How is it that I can go on innumerable trips each, and every year, and always feel completely flummoxed with the prospect of packing a bag? I swear I look at the suitcase and have to reinvent the entire process. How hard can it be?
The problem, or more correctly, the mountain I make out of this paticular molehill, is that there are such specific requirements for each trip. Plus, let’s not forget that I am fixated on packing light. (see title of blog above)
I think the St. Lucia part of my trip will be resort-smart-casual so I’ll need to get beyond yoga pants and flip flops. One needs to be semi-dressy, non? But it needs to be mix and match for optimal options.
There is also the fact that I’ll be traveling for god’s own amount of eternity to get there…which means comfy-squished-in-economy-outfits-that-are-also-practical-for-running-through-random-airports-to-get-to-the-next-gate stretchy clothes.
Then we have the jungle zipline outfit for my time in Antigua-Barbuda. What does one wear for flying through the jungle whilst wrapped in a corset on a carbinger? Let’s be practical here…perhaps something that wicks away the dank smell of fear?
The biggest issue is the shoes. If I could just get comfortable with bare feet in all situations, I’d have the packing thing licked. But there are sharp and pokey things out in the world so that fails to be an option. And my feet are not small, which translates to shoes that take up half my bag. Are you starting to see my problem? Really?
The various outfits have been strewn about our bedroom for days. My husband has the patience of a saint and says nothing about the constantly morphing pile. Enough already. I’m committing to the process. The most important thing is the toothbrush, laptop and camera…and something in black and the right scarf and…
I feel like Steve Martin in The Jerk, “But I need this. And I need this…”
Packing is the absolutely worst park of travelling for me as well — would someone please just invent one outfit and one pair of shoes that morphs into everything one needs as required? Yes, you hit a nerve. I hate it.
Yes, well…here I am in St. Lucia, with jean capris…a totally useless item…given the humidity. One either needs a porter and trunks and an unlimited budget or else is stuck with useless pants hanging on the back of the bathroom door. The good news is I didn’t have to check anything, the bad news is I lugged my laptop here for nothing. I’m writing this on the hotel office computer. No wireless, no way to hook mine up…just a boat anchor item that could have made room for light-weight cotton capris, if indeed one had been thinking. I know there are much bigger problems in the world, however…
I have the biggest trouble with shoes as well. It seems silly to take umpteen pairs, but my feet are rather sensitive, and I can’t wear just anything or I’ll be in huge pain.
I have a trip to Paris coming up (my first time!) and I’m completely flummoxed about what to pack.
Ahhh Paris. One has to be fashionable, yet comfortable, hip but not trendy…chic and cool. Our poor shoes, how can they possibly live up to so many expectactions? Fling a scarf about your neck, make sure your shoes are black and walk with confidence. It’s all we can do 🙂
The packing is the worst. No matter how early I start planning what to bring, I always end up bringing the wrong thing. The suitcase can be packed to the gills, but the one thing I need (like closed toe shoes for horseback riding), will not be in the inventory when I need it most.
And don’t get me started on the shoes. Do you know how small the closet is on a cruise ship? Not big enough for the sneakers, flip flops (one for the pool and one just because), black pumps, brown strappy sandals, black flats, camel high heels, durable walking sandals, and everyday-cute-but-comfortable-sandals. I’ve had to leave outfits at home just so I could fit the shoes in my bag!
Have a great trip!