This trip I’ll be on from the 12th – 27th is business-related pleasure. As I’ve told some of you, this tour involves about 300 people, 250 of whom are minors. Because I did the same trip in 2006, I have the advantage of knowing exactly what I didn’t need last time. On the last tour, I took a small, carry-on sized suitcase and a backpack. This year, my goal was to fit everything into a 20″ duffel.
When I see the kids wheeling up their max-sized suitcases, huffing and puffing, I’m going to laugh and laugh and laugh.
Did I mention I’m on a special diet (more on that after my trip!) and have to bring protein shakes and the like along with me? Actually, I’m glad for it, because generally, road trip food is probably the worst stuff for you nutritionally. At least I know I’m getting all my vitamins!
Here is my journey in packing light, in pictures:
(Pics taken with my LG enV)
Clothes: 4 pairs underwear, 3 dresses, 6 t-shirts, 2 uniform shirts, 1 uniform pants, PJs, poncho.
Compression bags are AWESOME! That pile of clothes barely filled 1/4 of the duffel!
(Gross story – I had a travel companion once who insisted that she didn’t need to do laundry often because… and I quote, “Underwear has two sides.” *shiver* I’d rather wash it out in the sink after ONE wearing, thanks!)
Hygiene/Etc: Glasses, sunglasses, contacts, contact solutions, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, body wash (doubles as shaving cream and it’s not aerosol, so the TSA loves you for it!), razor, razor refills, bandaids, deodorant, toilet paper (COMES IN HANDY!!), tweezers, concealer, foundation, laundry soap.
Entertainment: iPod & Charger & Adapter, Book: The Midnight Disease: The Drive to Write, Writer’s Block, and the Creative Brain
Food: 75 mini-meals (shakes, bars, drinks, etc), Shaker bottle (not pictured)
Misc: Trip Paperwork (I’m a bus coordinator, so I have paperwork, booo!), Travel Pillow, camera, batteries
On My Person: Travel Pouch (passport, ID, cash, credit cards, etc), Camelbak, Sketchers Mary Jane-style Sneakers (they’re sneakers but look good with a dress! A must for the traveling ladies in your life!), Drawstring Backpack (daytrip pack).
I’m ready to rock n’roll through Europe! Woot! While I’m gone, you’ll get THREE more Craigslist Experiments: a 30-year old Geek Girl, a 40-something MILF, and a token Geek Boy. Who will get the most emails? You’ll find out!! You may also see guest posts from some of my geek blogger brethren… stay tuned!
For more on packing light, you really should take a look at OneBag.com. It’s a great resource!
About e
Have a good trip! The only “must bring” on your list, of course, is the PHB…
The PHB, a passport, a credit card, and the clothes on my back?
Depends on how comfortable you are naked.
It is Europe, after all.
So?
What does going naked have to do with Europe?
Where in Europe will you go?
Have fun, enjoy the trip!
LOL.. I know of adventuring parties that could use your packing skillz…
Good point, Kat!
Where is the 10-foot pole??
Hey e,
hope you had a nice stay around here.
Where did you actually stay?
Nice packing of stuff, I doubt I could manage 5 days with such a small bag, but then again, with a players handbook in hands – everything else might seem quite unnecessary in comparison.
So after possibly a few hours reading – what’s your general opinion on the fourth edition?
No 10 foot pole, but after MrJames’ story (http://geeksdreamgirl.com/2008/04/06/comment-fest-what-are-your-running-gags-inside-jokes-etc/) I regret not bringing a goat, some rope, and a keg of beer!
Lemming – We stayed in Seefeld when we were in Austria and made a day trip to Innsbruck.
I’ll post more about 4e when I’m less jetlagged
Just saw this after we tweeted about it. I’ll be doing a post on packing light and I’ll link to this one. Perhaps you can also offer a woman’s side on packing, given we have different needs/standards.
Daniel M. Perez, The Gamer Traveler´s last blog post..Help Me Find Games About Travel