Friday, February 4, 2022

Laughing at Myself

 Sounds ridiculous, really, but I've begun packing. As I accumulate the things that I need to have with me, I've begun filling my suitcase. 

The little RFID wallet is big enough to hold my passport and important papers and cards and as I check things off that to do list, I just immediately put the documentation stuff right into the wallet. Before I go, I shouldn't have to do anything besides add my driver's license to it. 

I bought a back pack which is the perfect size. I can tuck my purse inside of it along my necessaries. It has a padded place for electronics. A hidden compartment for that little wallet of documents. Today, I ordered the books from Better World Books that I can read on the plane and while I'm waiting at the airport. I can leave them behind when I'm done. 

I'm not doing checked luggage, so I have one wheeled suitcase and a backpack as my carry-on baggage, so it requires some thinking. In the end, I have 5 lightweight, warm (but not bulky) long cardigans. I have a dozen shirts, both dressy and casual, long- and short- sleeved, that I can layer for warmth (or not). I'm taking 3 pairs of jeans, and 3 pair of yoga pants (which can also be layered under the jeans if it's bitter). I'm wearing my bulkiest and best loved cardigan on the plane. I figure that with all the mix and match opportunities, everything will still fit in the suitcase, but I'm not going to look like I'm wearing the same clothes every day. 

I didn't think it was possible, but it looks like I'll have plenty of room for everything. Except for a small toothpaste and some mouth wash and towelettes, I'm not packing toiletries at all. Cara will buy those things and have them waiting.  I'm putting money into her account for her to do that for me. 

Who knew planning a trip could be so fun?  We're planning on one London play,. I have a black swing dress that will pack well. I was delighted to find that it matched very nicely with the patterned cardigan that usually goes with the red shell. All that considering and matching and weighing and packing...when I realized how much fun I was having today, I really had to stop and laugh at myself.

16 comments:

  1. Hooray! You're almost ready for your adventure.
    I travel with a backpack too, mostly so I can shop with two hands. So bad guys don't steal anything from my backpack, I literally have a little lock on the two zipper pulls. When I want to get into the backpack or buy something, I take it off and set it on a counter or the floor between my feet, and pull out what's needed.
    Another thing my State Department diplomat traveling brother taught us, is to "walk on your money." Wear some thin socks. Put your flat bills under your foot, or in the tight ankle part, then put on another pair of socks. This way, when you're required to remove your shoes, you've still got the bulk of your cash really with you.
    A London play sounds fun! Linda in Kansas

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  2. We used to travel quite a lot and I would usually start to plan my packing a month beforehand. We managed to pack everything into a small cabin sized wheeled case, sometimes only one case for the two of us if we travelled to a hot destination! I found packing cubes invaluable for that.

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  3. It's great to plan trips. Hope you have a wonderful time.

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  4. Good to test pack in advance, well done!

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  5. Oh, it's so exciting to read about your plans, I almost feel like I'm packing too. Except I'm already over here. I live in Lancashire in the north of England. We're having a mild winter, but it could get colder in February and March. Not for long though, and you're most likely to find rain rather than snow or ice, so I would suggest waterproofs and a brolly. Good luck with the packing and a safe journey when you leave.

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  6. I am so happy for you. Travel light. London has a more temperate climate than where you are from.

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  7. Good luck. I have never travelled light in my life. I find it totally beyond my mental capabilities however much I think it's a good idea. The lightest was when I lived partly in Scotland and partly in New Zealand because almost everything was duplicated in both countries.

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  8. Another hint: use your phone to take a photo of your Covid vaccination card. My son needed his card yesterday to get into a restaurant but had left the card at home. Luckily, I was able to snap a photo to send him and now it is always handy if he needs to show it. I took a snap of my card too in case I happen to misplace mine...
    You are going to enjoy your trip so much!

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  9. Ellen, that is a great suggestion. My card is in that wallet but I've taken a picture of it too.

    London will be a destination, Claudia. We'll drive in and see things and spend a couple nights. They are well northwest of it.

    An umbrella is a very good suggestion, Melinda. I might have to buy a raincoat once I get there. I've only room for one, and I'm wearing my winter coat.

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  10. You seem organized and efficient. Will you be able to blog a little bit during your trip?

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  11. Your super organized so you should have a very enjoyable trip.

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  12. I have reached an age and have been fortunate where convenience is worth more to me than saving money. As a result, I no longer pack for every contingency and if something comes up while away, I just buy something to get me by. I am willing to leave perfectly good things behind. I enjoy that more than manhandling big, heavy suitcases everywhere I go.

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  13. Totally understand. It's the journey--planning, thinking ahead, imagining--not just the destination that makes travel so much fun.

    Covid card tip – While I do have a phone photo of my card, I keep the actual card in a snack size ziploc bag (trim one side of bag down to fit) and (washi)tape in the back of my passport. That way it is immediately available when I check in at the airport and minimizes fussy around trying to locate it. My airline has an app where my covid card is also downloaded along with a copy of my passport so I can check in online 24hrs before my flight.

    Another trip tip--if you don't mind a bit of a splurge (usually around $50 or so), since you have that eight-hour layover at DTW--you might consider buying a day pass to your airline's lounge (if it is Delta, they just opened a new one in Concourse A near gate 43). Lounges have more comfortable chairs, free wifi and offer free drinks (coffee, tea, sodas and more) along with free food/snacks. Usually, only wine/beer/liquor costs extra--just depends on the lounge. Do a web search and you can find more info on what might be available to you--people write reviews, and post photos and videos of most airline lounges. Happy travels.

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  14. I am crazy excited for you! Packing ahead of time ijust adds to the anticipation, so pack all you like! When Susan and I went to Italy and Austria (2 weeks) in 2019, we packed much as you are planning. And Susan left me after two weeks and met our youngest for another ten days in England and Ireland. We each took a carry-on and one other bag. With her other bag, she could fit her purse in it. I never thought she could do it, and I've never been prouder of her. Enjoy the preparation.

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  15. Sometimes the preparation and anticipation is as much fun as the holiday itself. Enjoy.

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  16. I am crazy excited for me too, Bob!

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