My buddy and I will soon be sipping cocktails at sunset on the other side of the world. This means endless chats about what to pack. You see, my bud packs as if she’s on a one way ticket while I argue the case for whittling my wardrobe into just one Airline authorised carry on. Yep, I wanna pack like a man. Throw open a bag, shove a bundle of fave t’s ‘n jeans in, spare pair of sneakers, top off with a toothbrush, razor, after shave and Bob’s your uncle. That’s packing according to man. Good for them I say. Bastards.
As for we girlies…an outfit for breakfast, another for lunch, and for shopping, and sight seeing, beach, snow, dinner, concert, night club…per day. Every day.
I once spent two weeks in Bali surrounded by an explosion of outfit possibilities from which just three items lived on constant rotation. Sticky, yucky, hot, hot, hot. I left trails of sweat in my wake, not to mention the added discomfort of that post Brazilian experience. Errr let’s not go there. Let’s just say the enticing concept of the ‘Emperor’s New Clothing’ was thwarted only by a desire to protect the locals from visual trauma.
Similar situation on the opposite end of the temperature gauge while on a winter sojourn in Europe with late hubby. We lived in just two pairs of jeans, t’shirts on rotation under a woolen knit, a jacket, fur lined leather gloves, weather proof boots and two scarves. Wore the cute dress just once and froze my ass off. Didn’t help when matching one off heels threw me face down in a sleet filled gutter (nothing to do with that slight excess of mulled wine). Must admit, the jeans did make their own way home.
Which brings me to my point…
Pack light…seriously! Whether stumbling up stairs, hobbling across cobbles or streamlining across a smooth terrazzo, it just makes life easier. Period. Are you listening my lovely friend?
Only your travel buddy will know you survived in just two pairs of jeans, mixed it up with a couple of t-shirts and knits, a few fave scarves, a jacket and sweet little ankle boots. A water resistant hooded puffer jacket for inclement weather, or a $5 plastic emergency raincoat which makes for a bloody good laugh, your choice. Only she will know you wore the same little black dress, kitten heels and touch of bling for those glam evenings over and over. And will she care? No…’cos she’s being just as savvy!
Same goes for beach bound breaks. A pretty sarong and swim suit or two by day, a cute singlet cover up to sass the look in time for late afternoon aperitifs; a cotton shift, sandals and bling for lounging around beach side bistros sipping cocktails at sunset while batting lashes at bronzed hunks…oops, am I thinking out loud?
Inspired to pack light for your next holiday? Stay tuned! A few handy hints coming up cos’ for this trip? I’m gonna pack like a man!
Robyn Smith
December 28, 2013 at 4:05 pm (11 years ago)Oh, if only!
Ken Gibson
July 17, 2016 at 6:26 pm (8 years ago)I dare you Miss Jane! Hope you have a great trip! Oh, & btw, Happy birthday!!
Indulge Divulge
July 17, 2016 at 8:43 pm (8 years ago)I reckon I just might you know. Thanks Kenny for birthday wishes too.x
Penny Howard
July 19, 2016 at 2:55 am (8 years ago)Hi Jane – pleased to see that you are taking a break! This article is particularly relevant to me as Husband wants to have a bike in Florence – and unlike ordinary mortals he has decided to cycle there from San Malo and that I can be his support team- lucky me! It will only take a month(?) and as we have to make room for the bicycle, 2 spare wheels, a foot pump plus 2 columns on an A4 sheet of paper of other essentials, my luggage is limited to one squashy bag small enough to go behind my car seat…This for someone who cant challenge but I shall take note of all your advice and we shall see how it all goes!
Jane
July 29, 2016 at 6:34 pm (8 years ago)Oh Penny I feel your pain! How can you possibly live out of a backpack? This will be your challenge – and when you succeed at this do let me know your secret. The bonus? You’ll be even more trim, taught and terrific!