Packing lesson from my date
5 must haves on your travel packing list
If you were to pack your bag and leave in 15 minutes, what all would you carry?
Won’t 100 questions crop up in your mind rendering you overwhelmed? For how many days are you going? What’s the destination? What’s the mode of transport? Is it for business or recreation? Is it solo or with family? Doesn’t travel then seem more of a hassle than fun, as it exposes your indecisive side trembling with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)? As a result of this, we burden ourselves by packing full bag loads and at times, end up paying extra bucks to let our luggage in.
Well, the story that inspired me to be a more organized packer goes like this. I was to return from a 30 days business trip early morning on a Tuesday and I was having farewell coffee with the ‘love’ of my life (which I later realized he was) on the previous evening. For that moment, we just knew we were relishing each other’s company. Neither of us wanted to part early. It felt like the clock must stop ticking and time should freeze. I told him, ‘’I need to go now’’, to which he exclaimed, ‘’But it’s just over an hour that we’ve been here, stay a bit more’’. I frankly shared, ‘’I have to pack two suitcases of 23 kilos each, a lot of clutter to be arranged, will need 2–3 hours, might have to stay up till late at night’’. Then flew in a compassionate statement from this poised executive leader, ‘’I can help you pack your stuff, it’ll take less than 30 minutes, I’ve been travelling a lot for business so an expert at it now’’. My heart almost skipped a beat, this gentleman of power who had a decent workforce running after him to take care of the pettiest of his personal tasks was willing to lend a hand in clearing up my mess. Gosh! I wish I’d accepted the offer, not because I couldn’t manage on my own but because we could’ve spent few more hours together.
That day onwards, I decided to be more efficient in my style of organizing the travel, not only it gives a better impression but saves time with a peace of mind. All in all, makes you a better professional!
Here are 5 not-to-miss items to include in your list (specially if you are a solo female traveling), it’ll significantly simplify the packing-unpacking-repacking chain.
1. Scarf — This is a real MVP in your travel bag. It’s not only ideal to spice up your look but also comes handy as a blanket to keep you warm when the air conditioners (at airports, train stations or in buses, flights, lounges) make you shiver, and your bae isn’t around to cuddle up. ;)
2. Handbags — A handbag is a must, be it a tote bag, a sling bag or a leather handbag. The type depends on the purpose of your trip. If it’s business cum leisure, you might need more than one. With a handbag in your reach, you can keep important items close by, like your sunshades or glasses, small water bottle, quick munchies, wallet, tech case, basic make-up to brush up your look on the go, travel organizer, power bank and last but not the least, your PHONE. This way, you won’t miss a beat when your luggage is keeping away in the boot or baggage area.
3. Jewelry — Some of us adorn a chic look while the rest prefer to be a bit loaded. Till the time I was at university, I ensured a pair of matching earrings per dress and that was a part of who I was (well, my batchmates still tease me for that). I am quite different now though, learning to be a minimalist, satisfied with elegantly simple diamond earrings that gel with every outfit. If you are carrying a number of pieces, use a jewelry case to prevent them from breaking or tangling.
4. Footwear — A canvas or slip on sandals for the journey should be enough. In addition, keep a pair of black high heels for business meetings or as a backup when something fancy comes up. Don’t miss the bathroom slippers if you are putting up at a B&B or as a paying guest, you’ll need to wear them around the house when you arrive at the destination.
5. Essentials pack — It is always a good idea to keep a beauty pack or a small bag for toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, nail clippers, tampons/ pads, lotion, perfume, hair care items, lipsticks, eyeliner, foundation, mascara, etc. so contents don’t leak into the box of clothes and ruin them. A separate lingerie pack is advisable to give an overall neater look to your packing.
So where are you traveling next, in the new normal world? Don’t forget your mask and sanitizer! :D
