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Post by gertie on Feb 17, 2011 20:30:46 GMT
I was once horrendous about over-packing. When I was younger, I was so poor, I worried if I didn't take everything I needed, purchasing replacements would mean I would have to forgo doing the things I had gone traveling to see. There were always a lot of things I never touched, but sometimes surprising things came in amazingly handy. Over time, I began to keep track of what was and was not used mentally, and adjusted my packing accordingly. My current packing list:
1 comfortable outfit, including underclothing, per day, plus an extra top and set of underclothing, up to a limit of 7
if staying longer than 7 days, 2 EACH single use laundry products so I can either wash in the sink, or launder at a coin laundry, usually skip for shorter stays as you can easily wash one item with bar soap if absolutely necessary.
travel toothbrush with paste in handle
first aid kit minimum - a few bandaids, first aid antibiotic cream, a few butterflies, and a large white cotton kerchief
small travel containers of shampoo, conditioner, lotion with sun protection, sunburn gel, and hair spray and gel
1 extra pair of dressy shoes, since I always wear my walking shoes
travel sized versions of whatever cosmetics I'm currently favoring
safety pins, a needle, and white and black thread
hair pins, a few hair clips, comb and brush
Travel documents, netbook, credit cards, cash, and camera
I can get all of this into the bag I've made for myself which can be carried as either a suitcase by handle, suite case-style shoulder strap, or worn as a backpack. I wish occasionally I could figure out how to make it roll easily. I could put wheels on it easily, but I've never found a trashed suitcase I could snag the roller handle off of. I made it to fit international carry on specs.
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Post by onlymark on Feb 17, 2011 21:01:25 GMT
Well I'm surviving nearly three weeks away with just two pairs of underpants.
I'm trying to save the clean pair for the return journey.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2011 21:29:29 GMT
I thought you Egyptian guys were all freeballing under your djellabas.
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Post by onlymark on Feb 18, 2011 7:29:17 GMT
No, we do tend to wear undergarments. We're not Scottish.
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Post by bjd on Feb 18, 2011 8:23:14 GMT
Gertie, what are "butterflies" in a first-aid kit?
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Post by gertie on Feb 18, 2011 13:03:36 GMT
Each end is an extra-sticky bandaid and they are used to make sure a wound stays closed up to heal when it is located somewhere you move. Started that after accidentally cutting myself using an unfamiliar kitchen gadget while staying in a little cabin half-way up Engineer Mountain in Colorado. I was able to get it to stop bleeding by wrapping tightly using a couple of bandaids, but then I couldn't change the bandaids for a couple of days. It wasn't actually that bad of a cut, just an awkward place. Unlike bandaids, butterflies don't have the pad of cotton. You are meant to put first aid cream and a bandaid which you can then easily change without opening the wound back up over top of them. They're meant to be left on for a few days while it heals. I think the newer version doctors sometimes use are called "Steri Strips".
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Post by Kimby on Feb 28, 2011 20:33:40 GMT
Some 'normal' airlines now charge $50 for the second checked bag. This will wreak havoc with my shopping excursions And some credit cards - including our American Express Delta Skymiles card - give you a free checked bag, just for having the card. You don't even have to have booked the flight on that card. So your purchases could be sent home as checked baggage, allowing you to travel light, with carry-on only, on the way over, and bring it all back with you, when making connections isn't so important.
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Post by Kimby on Mar 1, 2011 11:35:32 GMT
Brave World Travelers Take 90-Day 'No Baggage Challenge'www.aolnews.com/2011/02/28/brave-world-travelers-take-90-day-no-baggage-challenge/Plenty of people travel light, but two California vacationers are trekking the world with just the shirts on their backs.
Jennifer Lau, 21, and Marcus Fernandez, 23, are in the middle of a 90-day trip that will bring them to 12 countries on six continents. And the only things they've packed are in their pockets.Jen and Marcus’ Packing Listnbc.scottevest.com/?p=386I liked the idea of this till I saw their lists and realized how full their pockets must be. And in a hot climate, who wants to wear a jacket or vest so that you have pockets? I'd go for a daypack over pockets anyday. But I thought their so-called minimalist lists could be helpful to others. (But I'd suggest more underwear and less personal care products.)
