I’ll admit, when it comes to packing for a trip, I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about it. And sometimes I wonder if that is normal.
After staying at our house for a few days, my friend Jen mentioned she needed to repack her bag for our trip to London. Then she proceeded to ask me what I packed for 8 days in England and I was like… Umm hang on, let me go do that right now. 🙂
Turns out, I packed 2 pairs of pants, 3 shirts, 1 sweater, 3 tank tops, socks and underwear and a pair of shorts. That’s it. That’s all I needed. Oh, and a pair of loafers in case we went anywhere nice and sneakers would look out of place.
And then she noticed my little bag of toiletries.
Toiletries. How many do YOU need when you travel? Do you pack an entire case of lotions and potions and other fun things? I feel like my baggie is rather full these days. I’ve added eye drops and hair gel to my bag the past few years.
Glitter though, that’s relatively new. Seriously, glitter is always a good idea. No one ever says, geez, I wish I would have left the glitter at home.
What can I say? I don’t spend a lot of time in the bathroom getting ready in the morning. I never have. I can wake up, shower, dry my hair and be dressed and out the door in 15 minutes and not feel rushed. Chop chop things to do, no need to dilly dally in the bathroom. That’s my motto.
Some people need a lot of time, I don’t.
Yada yada yada, I pointed out that with all the clothes she was planning on bringing, there would be no room for TREASURES! Don’t you want to be able to bring something home from jolly old England?
Do you really need 12 shirts and 5 pairs of pants, 2 dresses, 4 pairs of shoes and 4 coats for 8 days? There will be a washing machine in the house we rented, I pointed out.
I said nothing about her toiletry bag. Not a thing. And was rather proud about that. 😉
In the end, Jen did really well with the whole pairing down thing. She stuffed a mailer bag full of clothing {and 1 pair of shoes} for the HH to mail back to her house.
Some people need options. And others don’t mind wearing the same thing over and over again. Which one are you? Curious minds want to know.
Have a great weekend everyone, enjoy the sunshine.
~Mavis
Shari Harniss says
Hmmmm, …glitter….pray tell?
Mavis Butterfield says
Clubbing.
eliz says
Haha. No really, how do you use the glitter?
I am clueless about makeup.
Lesley says
I love this post. I wear the same few things day in and day out (capsule wardrobe!) and love to read about like-minded people. Especially women, who feel so many societal pressures to look perfect and wear something new (“the latest in fashion!”) all the time. Hope your redeye flight was dark and quiet!
Kathy says
I’ve traveled ALOT in 35 years, if there is a washing machine, I don’t pack as much. If we go to a nice place, I’ll pack one nice thing. Other than that , sneakers , tops and minimal toiletries. Always pack two weeks of medicine in case flight delays etc.. that is a good idea for everyone.
I also fold a carry on bag for “ goodies” for people at home..
that’s a MUST
Dianne Labadie says
If you are traveling , the people you see will not know your clothes are not new. They are new to John q public.
christa says
I just spent 8 days in London and packed my usual things—experienced international traveler who does need some makeup and toiletries, but doesn’t mind sink washing because I do love to bring home goodies! 3 bags of Cheesy Wotsits and violet cream chocolates and some new fall clothes plus yarn and needlepoint kits from Liberty, and 15 tea towels. Travel wardrobe is 2 pairs jeans, seasonal mix of tops usually 6, jacket, 2 pairs shoes—casual Ecco sneakers and walking boots depending on season. 4 pair each undies and socks and a nightie. It was ridiculously hot when I was there and for once I felt perhaps jeans were too warm. Have a fabulous trip!
Remy says
I spent 14 days in Britain and Wales in March. I never wore boots and they took up so much space. But otherwise I packed about what you did. I packed a pair of black pants, jeans and khakis I think, a few tops and a cardigan. One carry-on.
My only problem is England and jackets. I brought a fluffy big coat that can be squished down. i wore it every day, even though it didn’t snow or anything. it was windy and rainy though.
Lynn says
No matter how long my trip is, everything fits in one carry-on that goes under the seat in front of me. Although, I can’t seem to reduce my toiletries to a small bag the way I can reduce my clothing.
Brianna says
I pack light usually, depends on where we are going. My hubby packs for everything and all scenarios because he has been to a lot of 3rd world countries and remote places and has had to deal with issues that come with those places. My toiletry bag is simple and nothing beyond deodorant, spf moisturizer, eye care, and toothpaste. I am also dependent on life saving meds, so that is super important and a bit inconvenient when traveling and dealing with time zones. I have leaf my kids pack on their own the past year and it has been interesting and a learning experience for them. They have forgotten stuff like coats, toothbrushes, and underwear, but haven’t forgotten stuffed animals and toys, gadgets, or chargers. Go figure. I also make them lug their own bags now and they have quickly learned full and heavy isn’t fun and maybe they didn’t need to bring all of their favorite books.
Nancy says
I pack like Jen. My daughter packs like you. I always take too many clothes and don’t wear half of them. I wish I had good skin and could go (fairly) make-up free but I don’t, and my toiletry kit is full too. I pack like you have (in photo above) to go a few hours away for a weekend. Ha
Can’t wait to see your trip posts and hope you have a wonderful time!!
