Semi-OT: What kind of vacation packer are you? - YouLookFab Forum

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Semi-OT: What kind of vacation packer are you?

MsMary

Veteran

We are leaving on our Caribbean cruise on Friday (two more sleeps! yay!) and I spent most of the afternoon on Sunday trying on outfits and making a list of what I want to wear on the trip, including shoes and accessories. It's going to be hot and humid plus we will be participating in multiple activities, so I am planning on at least two outfits per day.

When I went to San Francisco for a week last month I did the same thing -- made a list of what I would be doing every day and what I planned to wear. It's a lot of work on the front end, but it makes the trip, like, totally stress free on the clothing front.

I can't imagine I'm the only one who does this. Anybody else here a list-maker and outfit-planner when you travel? What's your vacation packing style?

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38 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Heather

Veteran

I do the exact same thing! And if I am going for long periods of time (over a month), I pack my jewelry in separate bags and include an index card of what it pairs with, etc. I like variety even when not at home. ;D

Bon Voyage, MK!

catgirl

Veteran

I don't do anything that sensible. What I do is begin packing anxiously about a week before the trip, then unpack and repack until my husband is ready to have me committed. I think it's PTSD from having so many bad luggage experiences. I am always torn between bringing my best clothes to show off and my worst clothes in case they get ruined (like, run over by a plane on the runway, as actually has happened on my way to a wedding). Add to that my preference for carry-on luggage, and you see the dilemma. Shoes are often a major issue.

Even when we pack for a weekend at the cabin, I get a little frantic. Fortunately, I now have left enough clothes there that I don't need to bring much of anything, and can focus all my stress on what to bring for food and wine.

I also bought a premade notepad that has a checklist of everything you might need to take on a trip, otherwise I'd frantically make lists as well.

Meanwhile, my husband flings everything into a bag an hour before we're leaving and is perfectly fine.

Nakidra

Veteran

My vacation packing style (if I ever get to go on a fancy vacy again) is to pack as many options as possible - the more the better. I do make an initial list of what I'll need depending on where we are going. I'll actually create the outfits and pack them. THEN I add like 4 more outfits for a particular situation in case I don't like what I've picked out. I'm the reason why they've add an additional fee for overweight bags on airlines. This is genetic because my mother does the same thing.
Have fun on your trip!! So exciting!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Total overpacker, then I end up only wearing 1/2 of it.

MsMary

Veteran

You guys are too funny! Una, I totally want to start packing a week in advance, but I hate to have my clothes getting all wrinkled in my suitcase. So this time I found the best packing hint EVER on Cruise Critic: Get a rolling clothes rack and take the items you plan to pack out of your closet and hang 'em on the rack. That way they're together and accounted for but they're not getting wrinkled and you can easily add and subtract items according to your whims... er, needs. I even had the portable racks already because I got them for our last YLF swap!

And Nakidra, I'm with you on wanting to have options. On my wardrobe plan I've included several days where I have a couple of options to choose from for any given activity. As for luggage, I am a gigantic heavy packer! Last cruise we drove to the port so I was able to bring as many bags as I wanted (see photo!). And this time we were able to upgrade to first class air and are allowed three bags apiece, so I am totally in lots-of-luggage heaven again!

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catgirl

Veteran

OMG, what a photo! I never bring more than a 22" carry-on, unless I am going to some kind of event requiring multiple fancy-dress changes like a wedding! How do you even know what is in there? Are those all YOUR bags?

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

OMG MK, I remember this photo from your holiday! All I could think was "But I've moved from one country to another with less luggage!"

Makrame

Veteran

That is one amazing picture (both because of the number of bags and because of MaryK looking effortlessly stylish even on her way to a cruise, not just on the actual cruise).

I try very hard not to pack any more items than I might possibly wear. But up until recently it did not occur to me to actually plan activities and outfits, so I occasionally I would end up with the appropriate number of tops and bottoms but not enough good combinations.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I do like you... I don't always write down what I'll be doing each day, but I go through mentally and plan an outfit for each day and lay it out with accessories and shoe. I bring every bra and panty I own so I don't get there and realize I don't have the right bra.

For a cruise, I totally write down and check off. You're kindof in a pickle if you realize you forgot a key piece of an outfit out in the middle of the Caribbean... it's not like you can run to the local mall

ironkurtin

Veteran

I did a lot of travelling professionally so I make a list in my head of what modular units I can bring. It depends on what you can wash. If you can wash, you can trim the amount.

