Travel Capsule -- Epic Fail! - YouLookFab Forum

Well, actually, it's only a "fail" if by capsule, you mean "small, curated, compact." I'm leaving tomorrow morning for 10 days in Michigan. I've observed other YLFers create marvelous travel wardrobes, and, for the first time I have a closet that will let me mix and match again and again. What did I pack?

3 skirts
3 dresses
4 jackets
2 pairs of pants
1 pair of capris
1 pair of shorts
4 woven print tops
assorted knit tops (didn't count, just rolled and stuffed)
and......wait for it......
6 pairs of shoes, not counting the ones I'll be wearing

Oh....and I've packed a duffle of gear for cycling, swimming and hiking, too. I'll get my sleepwear from this um....capsule. Oh....and there's a washer and dryer at the house.

Sigh. I think I'm feeling a little insecure. I have a marvelous extended family, but vacationing with 14 people can leave one feeling a little powerless. Perhaps knowing I have lots of choices in clothing will help me be generous when being with a group means I have fewer choices in other things.

I did manage to fit all of the above in a smallish suitcase and on 2 hangers....without opening the gusset, even. On the plus side, we're staying in one place the whole time, and my amazing DH won't bat an eyelash as he drags it up the stairs.

BTW -- 10 year DD, while completely without vanity, stuffed her duffle every bit as full.

13 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

It is great to have options Beth Ann! I am sure you will create some fab outfits from this capsule.

christieanne

I wouldn't worry - you may not even need it all but might as well be prepared! Have fun!

Anonymous

Hahaha! At least they can't take your clothes from you! That's a big crowd, and it will be nice to have lots of options. I often sleep in gear on trips too. At least my sports bra is more comfortable than an underwire one when there are lots of people around, lol!

I overpacked a bit on my last 2 trips as well, but I'd rather have an outfit or 2 I didn't wear than not have a choice or option if one gets spilled on, or weather changes or whatever. The 6 pairs of shoes is the only part I would try and pare down. But if you can fit it and carry it, why the heck not!

harmonica

I think you did a good packing job by getting all your clothes in a suitcase! And who says you have to pack small and light?! It's good to have options and you can even make a list of what's working and what's not for your next trip. You did good! Enjoy!

ManidipaM

Beth Ann, I know the feeling of being unsure of having control of your own day, where you try your darnedest to at least control what you're going to eat and wear. I do this often on work trips where the 'itinerary' is more along the lines of a light sketch that might change every few hours to a new venue, activity, or dress code.

My complete commiserations therefore. If it makes you feel any better, for a 3-day cruise and 3-day city trip in a tropical climate, mainly geared around restaurant visits (mild sightseeing was expected, did not ultimately transpire), I took along:
- 3 dresses
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 1 pair of dress pants
- 3 skirts
- 4 wraps (assortment of wool, silk, viscose) plus one I bought on a whim
- 5 woven tops
- 8? knit tops
- leggings and Indian tunic, with its own coordinated scarf
- swimsuit and coverup
- 3 pairs of shoes plus poolside slippers
- pajama set and nightdress, *just* one each
- 2 jackets, one casual and one formal-ish
Yeah. :-/ It didn't seem sane even when I was packing. But I found I *was* glad of the options and glad of having a fresh shirt in my bag to change into when people wanted to rush around non-stop with no pause to dry out or freshen up!

ramya

Beth Ann ... I too like having an option of picking a clean shirt up from my suitcase than wait forever to get my laundry done when out for vacation...

I personally would prefer to be by the pool or play badminton than adjust my schedule in waiting for my turn to do the laundry

Traci

I don't think you over packed at all! The shoes may be a bit much, but I always over pack shoes because hurting feet is one of the fastest ways to ruin a vacation for me. Have fun!

Deborah

Beth Ann for 10 days this looks good to me:). I probably wouldn't have packed that many shoes but everything else makes sense to me. I dont think a good capsule necessarily means small. As long as ebpberything co-ordinated and works well together this looks like younhave everything you need but still allowing for a bit of variety.

Beth Ann

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! DH is now trying to get the SUV packed. Did I mention my sacrifice of only taking my off-road bike? Now we only have 5 bikes, instead of 6!

Now.......to make breakfast, and lunch, and finish packing, and water the garden, and........

Meredith1953

If it all mamaged to fit in the alloted bags then I think you did very well considering the trip is for 10 days!

Suz

You call a visit with 14 relatives a vacation??? LOL.

It sounds to me as if you've packed extremely well. When you can't be sure of weather and will be engaging in many different activities, including outdoor stuff, it is perfectly natural to need a few changes of clothes. Yes, even if there's laundry!

Good luck - hoping this trip is a fun one for your whole family, and send us pics!

Amy

Don't fret over it! I bet you'll be glad to open that suitcase and look at all the goodies. When you're feeling frazzled, you can CHOOSE something that makes you feel good rather than be forced to wear the one or two items that you brought. Choice is good when moods are at work

Have fun!

celia

Vacations with relatives are always something you wanna be prepared for, if you don't have to carry your bag trough hiking trails please pack as much as you want, think of outfits to wear there, buy new things, etc,etc.( yes, I panic when I have this occasions.

Hope you have a nice time.

I feel better now.

OK guys, have to shut down for the travel day --- it's crunch time to get on the road. Don't do anything too fab without me!

Will you be flying? My only concern with 6 pairs of shoes is that the bag is going to be very heavy and you are, in all likelihood, going to be required to check it in. Most airlines are charging for checked bags. It can go from $20 to $30 for the first and a slightly cheaper rate for the second. You are only allowed one carry on and one personal item.

For a large family, this can mean a lot of money. Keep in mind that airlines are forcing you to check the heavier bags nowadays, even if it is between the carry on size. I would make sure the bag is within the 50 pound or so limit. Check with your airline.

If you are driving then there is no issue:)

morethanbeige

I can relate! haha Sounds like you are well prepared. I like that idea of having clothes choices, because you may have few other choices. Good thinking!

nicoleb

Don't even worry about it. I love going places but i hate leaving my house so i always try to pack my house in my suitcase.

And i *always* weigh my suitcase on my scale before i go because i am totally guilty of bringing 6 pairs of shoes or more XD

cheryl

Beth Ann, have a great time. Hey, if you have room in the suitcase, then you didn't overpack, haha. I'm with you, I would rather have choices than feel stuck wearing something you aren't in the mood for. PLus, you are coming to Michigan. The weather can be all over the place, so you need to be prepared. I would love to see you while you are here but i'm in southeast Michigan so we are in opposite corners of the state. That area is beautiful so enjoy and have lots of fun!

Kim

I'm going away for 5 days and have packed 4 pairs of shoes, plus what I'll be wearing and my runners (gear)...Shoes are easy to rationalize...They are small, don't weigh much and hardly take up any room at all. They can be squished in anywhere in your suitcase. They are not easily replaced (I have fussy feet) so I don't want to have to chance buying a pair while I'm away and not being able to return them if they are a problem.

Well, I'm here! And Zap -- we took the family SUV, so no problem there. Although with the 5 BIKES on the back, DH did check the manual for the weight limit (the vehicle is new for us)! Everything is unpacked. While we have 14 in our group, the house (that belongs to a cousin) sleeps 30. Yup. This is one of those lake houses with a wrap around porch and turrets. And the closet in my room is bigger than my closet at home.

Already walked along the lake......didn't even change my shoes!

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