Andrea says
I’m curious about the glitter, too…
I’d say I’m somewhere between the 2 of you, but toiletries must include sunscreen and face wash.
Christie says
What about sunscreen? Don’t you wear a daily moisturizer with SPF? The Clinique moisture surge mask has become my absolute favorite nighttime cream. It’s so silky and luxurious!
Mavis Butterfield says
The Clinique was a freebie from a friend {but I LOVE it. Nice and thick and does the job}. Didn’t pack sunscreen. At home I would use it though.
Linda Sand says
I pack a carry-on and a large purse. No matter where I am going or for how long. I hate checking baggage.
My cousin had a critical bag go missing so he wound up at his mother’s funeral wearing the jeans he wore on the plane. He was NOT happy.
Hawaii Planner says
I have never checked a bag for a trip (save for a flight home from Hawaii, where I brought back gifted champagne), or when we’re skiing (have to check the skiis anyway). I’ve done two week international trips with just a carryon. I’m a very capsule wardrobe packer, and also keep my toiletries pretty minimal (sunblock, chapstick, mascara, deodorant, toothpaste.) If I’m traveling with close friends (group of three of us who have done tons of trips together), we coordinate who is bringing what, to cut down even further on toiletries.
Lynda Rees Kling says
I don’t pack much; if I really need something while there I go buy it!
Stacie says
I have so many questions….where is the hair dryer or do you stay at accommodations with one or just air dry? Obviously, you’re wearing a pair of pants on the plane so that’s 3 pants for 8 days. That’s an average of 3 days per pair or do you do laundry? I’m assuming the shorts are for sleep, but maybe wearing out. I’m more like your friend Jen, but I do love the idea of traveling lite but I haven’t figured out how do it yet.
Mavis Butterfield says
I don’t think I’ve ever packed a hairdryer. The hotels/holiday lets always seem to have them. If I need to wash anything it can air dry, shorts are for sleeping.
Peg says
I pack just like you! Washing machines (even sink washing) make all the extra clothes unnecessary. I didn’t take any more than you on a 12 day trip to Israel. However I do pack sunscreen and aloe vera gel.
jamie says
Do you not travel with a hairbrush? I have a compact one that is for detangling after I wash my hair.
I have lists of what to pack for four days and 14 days. When I need to pack I open the list and grab what is on it. If I am missing something I decide if it is an item I want to buy at my destination (which can double as a souvenir at times) or purchase before I leave. I have been doing this for about 15 years, and the list has evolved a bit. I have gotten to the point where I can do a 14 day trip with just my backpack and small duffel for carry on.
Mavis Butterfield says
I don’t use a hairbrush. Packed a thin comb in my coat pocket and wore the coat on the plane. 🙂
Dianne Labadie says
I pack lean. I would take about the same amount of clothes as Mavis, one extra pair of shoes, very few toiletries, I don’t bring shampoo or conditioner, as it is usually available where you stay, I use the soap available, bring face wash, eyeliner, mascara and lotion. No hairdryer, one detangle brush, hair ties in the pocket of my backpack or pants. I roll all my clothes. Dresses are rolled in tissue paper. I wear a jacket/sweater on the plane, regardless of weather conditions in either location. I don’t bother looking my best when traveling. Comfort first. I have no problem wearing the same outfit 2x while gone for 10 days. I’ve also washed items in the sink. They generally dry pretty quick.
Carol says
One month in Europe with a carry on. No problem. I would hate schlepping anymore luggage than that around. It’s fun to try new soaps, shampoos, etc., in the country you’re visiting.
Tami Lewis says
I’m like you… A few pieces and a few toiletries. My goal is the backpack only.
JulieP says
We never used to travel even for two weeks with nothing but a small rucksack, hand washing was king in those days. Then we had kids, we still took the same but we took a suitcase full for them. Now we go from the UK to Spain for three months in the RV so I basically pack everything! I’m going to try this winter taking much much less as I don’t wear half of it!
Hope your trip to the UK is everything you hope it will be. We have a beautiful country and I’m ashamed to admit that at 64 I’ve seen very little of it. Enjoy!
Beth says
I never check a bag. I have done 2 weeks in Europe on a backpack. My last trip to Europe was 18 days and I had a carryon suitcase and a backpack. No need for anything more than that no matter where I am going or how long I will be there! And I brought goodies home. Hats, hoodies, and some snacks.
Linda Sand says
I started buying scarves for souvenirs. They pack well and extend the look of my few clothes. I have one from London, one from Paris, one from Germany, etc.
gail says
Linda – I do the same thing. I love scarves and enjoy the memories they bring.
BettafromdaVille says
I just got back from a 18-day trip. I bring 4 days worth of clothes (layers). Our first location and last location had a washer (no dryer – Europe!) and so in our middle location, we did do one “load” of laundry in the sink.
What I would have added: an umbrella and I bring laundry detergent powder pods.
gail says
I am so impressed with this. My husband just shakes his head when we prepare for a trip. I am very packing challenged, so I will refer to your post next time I travel. I’m looking forward to your posts about your trip. That’s on my bucket list.
Angela D. says
I’m Team Jen on this packing issue!