For example, for a week trip, I would take seven blouses and eight pairs of underwear, not counting what I was wearing to get there. Bras I assume I can handwash or wear at least twice. Two pair of pants, two sweaters, one longer jacket. One dress if fancy, one skirt to mix and match if not. A swimsuit. Then shoes and socks and hose as appropriate. And night things. Etc.

I actually had it down to a science, it was very gratifying.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

ironkurtin, a separate thread to share your findings would be very much appreciated.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Okay, but it's not much more than what I said...

BUSINESSY TRIP (assume no dry or hotel cleaning):

- Underwear: As many as days of trip, +1, + 1 worn

- Bras: One fresh one every two or three days; bring the most comfortable and versatile ones you own

- Socks: One every day, +1 to travel as needed, also to sleep in because hotel carpet = yuck

- Tights/nylons: Err on the side of more if you wear them, they're small

- Nightgowns: One long one; gowns are better than PJs, as are one piece; if you're okay sleeping naked, go for it, hotels have robes you can throw on

- Shirts: As many as days of trip, +1 worn; pick shirts that will go under your sweaters or jackets, or ones that will layer under each other

- Sweaters: One long more-office-y one that can be dressed up, and one more flowy one that you can wrap yourself up in for travel. I like sweaters rather than wraps because you can style sweaters in more versatile ways, up or down. Longer black v-neck and crew-neck cardigans are your travelling friends because they dress up in a pinch.

- Jackets/Blazers: One, should match or complement bottoms

- Long coat or jacket: Longer jackets and coats are more versatile, IMO, than shorter ones because in a pinch you can button and cover up. Trench-style is perfect. Wear this on the plane with your cozy sweater.

- Pants: One pair to travel in, two you can attend meetings in and dress up -- unless you wear dresses or skirts, in which case, swap one pair out (even if the trip is only three days, because variety is nice and who knows if you can launder)

- Shoes: One pair on your feet, one pair in your bag.

- Workout: I like to work out while travelling, so I also bring sneakers and one or two sets of workout gear that I rinse after using, including a suit. if you're bringing sneakers, and not meeting anyone right off the plane, wear those and keep your nice shoes in the bag.

- Accessories and jewelry: Bring your plain workhorses, like small hoops or a simple necklace. A white scarf looks nice all the time, and can mix up looks.

Also, I NEVER check my luggage. Ever. All of the above fits in a European-sized overhead carryon case. Losing luggage is the worst.

Hope this helps...

Makrame

Veteran

IK, that's a great list! Looks like my packing list for an upcoming trip at the end of the month; I better compare my list to your outline.

My dilemma, however, is checking or not checking the bag - I almost alway carry a laptop backpack, which means that my one overhead storage item is the laptop bag/backpack. I am not sure whether we are still allowed a second carry-on item so sometimes I err on the side of caution and assume that I will have to check my bag.

D'Ellen

Veteran

I make a list of everything I can foresee needing for each day and each pre-planned activity. I spend lots of time laying it all out, co-ordinating outfits and trying it all on. Then at the last minute I throw in a bunch of extra stuff...just in case. I always over-pack and half of it comes home unworn. But I've never traveled with THAT much luggage...my hubby would have a conniption!

MsMary

Veteran

In my defense, that was all the luggage for both of us, and the two smallest bags on the right are our two laptops, and the small one on top of the stack is my purse, and the second bag from the left is full of my shoes. And when you subtract all those iyou get one big suitcase and one small suitcase per person. Which is, I think, perfectly reasonable for a week-long trip!

But it's a pretty dramatic photo, huh? LOL

Oh, and Una -- I know what's in there because it's on my list, which I bring with me! Duh!

Elly

Veteran

Mary-- I suppose it is reasonable since I assume you were dressing for dinner/making several changes a day. Me, I travel for a one week trip with my gym bag (1'x1'x1.5' with two end pockets). My favorite small duffel gave out after close to ten years and I haven't replaced it. I have rolling luggage but find it too heavy since most places I travel to I have no guarantee there will be sidewalks to roll it.

There is one thing I always bring--- shower shoes. Mine are a pair of ballerina style crocs, but some people wear flip flops. These double as pool shoes, can serve to give your feet a break after a long day in boots or heels, and as slippers to avoid the icky carpet thing. I had a family member pick up all types of infectious foot yuck from a high-end and apparently clean hotel bathroom once.

I prefer to have at least a tank or tee and shorts and light pants/sweats to sleep in or have by the bed. It makes trips to the front desk and ice machine better.