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Post by bjd on Mar 1, 2011 15:53:51 GMT
I agree with the comments from DavoColo in the comments -- "tongue cleaner" I would also use a small backpack. What are they going to do if it's hot -- wear all those synthetic sleeveless and other jackets?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2011 21:46:12 GMT
I buy a few small necessities on my trips. Even in the "difficult" countries, it really makes a big difference from carrying everything from home. I don't mind using 'primitive' soap or shampoo, for example.
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Post by joanne28 on Mar 4, 2011 17:40:52 GMT
I'm off to the UK in less than two weeks. I'm an average packer but I do indulge myself with shoes - I do not wear the same pair two days running. I bring either 2 or 3 pairs and wear my sneakers on the plane as they are the heaviest and bulkiest. We'll be gone 2 1/2 weeks and I've started my list - 4 pairs of slacks (no jeans - too heavy) and several tops. I wash things out in the hotel sink and/or we go to a launderette about halfway through our trip. I might toss a dress or skirt in, depending on how I feel. A couple of nighties, one jacket with zip-out lining and requisite underwear & socks. For toiletries, I usually use the hotel shampoos, conditioners etc I've picked up over the year. I use travel sized just about everything. I have small containers for my speciality items like moisturizers which I feel I can't live without. I like to make a list, which is usually very long, and then start crossing things off. I make sure my tops go with all my slacks or nearly all. My husband packs tons more than I do - if he had his way, he would pack a shirt for every day. He is gradually breaking himself of this habit. For the plane, it's slacks with an elastic waist, shoes come off, slippers come on and I try to get a couple of hours sleep. If I can manage that, I'm good to go the entire day we land. Which is very handy, as this time we land at 5:30 am .
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Post by palesa on Aug 4, 2011 14:20:04 GMT
I am very proud to report that on a recent trip to India I left home with 12 kg's of luggage, that included hand luggage that contained the lonely planet travel guide that probably weighs a kilo on it's own. Please do not ask how much I came back with!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2011 17:03:00 GMT
I've gone sometimes under 10 kg, Palesa, but of course I'm a guy. It's true that there's always more baggage coming back for some reason.
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Post by cheerypeabrain on Aug 4, 2011 20:47:57 GMT
The advantages of holidaying in the UK has been that we take everything....and I mean everything...that we think that we might need. ;D On our recent holiday in Wales (a mere 290 or so miles away) we filled the car..soooo liberating ;D (oddly enough)
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Post by hwinpp on Aug 5, 2011 3:15:23 GMT
I'm going to Saigon on Sunday for 5 days. I'll be taking just my daypack ;D If my girlfriend were coming along I'm sure I'd be lugging a suitcase as well
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2011 14:34:02 GMT
from another forum (I am anxiously awaiting part 2, part 3, part 4....) : Part I. Everything but clothing (the largest part of her list) Luggage: Carryon Fold-Up Daypack Good large purse Wallet type purse Two rolling duffles (one "flew" back home) Identity (copies in three ring binder): ¯ passport* ¯ visa ofii form* ¯ passport photos ¯ extra student id* ¯ driver’s license* (*copies will be uploaded online) ¯ US school required Travel insurance card ¯ US school required Health insurance card - "real" health insurance card (family's) Other Docs for bank, landlord, etc (copies in three ring binder): ¯ US university enrollment letter* ¯ French university enrollment letter* ¯ lease agreement* ¯ landlord address ¯ wire transfer receipts* ¯ apartment insurance receipt* (*copies were uploaded online) Health Records ¯ *scripts for meds ¯ *Listing of current US doctors ¯ *Recent Blood Tests (*copies were uploaded online) Credit/Debit* (*copies were uploaded online) ¯ Financial Summary ATM/Debit cards---- ¯ CapOne ATM ¯ CapOne Debit ¯ Schwab Debit Credit---- ¯ CapOne Visa ¯ American Express (Paris velib rental) Cash ¯ $100 or more USD ¯ 100 Euros left over from last trip Emergency Reference ¯ printout from US Embassy: photos.state.gov/libraries/france/5/acs/paris-doctors.pdf Guidebooks/Reference ¯ Access Paris ¯ Let’s Go Guide to Paris and/or France ¯ French dictionary ¯ Paris map(s) ¯ informational pages in 3-ring binder Electronics ¯ ethernet cable for apt ¯ iPhone/charger (just kept US number for $10 a month but will not use there as except for mp3 capabilities) ¯ gsm phone/charger ¯ earphones ¯ Kindle/charger ¯ camera/charger ¯ laptop/charger ¯ backup drive (back up before leaving!) ¯ calculator --------------------------------- adaptors ¯ usb adaptors (actually was in apartment) ¯ wireless router (buy there) actually was in apartment ¯ power strip (buy there) actually was in apartment -------------------------------- ¯ flashlight Prescription and Over the Counter medications - precriptions with scripts ¯ Motrin ¯ Sudafed ¯ Benadryl Toiletries ¯ starter shower soap ¯ ProActive stuff ¯ toothbrush with extra head ¯ toothpaste ¯ dental floss ¯ Pantene shampoo ¯ Pantene conditioner ¯ Secret deodorant (two) ¯ tampons ¯ nail file/clippers ¯ tweezers ¯ electric razor ¯ Venus extra sensitive razors (two packs of three) ¯ earplugs ¯ sunscreen Hair ¯ comb/brush ¯ hair ties ¯ headbands Makeup ¯ foundation (two) ¯ eyeliner ¯ mascara ¯ eye shadow ¯ concealer ¯ brushes School Supplies Starter ¯ journal ¯ 3 notebooks ¯ pack of notecards in ¯ notecard case ¯ small notebook ¯ zebra pens ¯ mechanical pencils ¯ post-its ¯ scotch tape ¯ stapler with staples ¯ paper clips ¯ scissors ¯ rubber bands Laundry ¯ delicates mesh wash bag ¯ Ikea big BLUE bag to carry dirty laundry in ¯ Color Catchers (2-3) ¯ Shout Wipes ¯ blow-up hangers (2) ¯ stretchy clothesline ¯ absorbent towels for drying delicates ¯ regular hangers (4) ¯ Travel Febreeze ¯ Resolve Stain Remover Note: The apartment ended up having a large drying rack in it. Had we known, a lot of the above would have been off the list. Miscellaneous ¯ Ziplock bags variety pack ¯ fold up shopping bags ¯ Command Strips (about four large, six medium, six tiny) ¯ extra travel plastic bottles ¯ deck of cards ¯ travel alarm ¯ ear plugs ¯ umbrella ¯ poncho ¯ sunglasses ¯ small sewing kit ¯ safety pins ¯ allergen pillow covers ¯ sleep sac for hostel stays ¯ washcloths (2) ¯ thin beach towel ¯ pocket Kleenix ¯ first aid kit ¯ Brita personal water bottle w filters Please note that she left her hairdryer home. Turns out the apartment had one, but had it not, she would have just bought one there. Next: Clothes
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Post by bjd on Sept 12, 2011 15:14:21 GMT
I wonder how much luggage overweight fees she paid.
Did she mention how long she was going for? I just can't imagine going anywhere with a 3-ring binder. Did she know that binders in France have 4 rings?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2011 16:37:13 GMT
I think this trip is for 4 months.
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Post by fumobici on Sept 12, 2011 17:17:24 GMT
They know you can buy most all that stuff when they arrive right?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2011 17:28:42 GMT
I think they'll save a lot of time by never setting foot into a store during their stay.
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Post by mich64 on Sept 12, 2011 18:39:31 GMT
My goodness! all I can say is that I feel better about myself right now. This must be a mother's list for sending her daughter away for a semester abroad? I am interested in seeing the clothing list! I cannot imagine how much extra baggage charges she had to pay! Very interesting indeed. Cheers, Mich
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Post by lagatta on Sept 12, 2011 19:00:14 GMT
I was amazed that this list was obviously from a young person (young student), travelling to a hyper-developed country.
I don't take much, rarely top 12kg if that, but I have a hard time travelling with just a carry-on bag as I want my sharp instruments.
I have difficult hair and going many places, would be sure to take hair glop. But I know I can find the hair glop I need in most European countries, easily and economically.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2011 19:12:32 GMT
So you really want to see the clothing list? Even the shoes?
