Need Help Packing for Vacation
 

OK - only 10 weeks till I'm leaving for vacation trip - two days in LA on Sunset strip, then five nights in Maui. Would REALLY like to get by with one medium-sized suitcase to drag and one carry-on on my arm. Since we're doing all casual/beach activies in HI, I'm thinking a few bathing suits, some shorts, tank tops, sandals, and toiletries will be all I need. But that all seems a little too casual for my 2 days in LA - plan to browse some stores and clubs and not sure what to wear. Don't want to look TOO much like a tourist! Can someone suggest what kind of things I should pack? Since we have snow here in PA at the moment, it's hard to visual what to wear in CA in May!

I also need space to take books to read on beach and on plane, and I should have my camera and film in carry-on. I've read that I should take change of clothes and toiletries in carry-on too, in case of lost lugguage. Plus, need to have a purse with money, ID, tickets, etc. Seems like a LOT to have in carry-on. (I know....I'm helpless, but thanks for any ideas.)

Julz,
I suggest a nice light blazer that you can wear on the plane, therefore not worrying about suitcase space.
Our weather has been completely schizophrenic in LA, but usually warm days with cool evenings is the norm.

I have a lightweight black "travel" suit I take on trips such as this. {It's one of those you can practically wad into a ball and still has no wrinkles}Your tank tops can be worn under your jacket, saving you more space.
Hope this helps! Have a great trip!

The key for me is to have clothing that you can mix and match together. Take only 3 shoes with you with only 2 in the suitcase. Also you don't need to have a whole new wardrobe completely if you go out often at night and when on a beach type vacation you are in your bathing suit way more than you are fully dressed so take maybe 4 swimsuits and leave more clothing you don't need at home.

Thanks! Yes, I don't see any problems with clothes for the beach part of the vacation. It's just the clubbing and shopping on Sunset Strip for the first two days that confuses me! I just can't see us at the Viper Room wearing cut-off jean shorts, bikini top, with tank over it, and purple flip-flops! Any ideas? (And please don't suggest that I forget about the trendy clubs - hey, I'm from PA - this is our ONE chance to actually see Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Colin Farrel, et.al.) hehehe - I know this is a goofy, but you never know. I can dream, can't I? Just help me dress!

Julz:

If you aren't fat your clothing will not take up much space, get 2 dressy outfits and mix and match your clothes with khaki pants and shorts the rest of the time. I packed for a week in Florida in a pilot case and carry on its not that hard.

Julz,
To save space, use some plastic space saving bags. I buy 2 gallon size plastic zip locks. You can put your tops in one, bathing suits in another. You get the idea ~ squeeze all the air out and you really will have more room in your suitcase.
Have a great time!

hehehe...Stephanie - do "fat" people's clothes really take up a lot more room that other peoples'? What size is fat? :-) But, you are right, I should be able to get all I need in! I like the suggestion about the plastic bags, Tricia, I will definitely do that. I always put my shampoos, etc. in one in case of leaks, but I will use them for all my stuff this time. Easier to find what I need too! Any suggestions for what to use as a carry-on that can have the stuff I need to reach (money, credit card, tickets, ID), yet still have a change of clothes, make-up, reading material for being on the plane, bottle of water, snacks, gum, camera, film. (Am I obsessive or just detail-oriented??) And, WHAT do people wear while wandering around West Hollywood nightlife in May? Isn't it too HOT for jeans?

I chose a back pack with wheels for my carryon. It's possible to wheel both to and from the airport checkin. If I sling it over my shoulder, I just use one strap. It fits in all the overheads. I also carry an LL Bean shoulder pouch that holds what I need during the plane trip. It looks like a half backpack. Generally I come back with too much, the back pack is heavy and the next gate is a 100 miles away. It's much easier to have it on wheels. The LL Bean pouch can be used for beach trips. (Put an empty fancier purse in your luggage.)