nice curry dish LOL… What would you even pack for Mumbai? Swim trunks for the hotel pool? Hmmm. I don’t know….
Mike says
Yes the food is good, but apparently the hotel restaurant’s motto is “if your mouth is not on fire, it’s not real food.” I usually try to pack my own food when coming to India (thanks for the food packing tips) but ran out this time due to the delay, so had to eat fire, I mean curry. Are we going to be passing in mid air somewhere? I’ll tune in tomorrow to see where you’ve landed.
Sarah says
How do you get away with packing the shampoo and liquid stuff in your carry-on? 🙂 I haven’t flown in a while
Kim says
That is exactly what I was wondering too???
Nancy from Mass says
Have fun!
I pack light too. We went to Disney for 7 days a few years ago with one suitcase and 2 backpacks. One suitcase for 3 people for 7 days! Man can I pack! (my son’s backpack had snacks, his bear, books and games. Mine had a few other things…but not much)
Kathy says
I don’t usually pack light, but then I don’t usually fly when I travel. We usually travel by car. However, I came to your neck of the woods this trip and so we had to fly. We packed very light, but for a family of 4 we did have to check in 1 bag. Had to put those extra toiletries somewhere! Have fun on your journey!
Mavis says
You should of told me you’d be up in the Seattle area. Any friend of Janes is a friend of mine. I would have made your family lunch! 🙂
Melannie says
These days I feel very confident about packing light. Years of commuting and travelling.
I didn’t go out of the country but I did travel from Michigan to Virginia for the last 6 days and visited Colonial Williamsburg with my best friend. A girl’s weekend before she and her husband are transferred back home to Australia by his job.
I took a carry-on bag which got valet checked each time cause the planes on my connections are teeny-weeny & a large purse.
I took (including travel outfit)
: In the Carry on
12 x underwear
6 x Bras
3 x White tank tops
3 x cardigans (I don’t like my arms)
1 x skorts
1 x pants
1 x skirt
4 x dresses (we were eating out fancy)
1 x flip flops
2 x sandals
1 x sand shoes
1 x socks
1 x bathers
phone charges (car, outlet/USB)
1 x straightening iron
1 x hairbrush
Nail buffer / file
Painkillers
In my large purse
1 x socks
1 x pashmina/scarf
book
magazine
1 x small cross-body
Travel docs
toothpaste (mini freebie)
toothbrush
deodorant (mini freebie)
hair elastic & clips
other beauty products (total 1 x quart ziploc baggie)
LOTS of room leftover for souvenirs.
Mavis says
I love it! 🙂 Way to go!