Pondering What to Pack
One of these days I am going to travel naked. Either that or with only the clothes on my back. Each trip I swear that the next time I will pack less. Each next journey I take less clothing and still I complain. ’My bag is too heavy. It’s making my arms/back ache. Why did I have to bring along so much stuff?!’
What I have packed at home usually does not make it to the plane. In the airport parking lot I frantically rummage through my suitcase, tossing a skirt, scarf or spare T-shirt into the car’s backseat. No way am I lugging that extra ounce of clothing onto a city bus, cross-country train or up a staircase.
The longer I’m away, the more things get left behind. An old, stained T-shirt here. Moth-eaten wool socks there. Periodically these abandoned clothes find their way back to my suitcase. In the Romanian town of Suceava a hotel clerk raced out of the building, waving my faded, torn and zipperless jeans in the air. Great. Now what would I do with those pitiful jeans?
On a recent trip to Ireland I took three sweaters, two pairs of pants and an extra pair of shoes. The extra sweaters and pants were to break up the monotony of my standard black sweater - blue jeans uniform. The Mary Janes were in case my beloved biker boots riddled my feet with blisters and sores.
In retrospect I could have gotten away with one sweater and the boots. It wasn’t as though you could see my stunning wardrobe through my black, wool coat. And, no, the boots didn’t rub so the MJ’s stayed in the rental car for the bulk of the trip.
Now I’m pondering what to take to Las Vegas. It’s close to 90 degrees in Vegas while here on the East Coast temps will hover around 55. Thus I must wear one thing on the plane — sweater, climate-appropriate footwear – and another at my destination. Plus, I’m meeting my friend Marilee and also visiting another friend, Tim, there. How does this affect what I take? Well, I shouldn’t subject them to the same ratty jeans and T-shirt for 5 days.
After much traveling and some deliberation, I have come up with lists of what, and what not, to pack. In spite of these guidelines I still anticipate pulling out a shirt or two before boarding the plane.
Hot weather destinations – 7 to 17 days — does not included rugged locations involving hiking, camping and daily baths in insect repellant: one pair of sandals; two skirts; two pairs of lightweight, quick drying pants that can be washed in the hotel shower or sink; 1 to 2 black, short-sleeved T-shirts, 2 white, S/S T-shirts, 1 red, green or pick-your-favorite-color T-shirt; 1 long, L/S black dress (Muslim countries); 1 sleeveless white, button-down shirt (non-Muslim countries); enough underwear — preferrably old underwear that can be left behind — to last the trip; 1 pair PJs; sunglasses; sunscreen; toiletries; international plug adapter; mini hairdryer; camera; travel journal; pens; gum; Altoids; granola bars.
Cold weather destination – 7 to 17 days – This does not include Russia, Iceland or Greenalnd in winter or the Antarctic: sensible, lugged sole boots; 2 pairs of jeans; 1 pair of pants (cords or wool); 2 or 3 wool sweaters in varying thicknesses (one heavy, loose-fitting cardigan is advisable for it can be worn over the others for extra warmth); 3 L/S t-shirts; 2 LL Bean ”Cool Max,” sweat wicking/quick drying T-shirts (to be placed under other shirts); wool socks; 1 hat; 1 scarf; 1 pair of fleece mittens; See above list for underwear and other necessities.
