All About Packing Part 1

 Packing 101

The trip is booked! You're excited! 

Then comes the packing. 

You start throwing clothes on the bed and it's a huge pile. Massive really. Will and how is it all going to fit in one suitcase? You stand back and stare at the pile. A sense of dread, panic and helplessness starts to overwhelm you.  Judging by the pile you'll definitely need a bigger suitcase - possibly two. There must be a better way! Is there?

YES, THERE IS!! But what is it?

With a few simple steps you can be the gal breezing through the airport with carryon only for a six week trip! Here's the mystery of packing solved.

Essentials of Packing

What needs to go into the suitcase that you absolutely can not live without? For me it's like this. I have to think about what part of the world I'm going to and what I'm going to be doing there. On this trip it's the UK in May. The weather will probably be much like it is at home. That means mid Spring. Not warm but not parka weather and most likely some rain. I'll also be doing lots of walking, day trips and some evening activities that need a bit of dressing up for.  

What's Going in the Suitcase

1. Walking shoes - my sneakers.
2. Rain boots - I'm a big fan of the Vessi brand. They're lightweight, 100% waterproof and super comfy to wear all day. I have sneakers, boots and a raincoat! 
3. Dress shoes - a pair of flats 
4. Rain jacket - Vessi as mentioned above
5. Vest - I have a long, lightweight, sleeveless down vest from Eddie Bauer that is warm but not too hot. Perfect for travel.
6. Long Sweater - off white for those times when I don't need a coat or vest.
7. Pants - 2 pairs for day and1 pair for evening. Great for not showing dirt.
8. Tops - 10 tops. Included the 10 tops are 5 tunic tops. Tunics are super comfy and transition well from day to night.
9. Unmentionables - otherwise called undergarments! 3 bras and 7 pairs of knickers & 7 pairs of socks 
10. Accessories - more about this later. 

Congratulations! You're almost there!

(to be continued)