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Post by mich64 on Sept 12, 2011 19:27:54 GMT
Yes, especially the shoes! I can already imagine the extensive list and reasons for... Cheers, Mich
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2011 19:31:29 GMT
Okay, you asked for it! Clothing Starting Point (She deleted and added as she thought through everything) Outerwear ¯ restaurant acceptable light jacket or sweater ¯ fleece jacket and/or hoodie ¯ leather jacket and/or ¯ structured blazer ¯ waterproof trench with zip-out lining ¯ Scottevest and/or ¯ money belt or passport holder ¯ fleece vest (layer under trench) Outerwear Accessories ¯ hat ¯ scarf ¯ gloves (2 pr black cheapies) ¯ Underwear/PJs ¯ 14 panties ¯ 4-6 bras ¯ undersmoother ¯ silk underwear ¯ two pairs PJs ¯ slipper socks (2 pair) Accessories ¯ belts ¯ earrings ¯ necklaces ¯ scarves ¯ belt ring ¯ *earring closet hanger *similar to this, only all pockets can zip shut: www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=17644173&RN=1008& Shoes ¯ New Balance athletic only for running ¯ Converse or Adidas for casual ¯ professional black ¯ black strappy heels ¯ black flats ¯ brown flats ¯ Rainbow flip-flops (around house or for beach) ¯ waterproof flipflops (hostel room and shower) ¯ ankle boots (will buy there) ¯ knee-high boots - rain-boots (will buy there) Socks/Stockings ¯ athletic socks (8-10 pair) ¯ black leggings 2 pair ¯ nude stockings 2 pair ¯ socks for under boots Dresses ¯ shift dress/blazer ¯ dining out dress (black wrap) ¯ clubbing dress Skirts ¯ jean skirt ¯ khaki skirt ¯ black skirt (informal?) ¯ black skirt (formal) Specialty ¯ bike shorts ¯ long-sleeved bike top ¯ bike gloves ¯ sports bras 3-4 ¯ sports tops 2-4 ¯ running shorts 2-3 ¯ running leggings/pants 2 ¯ swimsuit (lap swimming) ¯ goggles and cap ¯ swimsuit (for show) Tops ¯ Three nice short-sleeved jean tops ¯ Three nice long-sleeved jean tops ¯ turtlenecks (1 black/1 white) ¯ 3 clubbing tops Jeans/Slacks ¯ jeans 2-3 ¯ black slacks ¯ other Sweaters ¯ Turtleneck _ Cowel neck
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Post by mich64 on Sept 12, 2011 20:28:13 GMT
Thank goodness she will purchase her rain boots and ankle boots after arrival, I cannot imagine how she would fit them it with all of this. I have never encountered such a detailed list...amazing. Cheers, Mich PS.. did you write that there were 2 other lists?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2011 20:31:28 GMT
I was just fantasizing about more lists, but they might still appear!
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Post by lagatta on Sept 12, 2011 21:18:45 GMT
undersmoother ... Scottevest - don't know what they are - imagine an undersmoother is the modern version of what my mum called a girdle. Why the hell would a young, ATHLETIC woman need such a thing,
Where on earth would she ever PUT all that stuff in your typical tiny Parisian studio or residence room?
All I can think of is that Ms Precious Princess will get her comeuppance in Paris!
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Post by bjd on Sept 13, 2011 10:27:04 GMT
I didn't know what those were either, Lagatta. Maybe what used to be called a slip? Do girdles still exist?
She is going to Paris, right? Swimsuit for show?Beachwear? Is this for before or after doing laps in a covered municipal pool? Several pairs of running shorts, running pants, sports bras? Does she know there are washing machines in France?
Lagatta, I hope you use bike shorts and gloves as you cycle around Montreal on your trusty old bicycle? Can't you just see this Princess on a vélib with her bike gloves and spandex shorts?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2012 16:08:27 GMT
One of the new items that I see on a lot of people's lists is a "charging block." This is due to having so many things to recharge every day: camera, telephone, iPod, DVD player, PS3, etc. These things apparently have a multi-country plug to go into the wall socket but 3 to 5 other sockets to use one's normal plugs on the other items. And in any case, hotel rooms never have enough sockets for all of the stuff we have now.
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