The only thing I really hate about travel is packing/unpacking. I cannot even imagine voluntarily doing it twice! LOL

I keep a permanent "template" packing list in my computer at all times and customize it for each trip. <BR> <BR>The minute I return from one trip, I amend my list with any insights I gleamed while traveling. <BR> <BR>I make my clothing list on an Excel spreadsheet with the days listed at the top of each column. I plan my next trip's clothes the minute I return from my last trip. <BR> <BR>I think about traveling and packing every spare minute and even mentally pack when I can't fall asleep at night. <BR> <BR>Poke fun if you like, but my trips are flawless!

Melissa, <BR>I just emailed you privately. <BR> <BR>Pam

How many of you find yourself buying new clothes, gadgets, lotions and potions, luggage, etc. as your vacation quickly approaches? I find myself suddenly doing a redesign of myself - I've yet to have to do someting as drastic as a Jenny Jones makeover but still, I keep trying to match "the reality of me the traveler" with the "romanticized me the traveler". Maybe it has something to do with film noirs.

good post, to the top!

I don't believe I have ever done any practice packing. But I do make a list of everything I want to bring. In previous years I use to start packing about a week prior to departure. On my last trip this past February, I was still packing on the morning of departure (Our flight was not till 6:00 that evening.) I just don't have the time or energy to practice packing. As long as I have my list and I check off the items as I put them away, I know I will be alright. I have been taking annual vacations since 1986 so maybe all of my previous experience in packing makes eliminates the need to practice.

case in point: <BR> <BR>I leave for the airport in 4 hours. still have not packed. I am at work - but heading out now. <BR> <BR>gulp. <BR> <BR>my practice has been my many trips recently, I suppose... <BR> <BR>:-) <BR>

My answer: NONE <BR>If it will not fit, I make a decision on what to throw out. <BR>When it is full, I close it. Sometimes, I have to sit on it.

"Practice Packing" sounds a bit anal retentive to me. I travel for fun and take only what I need. Buy a bigger freakin' suitcase if your stuff won't fit!!!

Susan-I CAN poke fun at you because I give little or no thought to my packing, and my trips are always flawless. If I forget something, I don't freak out. I either do without or buy it when I arrive. Life's too short to sweat those kind of details.

Well, I feel compelled to respond to the sophisticated cosmopolites who can't be bothered with the pre-departure excitement, planning, dreaming, packing. You're missing so much fun. Having said that, however, I have to let you know that I have packed for a week trip in 20 minutes. The whole thing isn't about being ready, or taking the right things, or not forgetting anything, it's about expanding the thrill associated with going on a trip. As I said in my previous post, I've actually packed all the accessories and forgotten the dress; what a laugh we had, I'm still laughing about it. Forgetting the dress didn't affect my trip AT ALL! But the planning stretched the fun out before, and remembering stretches it out afterwards. The posters here are snatching joy from all the time they have before they leave. But I'd wager any one of them could be ready to go immediately if the occasion arose, practice having made perfect.

I too like to "stretch" the trip from the moment I make my plane reservations. Like Ann, who has two essentials, Passport and Tickets - <BR> <BR>I will add - Medicine, Credit Cards and good shoes. <BR> <BR>I confess to packing all the essentials above plus everyday stuff like toothpaste, lozenges, hair brush, sample sizes of shampoo, soap etc. Those can be in my suitcase for a month before I leave. Then, the week before I leave I wash or clean all clothing I may want to use - check the weather board for my area and pack accordingly the day I leave. <BR> <BR>I know I can buy most things I have forgotten, but last year in Ireland, with no soap at the hotel, I balked at paying $4 US for a bar of Dove or any other kind of soap to use for a few days. <BR> <BR>The choice of clothes and shoes aren't important except to keep you warm and dry.

Well blow me over! I had to blink a few times to see if this was a "real" Fodor's thread. Once I got to the "usual" I said yup! it's real. <BR> <BR>I LOVE IT. I usually take my in depth packing/planning/shopping for travel talk to "my" cruise sisters who are located at:www.cruisecritic.com. Go to fashion, then to Overplanning and you will see a world of packers/planners and travel shoppers! <BR>It is so much fun!!!! <BR> <BR>I am like many of you, I start the process mentally months in advance, I move on to making lists and shopping so that I "look right." Eventually, I write out all of the days and nights of the trip and then I add a column for level or type of "planned" activity. Everything down to the underwear (was that too much information?) matches completely. I bring the shoes, jewelry, purses(oh, be quiet...smile) to match as well. New nighties and bubble baths/shower gels/new make-up etc. are added near the end. <BR>The guest bedroom becomes the "loading dock" and the rest is history! <BR>I just got back from a great trip and ...yup, I have yet to unpack all of that! <BR> <BR>My Best <BR>Oaktown

ttt

If you get a thrill from packing, you're in serious trouble. And you have too much time on your hands. Packing is a necessary evil, a precursor to the fun of traveling. You do it in about 20 minutes, without worrying about it beforehand or afterward. Life's too short.

It's bad enough having to pack once, without having to also practice.<BR><BR>A necessity is having a written "things to pack" list. I check items off the list as I pack them, and this way never forget to pack anything.

Nobody has the right to tell you how to enjoy yourself. If you don't hurt yourself or others, go for it! If practice packing is enjoyable for you, do it and to the devil with anybody who wants to pass judgment.

To me, the packing is also part of the vacation. I get my suitcase out about 1-2 weeks in advance and make sure all the stuff that lives in the suitcase is ready to go..My mini walkman speakers, an umbrella, & my travel journal..ect..<BR>This makes me feel as though I am already on my way. I match up outfits to see if I can bring less clothing. I dont try them on, but i do lay them out.<BR>I love coming home from a hard day at work and see my suitcase there. That means vacation time is close !!!<BR> Janda

Never! Why waste precious time surfing for last minute restaurant, hotel, etc. tips? The morning I leave works every time.

I have two packing lists on my computer--one for clothes and one for drug items. I use the same list, no matter what the trip, deleting as needed. I copy the file and, at top I fill in the name of the trip and the number of nights and print it out. Then, next to each item (ie. skirts) I list the the quantity of the item needed and specific ones I'll take. As I pack each item I cross it out on my list. I NEVER forget anything (which is much more than I can say for my husband, who has forgotten shirts, pants, shaver etc on various occasions). Call it "anal retentive" but it all works well for me.