Yes, Scarlett O’Hara was a tough Southern Belle, but she traveled light in that wagon out of Atlanta. She took Ms. Mellie, Prissy and Rhett. No Samsonite for her. When she got to Tara she dressed herself in green curtains.
Modern Southern Belles wouldn’t be caught dead in an outfit like that. But we have to get out of the habit of traveling like movie stars ---Regular people are only entitled to one checked bag under 50 pounds and a carryon less than 20 pounds??? How can you pack for 3 days like that, nonetheless 20 days? What about variety and style? How many shoes and handbags can you pack in that?
This is where it comes to the suck it up princess part for me. My first packing conundrum came when I went backpacking and to school in Europe for 8 weeks. I packed a large backpack and my dad and I went for a hike through the neighborhood. Afterward I went directly to my room and unpacked half of the items in the pack. Ending up with a manageable amount, I had a trip of a lifetime. Man, did I love my old navy t-shirt I took with me that summer. (I still have it by the way.)
When I go off for a weekend, I take at least three outfits too many. You never know what the weather will be (I know there is weather.com, but how often are weathermen correct?). This is acceptable practice when taking a road trip from home in your SUV. But when you are traveling by plane somewhere, this is very cumbersome and impractical. One of my family's travel rules is "don't pack it, if you can't carry it yourself".
Recently on a trip to Croatia, I had to take an EasyJet flight to Italy. My travel partner gave me quite a bit of grief over my packing skills, or lack thereof. I admit I take too much on trips. I admitted it then. I will always admit it. The sweet lady behind the counter took pity on me and helped me out, as she saw what ribbing I got for my traveling style. There is a funny picture from this, that I still have gotten yet.
My male travel companion, of course, had packed light for a trip even longer than my journey. I admire his packing ability but know that I will never be that efficient. I like choices and conveniences -- he didn’t complain when I had Solarcaine for his sunburn (after one trip of not finding any in Paris, I always take this with me -- Winter trips -- hand warmers are a necessity, they don't sell those in foreign countries and Paris at New Year's is not Hawaii). I take insect repellant and medicines for most emergencies as well. “Be Prepared” isn’t that Boy Scout motto great?
In quite a few travel magazines, there are many an article regarding “How to Pack?” Stylish trenchcoats, fancy pants expensive bags, high heels and Evian spritzer -- not exactly functional attire/ accessories -- I have never really found these articles helpful.
When traveling, I opt for black drawstring comfy pants, a white t-shirt, and a worn blue chambray shirt. If possible, crocs or other slip-on shoes (with socks for the plane) make airport security quicker and easier. When traveling to a cold location, I take my coat on the plane to save room in my suitcase. And I always seem to need that extra room in my suitcase.
I excel at few sports, and one of them is shopping. I can find a bargain just about anywhere, even on a concrete floor of Les Puces de Saint-Ouen in the vintage post card booth (and I am not fluent in French). In Salisbury, my sister and I found the TK Maxx (the English version of TJ Maxx). When I go on an adventure, I always have to compete in my favorite sport. One never knows what treasures are out there.
Unfortunately, my new standard operating procedure is to carry an empty Eddie Bauer duffle (circa 1990) in my suitcase just in case. Too many trips have ended up with a late night search for an extra suitcase in junk shops whether it be in London or New York City. I have quite a collection of suitcases and bags from these times.
Isn’t it bad that you are in Paris and learn a new word -- “balance” = scales -- because you are trolling for scales to weigh your suitcases -- one of which was a new purchase at the Galeries Lafayette (it's red and quite smart). It is an interesting experience to spend your last night in the best city ever searching stores for scales. Which we didn't buy because they were SO overpriced.
Instead we tallied up how much we thought was the worst case scenario for our overage, only to be blessed with an emergency allowing us to check ALL of our bags and pay nothing for the weight nor number of bags. This was right after the blanket bomber and the airlines were security checking everyone twice prior to boarding so they wanted passengers to check all bags instead of carrying lots of stuff on the plane. (We were 2 hours late leaving due to this -- but cha-ching no paying for our weighty and numerous bags.)
Suffice it to say, I like to contribute to the local economies and have even had to mail home packages to accommodate this habit. Retail therapy is good for the psyche. While I buy for myself, most of my purchases are for family and friends -- it’s more fun to give than receive.
If I could just get the initial packing for the trip under control, it would leave more room for the purchases. Scarlett had the right idea --- travel light and improvise when you get there. But hand warmers and Solarcaine do come in handy and I doubt my packing habits will change. Common sense and travel restrictions do limit my options -- 50 pound bag coming right up -- I am presently at 26 pounds for an upcoming trip, what am I missing? Daddy, please come over and help me pack. How about a walk around the neighborhood?
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