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I'm sorting out my stuff for the next trip.

I'm sorting out my stuff for the next trip.

Old May 27th, 2016, 10:25 AM
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I'm sorting out my stuff for the next trip.

I know I'll be uneasy until I'm closer to being ready for my next trip, which will begin on Tuesday, May 3l. So I'm getting ready to pack--sorting through the stuff I brought last time to see what I can leave behind.

I found my little digital recorder and have been listening to it. I left a tip on it for myself for my next trip--to wit--always check out the room, including the bathroom, before you accept it. In one hotel--I think it was in Tallinn--my room was on the 6th floor, and the bathroom wall was part of the eaves; therefore, standing in the shower was a problem since the eaves interfered with my headroom. Since I have artificial knees, I can't sit in the tub, so showering was awkward.

The sound on the TV in that room was so low that I couldn't listen to anything. Not a big deal, but still... There was one city--I think Warsaw--which seemed to have an inordinate number of fashion shows, which I don't care about. BUT, if I see Scooby Doo on Polish TV, this time I will watch. I love Scooby Doo!

Always check to make sure you bring your immersion heater and a nice cup, so you can have your Starbucks Via in the morning and maybe a hot chocolate in the evening. Also a table knife in checked baggage so you can cut the cheese you bought. Don't forget a plug for the sink. If the hotel doesn't want you to wash out your unmentionables in the bathroom, they will fail to provide a plug, foolishly thinking this will stop you.

What am I missing here? What are your tips for terrific traveling? I don't mean stuff like packing light. Still, that's okay too.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 10:54 AM
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wow -- I'd be panicking if I didn't start planning about stuff to pack farther ahead than that. I get really stressed out about that item so have learned in order to keep calm, I start getting stuff together several weeks ahead of time (since I work FT+, I only have weekend). SO I have 2-3 big boxes (copier paper size I get from work) set up in my spare room/bedroom to put stuff that isn't clothing for my trip. One is for stuff I plan to put in the outside of my suitcasee pockets or carry-on, one is for toiletries, hairbrush, etc. and another for accessories -- socks, stuff for sleeping, etc. So then when it is ready to pack for my trip, I don't have to think about things, find them, make decisions, etc., as I've done all that--I just put them in the suitcase. Really has made my packing a lot less stressful.

I don't have recorders, but just keep a piece of paper with a list of what I took on a trip (clothing, etc), size of suitcase, eveything, and when I return, I mark off in color the things I didn't end up wearing, what I wishes I had had, etc. and any notes related about weather that affected that. I do make notes like you are suggesting of somethign I wish I had had with me (often a corkscrew or something).

So yes, I always take my immersion heater, plus a melamine coffee cup to make coffee, and some of those spirettes of espresso--I cannot function in the morning without coffee and while it isn't as good as brewed, it gets me by. I pack a wine bottle plug, and a lightweight corkscrew (obviously that wouldn't be needed for everyone).

I do try to remember the sink plug, thanks, I have needed that -- one of those flat Rubbermaid things that fit any sink.

I do not pack knives and have never needed one, though. I don't snack a lot and if I do, it's not on something like cheese (I might have a few pieces of chocolate or something). I always put in one of those plastic fork/knife/spoon packets you get on flights, though. IN fact, that could cut most cheese, anyway, if I ever bought any, which I don't.

A few things I now always take in addition to above.
1) a few binder clips. I have used these at time to keep curtains/drapes shut in a hotel room to keep out the light.
2) one of those small LED reading lamps you can clip onto a book OR an LED headlamp (like you wear for camping) which can serve the same purpose. I've been on flights when I accidentlaly got stuck in a seat where the overhead light was broken and I couldn't read well, never again--and hotel rooms often have terrible lighting, also.
3) a very small plastic flashlight, almost keychain size. I put it by my alarm clock in case I have to get up to go to the bathroom in the dark and I'm in a room that is pitch black. Got it at a dollar store.
4) part of a pad of small post-it notes, at least a dozen.
5) a wash cloth
6) eye masks
7) ear plugs
8) several recyclable shopping bags, one big and one smaller

that's all I can think of right now
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Old May 27th, 2016, 11:10 AM
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I bring a small flashlight and of course a washing cloth, since most hotels don't provide them.

Also an eye mask and ear plugs.
A large plastic bag for soiled clothes. Woolite.

The recyclable shopping bags--a good idea. I also like the clip-on reading light.

My little compass, as I get lost a lot.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 11:35 AM
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I'm a last minute packer, also. About a week before, I make sure that I've picked up all the laundry, washed everything I might want to bring, and then in the final week, I wear nothing but clothing I have absolutely no intention to bring on the trip. A few days before, I lay out some clothing possibilities on a bed in the spare bedroom so I can make sure that there is the maximum mix-and-match flexibility. I do my packing there, the day before the trip.

The night before the trip, I print out all the reservations and tickets that I've saved in a special Dropbox folder. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that I'll find that my phone has no charge when I need to pull out one of those documents. To save paper, I copy and paste only the essential information into a text file and put several of them on one page, and then print on both sides.

