I’m heading off on a magical mystery tour. I don’t even know where I’m going yet. But I do know when — on Friday. Which, as I am writing this, is the day after the day after tomorrow.
I’ve been surfing the web, trying out various options, and expect to decide soon. But there’ll be more of that when I do. Right now, I’m staring at what remains in my suitcase from the last trip I took.
It occurs to me that a lot of it has been with on multiple trips but has never actually made it out of the bag, either while I’ve been away or when I got back.
Some of it is there just in case — like a beach hat and an umbrella — but much of this stuff is just attached to me like a parasite.
So, my plan is to get the bag to empty, then start again with a plan to take only what is necessary.
I say this every time. I’ve even written about it. And, once again, I have googled such terms as “how to pack” and “what to pack”.
Here’s what I’ve come up with:
The essentials which, in my case, is really my wallet, passport and the keys to get back into my flat when I get back home.
Clothes — two pairs of casual trousers (one worn on the day of travel), one formal, four or five casual shirts, one or two long-sleeve shirts, a t-shirt, six or seven pairs of underpants, a few pairs of socks, two pairs of shoes (one casual, one formal; one of them worn, the other packed), a cap or hat. A light jacket and (if heading into a possibly cold or wet place) a heavy jacket.
Health and sanitary items — meds (the usual plus Immodium for emergencies), toothbtush and toothpaste, deodorant, shaving gear, sunscreen (if doing outdoorsy stuff), tissues.
Tech — my laptop and or iPad, and my smartphone, plus my camera. And all the chargers! And some analogue writing material in case the above fails.
Miscellaneous — scissors and sewing kit, sticky tape.
Have I missed anything?