Kate

Veteran

I have an REI duffel that I bought on sale 5 years ago for less than $10 (it's closest to this one: http://www.rei.com/product/809.....erralID=NA). It is a carry on, and the only bag I bring for my luggage. I plan things out beforehand, but not day by day. I plan for any special events or gear, and then just choose enough items to last me a week (or less, if the trip is shorter). If the vacation is longer than a week, I just do laundry and only bring a weeks worth of clothes so that I only need the carry on. I've found that when I planned my outfits for each day I ended up needing to change things around depending on the weather and activities, so this is just the right amount of planning for me!

Sona

Veteran

I use 2 gallon ziploc bags and put entire outfits from underwear to jewelry into each individual bag. I label the front as well so I know what's in it. if I am repeating jewelry I leave a note in the other bag. Shoes go in cloth shoe bags. I always take a large laundry bag with and put all laundry into it so its easy to unpack-
straight to the washer.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Sonia makes a good point- you need to differentiate what's been worn and is now unwearable from what is good to go. I typically turn things inside out, then fold them again.

Isabel

Veteran

Personally, having to pack for a cruise pretty much guarantees I will never go on one. LOL! There are so many different events and activities that I couldn't take it.

I also make lists and lists and lists and put things out on a bed a week a head of time and so on...then I change my mind or add stuff because I might be cold or it might rain....My biggest problem is that I love everything that I have, so I have a lot of trouble deciding what to go with.

Since having children, I have really pared down on my personal packing because I hate lugging their stuff and mine. I have also come to the conclusion that if we are really unprepared somewhere, I will buy what we need. This is not so easy on business trips where every moment can be taken up with something.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I am a compulsive list-maker, so I definitely must make a list for packing! My husband cannot understand why the idea of an impulsive spur-of-the-moment vacation makes me hyperventilate.

I usually list out the number of days I'll be away and plan an outfit for each day, but I always end up throwing a couple of extra pieces in to allow for a change of mind or weather. I've overpacked many times in the past, but I'm getting better. I used almost every single thing I took to Iceland (at least clothing-wise, don't get me started on my photography gear), so I considered it a packing success!

Kyle

Veteran

I am a hard core minimalist, probably because I travel a lot. I plan my outfits and I am a strategic remixer. One small carry on and that's it. I went to Ireland and England for 10 days with one small carry on and a backpack. Seriously.

taylor

Veteran

Me too Kyle! We just came back from an 8 day cruise and my hubby and I checked one bag each and we only had one small carry on between the two uf us...3 bags total.

We once spent a week in Hawaii with one carry on only each.

bj1111

Veteran

yikes, maryk! do you have enough room in your cabin for all that luggage?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I am a list-packer too; I always pack an extra outfit though; because I always manage to spill on myself!

Have a lovely trip, MaryK!

Carole

Veteran

Mary K you are hilarious. I have never seen so much luggage in my life! How does that fit in your state room? Or do you get the presidential state room? I have been to Europe twice for 2+ weeks and used a carry on. I still can't believe I did that. But in your defense you do need so many more outfits on a cruise with formal nights and all the dressing up for dinner, then all the shoes to go along with everything. I love your idea with the clothes rack.

I plan out every day and make sure my casual stuff all coordinates together so I can mix and match. I also limit the colors to neutrals like black, white, khaki and one accent color like tomato red.

Don't you love Cruise Critic?!?

annette

I am in the minimalist camp. I only do one carry on bag. This has worked for 2 week trips to Thailand, Korea, Portugal and Italy. It would work for longer trips as well because I wash things as I go. I love the freedom of not dragging all of that luggage along! I could practically do a weekend away with one of my giant purses.
I didn't used to be this way but reading Rick Steve's packing advice got me started and I love traveling this way now.

MsMary

Veteran

Uh, Carole and bj, we have an owner's suite so we will have plenty of room for the luggage and the clothes. We made the mistake of getting a ginormous suite on our first cruise and now of course we are totally spoiled and can't go back! LOL

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

I've never been on a cruise (I am so seasick it's not even funny - Staten Island Ferry, even :-(( ) I think it would challenge my packing skills!

But I always make lists of what we are planning to do each day, and then outfits for them. It looks like we are going to Disney World next year, which will probably mean each day reads : Universial Studios Park/Disney park - shorts, tank, comfortable shoes LOL We borrow a friend's house so we have laundry facilities, so I can take a week's worth of clothes and just launder them for a two week trip.

Have a lovely trip, MaryK.

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