I have a permanently packed toiletries bag, which I check before the trip to make sure there's nothing I should add or remove. I bring minimal toiletries; I use those supplied by the hotel whenever possible. I also use the hotel hair dryer. I can live without my usual shampoo for a few weeks. I don't bring any grooming appliances, nor does my husband. He shaves the old-fashioned way, and I have a shaving brush and shaving soap in the toiletries bag.

I don't bring any of the things Peg and Christina mentioned. Basically, I bring clothing, minimal toiletries, essential medicines, my tablet, a guide book or two, a camera, and chargers. At home, I use a Kindle for reading, but on the road I use the Kindle app on my tablet.

For all the rest, I live off the land. I forego my afternoon cup of strong black tea, with milk but no sugar, and substitute something local. I've learned that you can stop up a sink fairly well with a plastic bag. I use hotel shampoo to wash anything that needs it, but I rarely wash any clothing.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 11:55 AM
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I'll probably finish my preliminary packing this weekend and I don't leave till June 26! Interesting how some people "need" to do it weeks ahead and some do it at the last minute. I do have a 'packing list' that I just update from trip to trip (one for summer, one for colder seasons) - and like some of you I make notes after each trip what I didn't need or wish I had. Hasn't changed much now in the past few years (guess I finally got it about right). And most of the time I delete, rather than add items. Each trip it gets easier and easier to pack light.

If you don't check luggage but want things like a sharp knife or corkscrew I find I can usually buy them very cheap once I get where I'm going, then just toss it. But plastic utensils serve most purposes. And really, almost anything you 'forget' you'll find you can buy in Europe and often those things make the best souvenirs.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 12:11 PM
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One of the reasons I pack at the last minute is that if I do it even a few days earlier, I start having second thoughts about what I packed, or I forget whether I packed a particular item, or I hear an updated weather forecast that mandates some changes. I usually pack in the evening to avoid altogether the possibility of rethinking it.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 12:21 PM
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I pack when my wife starts to look at me with fierce eyes.
I make sure I have :
- medicine I need at that specific time if any
- motilium and the other one (in case of constipation or the other way)
- earplugs ! yes, very handy in hotels
- passport, wallet, Iphone, keys (I take out the ones I don't need)
- charger for Iphone and Laptop if I take it. Plus this spare battery that can charge 3 times my Iphone and can be recharged
- adaptator if needed
- GPS if needed
- plug for car in which I can charge my Iphone/GPS
- underwear : 2 sets : one set for the luggage, one (mergency) in the bagpack
- books
- a scarf or something to fight the AC in the plane.

Then some clothes.
Ah, condoms. Lots of them. You might never know ;-) Esp at 80. All dirty naughty guys at 80.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 12:22 PM
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I'm also a last-minute packer. I'm freaking out because I'm leaving in a couple weeks and I really hurt my back on Monday. I work fulltime and take classes most nights. Have a feeling I will be forgetting lots of stuff this trip. I guess as long as my back gets better it doesn't matter.

Isabel, Peg, others--enjoy your travels!
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Old May 27th, 2016, 12:39 PM
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For me, packing late would be packing the night before, or even the morning of.

The reason is that I'm the opposite of a fashionista. What would that be? Frumpy? Unimaginative?

I always wear black pants and coordinating tops and a black jacket. I wear ugly but comfortable SAS walking shoes. The tops are already laid out on the loveseat in my bedroom and have been for days.

I've made a list to remind myself what I need (and don't need). Since I have begun taking advantage of hotel laundry and dry cleaning services, I don't need a lot of changes. My list from last year tells me to bring only two pairs of pants and three tops in my suitcase, along with 4 pairs of undies and 4 pairs of socks.

When I arrive at a hotel where I'll be staying for a few days, I'll wash out my undies and get my pants cleaned.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 01:16 PM
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I'm a last minute packer, also. About a week before, I make sure that I've picked up all the laundry, washed everything I might want to bring, and then in the final week, I wear nothing but clothing I have absolutely no intention to bring on the trip. A few days before, I lay out some clothing possibilities on a bed in the spare bedroom so I can make sure that there is the maximum mix-and-match flexibility. I do my packing there, the day before the trip. >>

