Archives for May 2018

I am a fan of light packing, and I am a huge advocate for taking a moment to consider the trip, your needs, and items you’ll likely need. Some questions to consider:

• weather (and likelihood of wild temp swings vs stable/predictable)
• if bathing suits/beach gear is needed
• range of occasions – will there be fancy outings? Is this camping in the woods?
• length of trip
• accessibility of supplies (drug store/Target/etc)
• laundry facilities/options

Once you have a good picture of the trip, you’ll have a much easier time coming up with a packing list. I will be doing a future post specifically about theme park as well as Hawaii packing – today I want to share our general favorites. Note that some affiliate links are used in this post.

Favorite sources for clothes: 

• Amazon Prime Wardrobe – try it free, return it no worries! The downside? Pretty slow to get – took 2 weeks! Amazon prime 2-day shipping another fave!
• Ladies: ModCloth styling services will call you (NO cost or obligation!) and talk you through your fashion needs for anything from fancy to theme park touring. I got so much great advice and was able to finish my Europe touring wardrobe thanks to them!
• New Balance – these running/ shoes changed our lives and all 4 of us have a pair!
• Nordstrom/Rack online- if you’ve got a local Nordstrom or Rack locally- you can return orders from either website to any location! Very easy online shopping, and I scored some great deals!
• Duluth Trading – husband’s personal favorite though I’ve got some shirts and a dress from them too!
• Box Lunch – tshirts to cute tops to socks this store rocks.

Favorite packing/travel supplies: 

• eBags medium packing cubes– the perfect size we fit multiples of them in each of our suitcases
• bringing extra quart and gallon size ziplock bags – you never know when you’ll need one!
• One “bathroom bag” for the family that has the “everyone is using…” stuff
• A good cross body bag – I just got one like this from Travelon. It’s got locking zippers and zip-out holders for water bottles!
• If you’re a DSLR camera user – one of these style bags! Keeps my camera safe!

Must-pack extras: 

• empty tote bag – for day to day use, or as carry on for someone on way home
• small purse inside backpack or bigger purse – sometimes you want one or the other! This way I have both sizes.
• pen & journal – write down details and fun notes! It’s great in ride lines, on planes, etc
• safety pins, needle and embroidery (thick) thread, and tiny scissors- can’t tell you how many times these items have helped me!

How do you know what all to pack? 

This is never perfect, but I always err just barely on the side of under packing. I’d rather run a load of laundry if someone has a tragic spill all over their clothes and can’t re-wear a pair of jeans than have 3 extra pairs of jeans taking up space.  We try to pack items that are:

• practical
• multi-functional
• wear well with other clothes coming

And, since we’re well past the toddler days we can pack a lot less overall in terms of toys and games and diapers and such.

Final tips? 

• If in doubt, leave it at home. This includes computers, extra books, etc
• Remember: in most cases you can go to a store if needed!
• Be realistic about what you recommend to family members and bring yourself.
• Roll those clothes up into packing cubes! Seriously – it’s made packing a delight!
• Bring a SMALL amount of “might need it” meds from tummy to headache just in case

Do you have any tips, favorites, or things you find delightful? Do share! For more on packing – here is a link to my first article in this series. I will be doing a European trip packing guide soon as I get back – and find out what mistakes I made. ha!