As usual, some how or other, I have left my packing til the absolute last minute. In fact, I’d left almost everything to the absolute last minute! Ah, the stress of going away.
I’m hopeless at packing. I usually throw everything in randomly, find that its way too much and have to take things out randomly again. That’s why my travel outfits consists mostly of jeans, tees and maybe a good jacket/sweater or two.
Oh, and I remember to bring the weirdest things – like bow hair bands and assorted necklaces + bracelets – other wise known as things-I-don’t-really-need. But they often seem like a good idea at the moment.
Then there’s the problem of not packing too much because you know that ideally you’ll be bringing loads more stuff back *cross fingers* Striking the perfect balance is apparently crucial, and it is walking this tightrope that often drives me quite mad.
This time, I am making an effort to be meticulous. I carefully track the weather forecasts to see whether I need to dress warmly or sparingly. I pick pieces I can mix and match for totally different effects. I brought my more outrageous leggings to add a dash of colour when need be. Most importantly, I brought sensible (but still cute) shoes. I brought only one scarf when usually I tend to OD on them. To pull myself away from my travel wardrobe comfort zone, I have not packed a single T-shirt – I figure I can steal some from my sister when I absolutely have to.
I wonder, what do you pack when you’re going away on holiday?
Do share! Tips, quirks, anything! 
Holiday-o-meter set to ‘PANIC’,
Dottie
7 Comments
March 17, 2008 at 11:11 pm
i agree. just don’t pack the comfort T and any other lazy wear and u won’t be tempted to wear it
i survived 9 days in japan, just, with stockings in a range of colours, high waist skirts and dresses with turtle necks for layering. i left out the pants, because i know, for sure, i would wear the pants with my turtle necks if i brought it.
oh, and yes, u will only use one scarf anyway. i brought 3. used only 1. so just pick the one that matches all your outerwear.
March 17, 2008 at 11:15 pm
my essential packing is built on my necessities… ie things cant do w/o… like undergarments… specs if short sighted… things tat can be bought over at the foreign land im nt uptight…. of coz i dont mean i buy every other thing over there.. basically i don freak out over the non essentials…
if im visiting a country during its winter time, i make sure i hand carry my winter clothes up the plane, juz in case the check in luggage get misplaced :s Imagine in the midst of winter w/o winter clothes!
March 17, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I personally hate packing. Its the worst!
Fancy exchanging links?
March 18, 2008 at 12:12 pm
i like to bring really light weight layering pieces so that i can buy a lot but still get use out of what i have.
i guess it depends where youre going though
March 18, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Hey Dottie,
its been CRAZY HOT here (33-40 degrees past few days) but its starting to cool down but given that its melbourne weather do expect it to rise when you least expect it!!
March 18, 2008 at 9:06 pm
i agree. it has been scorchingly hot here (i am slowly melting away) but melbourne has crazy weather, so you may want to pack some lightweight cotton dresses and a warm jacket. scarves and shawls are so essential when its cold here. i never leave home without a scarf when the weather’s chilly
March 20, 2008 at 2:29 am
I always work out exactly how many outfits I will need [inc. day-to-night changes], then pack that many [going with versatile items like trousers that go with lots of different things, or dresses that can be layered over jumpers/polonecks]… then pack two more. Regardless of how many things I bring, I will always want more choice than I have.
I bring tiny, will-want-to-wear-every-day jewellery packed up in a clear ziplock bag so I can find things easily, use clear makeup bags for makeup and toiletries, and never bring more than 2 pairs of shoes. I wear a big coat, and pack a small one. I bring black basics, and unusual colours that go well with them. Avoid really boring colours because within two days, frustration and fury will set in, and you’ll just go shopping [more than you already might], and then you won’t be able to close your suitcase.