lol, bvl, that's not what I call last minute packing. Last minute is more what Peg describes, i.e. you start sorting and packing the day before or even on the day itself if you're leaving in the afternoon or evening. I've often done that for trips to Europe but not if we're going further afield - for those I start about week in advance as I did for the cruise I just went on as I wasn't sure what I would need.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 03:41 PM
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We leave June 8; I have been packing in my head for about 4 weeks now. Will probably do some serious sorting this weekend, as well as getting the important papers printed, etc. DH ordered euros and got his IDP sorted this week, he will,probably pack two nights before. Most importantly, I went through drawers and closets and filled 3 bags of clothes to give away.,That always helps. Good reminder above to back some shopping bags as we will be visiting a few markets in Provence. Will go through the toiletry bag soon.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 05:40 PM
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We pack a few days before using packing lists that we have honed over the years. We divide our clothes evenly so half our stuff will go in each suitcase. If one goes missing we each have clothes to wear. Then I pull one of DH's shirt, unders and socks along with the same of mine to go in one of our carryons. If both checked bags go missing we still have emergency clothes.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 06:38 PM
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I'm leaving June 15 and have my packing list, but only my non-clothing items are ready to go into the suitcase right now. I'll be checking temperatures and forecast until 2 days before departure to make final decisions on clothing, especially for jacket choice. And I haven't decided on the suitcase yet. But I'll be about 95% ready by about 7 days before departure, so I guess that's not really last minute.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 07:06 PM
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a) Zip-lock bags. 3 sandwich sized and 1 larger one. Many uses, from carrying chocolate, fruit or snacks during the day in your back pack, bag or purse to packing wet or leaky mini-sized toiletries, to containing loose change, jewellery or pocket medications in the bin when going through security, or to store loose change once in a country that doesn't use the bits and pieces you've accumulated. (You can give it away on the aircraft if you're ever flying British Airways, who collect it for childrens charities)

b) Rubber bands. Even a couple of the thin little ones that asparagus or green onions are bound with and which lie about in your kitchen. Useful for many unexpected situations while on the go.

c) A shirt or jacket with breast pockets. Useful for temporarily holding a passport, pocket camera, boarding pass, phone and d) below while your hands are occupied at the airport and you have to fish stuff out to show as you move along.

d) A reliable pen that won't leak and can be kept near at hand in a breast pocket for filling out landing forms, doing a crossword or sudoku in a cafe or departure lounge... or to exchange contact information with charming friends you meet on your travels.
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Old May 27th, 2016, 07:15 PM
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Guess I am a last minute packer. I do print air tickets, car and hotel reservations when I make them and stick them in a folder.

But, passport, camera, GPS, etc don't get pulled out until the week before leaving and are loaded into a carry on the night before my flight.

Clothes don't get pulled out until the night before my flight and edited while packing on the day of my flight. Also, get a mani/pedi on flight day or the night before.

I've been traveling for business just about every week for the last 20+ years so am used to it. And most of my transatlantic flights are late afternoon to late-evening takes offs from JFK.

My only anxiety is my car service not showing up.
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Old May 28th, 2016, 02:42 AM
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I never miss a packing thread, and i always learn something. This time Mathieu's rubber bands are the novelty, and his reminder of multiple uses for plastic bags is also good.

I have packing lists for Northern Europe (Spring and Fall), Southern Europe (Spring and Fall), and US (overnight) and US (multi day). This year, I went on two small ship cruises, and they required a lot of thought.

I have a block of clothes that I only wear for travel. Most of it is hand washable and quick drying. When I get home from a trip, these get washed or cleaned and go into the closet for the next trip. None of these was suitable for our Windstar cruise, so I spent a few frantic days trying to find shorts and lightweight shirts in the middle of January.

I have a large amount of stuff I have to take, most of it medical, like my CPAP and endless medications. Again, all this is listed, and I prepare enough for the whole trip in advance, usually a week or so ahead
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Old May 28th, 2016, 02:52 AM
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tiny flash light
penknife with corkscrew
3 m of string
cloth pegs
medicines
tea bags (I tend to go with kettles when provided) and may swop for "ahmed's burlington arcade tea" at hotel breakfast
sink plug
printed out flight/hotel documents
copy of CTC "This is a bike bag" picture (don't ask)
"here" app and relevant map downloads
phone
phone charger
phone charger converter (BTW no one ever rings me )
booking.com password (I would use hotel.com but the software is not mobile friendly, STILL!)

eh, that's it
oh and two bikes, best not to forget the bikes
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Old May 28th, 2016, 03:20 AM
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duck tape


(make a small roll, rolling around itself, obviously don't take the gigantic roll they come in)
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Old May 28th, 2016, 03:22 AM
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I made a list last year when we returned from France of what we each wore and didn't wear. Last year my most used item was a fleece jacket. I always bring safety pins and bandaids.

Where do you buy the immersion heater? I'd already braced myself for the room service coffee bill at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, but I like that idea better.
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Old May 28th, 2016, 03:31 AM
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Passport, tickets, hotel booking confirmations, insurance policy details, (remember to back up documents to cloud or web storage for access from anywhere), EHIC card (if travelling in the EU), credit and debit cards.

Enough of my daily pills for the trip and a day or two more, with copy of prescription confirmation, just in case.

Camera, tablet, phone, bluetooth headphones and speaker, and chargers; portable external hard drive (to back up photos) and connecting cables.

Travel kettle and collapsible (large) camping mug - remember to half-inch some cardboard cupholders from any coffeeshop en route.

Socket adapters.

My trusty old 35mm film canister for swapping over small change.

Clothes, toilets and reading materials as necessary.
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