Help Me Pack

/ Tracey

It’s been over a year since we had a big trip. Instead of traveling abroad, we’ve been focusing on health, hobbies and home. I’ve also been taking writing workshops (but not blogging), art classes (without producing anything independently), and doing too much volunteer work. I will write about these things one day, but first I need some help.

The cat is of no help.

Like a shark who moves through the water to breath, my husband creates spreadsheets to organize information (he’s really good.) I recently learned he’d developed a packing list template. He updates it with lessons learned from each trip. He needs no help. Me? I’ve been throwing things in a pile on the bed, or hanging them in a clump in the closet until it “looks about right.” When I’m ambitious and getting down to the wire, I will scratch out a list of “don’t forget these things.” This is not working.

Our next trip is a big trip. Three weeks, three countries, planes, trains and a river boat. I need to pack light and smart. I’ve researched packing before. I’ve gotten some good tips on managing laundry from Donna at Retirement Reflections (I still have safety pins in my toiletry kit after reading her wonderful El Camino blogs); and ideas on how to organize our cruise cabin from Suzanne at Picture Retirement (we’ve got magnetic hooks and a cruise approved power strip ready.)

There are also many good blogs with tips for the best shoes and/or clothes to pack. Sadly, the best walking shoes are always sold out in my size and I don’t look good in the neutral clothing colors suggested for Europe. I love sneakers and vibrant colors. I’m bound to look like an American, regardless of the advice I seek.

I am the original “sneaker whore” who can’t decide which ones to pack.

I’ve done a practice pack and everything fit in my bag, even an extra pair of sneakers. But the weather forecast keeps shifting, I reconsider what to wear to a certain family gathering or learn about a theme night on the river boat and start doubting my packing skills again.

So, here are my questions for you:

  1. What have you packed for a trip that you didn’t use at all?
  2. What have you decided not to pack, but then had to go buy?
  3. Black Eccos, white Eccos, or both? (I know, they’re neutral but comfortable)
  4. Any other packing nuggets for London, The Cotswolds, Paris, Strasbourg, Rhine and Moselle river cruising?

Thanks in advance!!

20 thoughts on “Help Me Pack”

  1. Hi, Tracey – What an awesome trip you have coming up. I love the sneakers — especially the orangey ones. The more that I have travelled – the less that I have taken with me — and this has been very liberating. In answer to your first question, my rule of thumb is: Beware of “just in case” packing. The problem is that even if the “just in case” item is small and/or lightweight, when you add too many, the next thing you know, you’re carting around stuff that you never use. For me, a better option is if I need it and don’t have it, then I’ll buy it at my destination. In answer to your second question, I never ever have enough sunscreen, so that is something that I pick up on the way.

    Wishing you a great trip. Thank you for the shoutout. Your cat is absolutely adorable…even if no help at all with packing! ❤

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    • Thank you Donna! I love those orange sneakers too (wool Allbirds), but they recently failed a recent day-trip test. They are very comfortable, but don’t have the support I need for walking up hilly streets. I think your “just in case” packing is a good point. I’m usually tempted to pack an extra book in case I have some down time and that never happens. That and umbrellas. Books and umbrellas are plentiful but can really weigh down your luggage. I definitely will have sun screen. Thanks again!

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  2. I just returned from a weeklong road trip and as usual, wore only my ‘favorite’ clothes, leaving half of what I packed unused. I also brought three pairs of shoes and only wore one of them, but you never can be too careful! ;) One thing I didn’t pack was a raincoat or an umbrella, both of which I needed and purchased on the trip. I bought the raincoat at one of the park gift shops, inscribed with the Redwoods; it kept me warm and dry and was an inexpensive souvenir. Of course, road trips are easy, flying makes it much more difficult so good luck with that! 🙂

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    • Thanks for commenting Susanne! I could have sworn I was following you but see I’ve been kicked out for lack of activity. Just re-followed. It’s good that your purchases met the double purpose of being souvenirs. The Redwoods are very special.

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      • Thanks, Tracey. No worries. 🙂 It’s hard to keep up with all the blogs out there! We loved the Redwoods, and I was quite happy with my souvenir jacket, which I am using at home now during our cold and rainy weather! Enjoy your special trip!

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  3. I’d never purchased anything on a trip. Just done without. I always pack one light weight multi purpose dress and make myself wear it. Found it was great to have along on the cruise. We packed for a 3 week cruise bike trip with just carry-on. Make your clothes mix and match and take only 1 pair of sneakers. My oh my, you have a great selection, but pick the beat walking pair. Add sandals and boom you are packed.

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  5. Tracey, I will be facing the same problem in July when we have a flight, cruise, train and rental car to consider when packing for our month away. I am planning to pack about half of what I think I will need and do laundry. Shoes will be my biggest problem, but my plan is to take two pairs of Skeechers Go Walks (black and navy), one pair of sandals, and one pair of dress shoes. My clothes are all black/white/navy/beige, leight weight and most don’t need ironing. Limiting my dress up clothes (dinner on the cruise ship) is hard, but necessary. I will rotate three or four outfits for the duration. I also pack a light weight black sweater or scarf for cool evenings and air conditioning.

    This ship has charging ports in the stateroom, so I’ll leave the power extender at home. The magnets came in handy last time, but I will pack fewer this time. Five worked great for us.

    A hat that can be crushed in your suitcase, and a canvas bag for day trips are essential. I don’t pack rain gear, but we did have to buy umbrellas in London last year. No biggy, they are everywhere.

    Obviously, check your airline’s bag requirements, pack what you need, (and can handle when hopping onto a train) and leave a little room for purchases.

    Wow, I am so excited for you and can’t wait to hear about your trip. We have never done a river cruise, but have considered it more than once. One day. Have fun packing!

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    • Thanks Suzanne, More great help. I don’t have a crushable hat and the hat usually hampers camping. I’ll look for one of those. Picking a color scheme will be the most important thing I can do to finally get this done. This is our first river cruise. We’ve told by the organizer that dinner is casual, still it’s nice to have fresh outfits after a day off the vessel. At least I won’t need heels. I’m really looking forward to this trip!

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  6. How exciting! I am so jealous of all those sneakers. My only advice is to make sure to include the basics of OTC (i.e. Advil/Tylonol, Sudafed, Benadryl, etc.). I know you can you buy all that at your destination, but in the middle of the night somewhere you will really appreciate having a bit in your bag. Travel safe and with grace… – Marty

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  7. I am afraid I’m not much help at all when it comes to packing, and given your itinerary, it sounds like a doozy! Bridging seasons is challenging enough, you have city & relaxed locations – goodness gracious! I always think layers so we can be prepared for unpredictable weather.

    I have been travelling with 2 pairs of running shoes which double for outings – one fuschia, the other turquoise. Big fan of your shoe colours!

    I know it will be a fabulous trip! Can’t wait to hear all about it!

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