Fashion

[Pickwickpapers]

Packing isn't difficult if you pack wisely and co-ordinate items that can be mixed and matched......and I must say this because I am envious, I have always wanted to go on a cruise and haven't been able to, just pack and think about how great the trip will be, how hard that you have worked and saved to be able to afford the cruise, the wonderful places you will see, the people you will meet, memories you will make and the sweet time that you will share with your DH.........packing should not be a problem.......enjoy your trip and return home refreshed and happy! Life is too short to worry about the unimportant details.....

[MomCat]

Just when you think your are speaking to your peers, here come's all the debby downers to chime in. It would be funny if it weren't so pitiful. Anyhoo - I've always hated packing too, but I am always more successful when I stick with one color scheme and limit shoes and jewelry. I strive to look my best, so I pack on the heavy side too. I'd rather make room for my cosmetics than more clothing tho. Have fun!!

[Rununculus]

I agree that it's easier if you color coordinate and mix and match, e.g. black, white & taupe, w/ maybe a few blue things or pick your favorite accent color. I can't stand lugging suitcases around so tend to pack light and my dresses will be ones that can dress up or down. Would limit to 3 pair shoes, e.g. one low heeled sandal, ballet flat, and one wedge or pump. One handbag you carry and one dressy clutch you pack.

No way am I going to fuss with my hair on vacation so I'll have a trim that's easy to style.

Cosmetics, yes, but one look that I can just layer for more drama. Definitely no fine jewelry for me, just a few fashion pieces.

Have fun and don't sweat the small stuff! Never have I looked back at a vacation photo of myself and said, Gee why didn't I bring such-and-such outfit, or wear more makeup! No, it's about the memories you make with the one you love and the new people/places.

[Pickwickpapers]

On 7/10/2014 Junebug54 said:

What's a vacay??

Texting abbreviation for vacation which is also used as verbal slang......I learned this from my grandchildren.......

[Junebug54]

Hi MOM thanks but I actually do know what it stands for. I just dislike the word as I also hate cray cray!! But I have to say I agree with the OP as that I absolutely hate packing too. I always bring too much. OP have a great trip.

[Debbie1426]

On 7/11/2014 expatgal said:

On 7/11/2014 tough_kitty said:

I had to look up the packing cubes. While they keep things organized, they add weight and take space!!! Not very practical, in my opinion.....

Eagle Creek "Specter Cubes" - average 1 oz. each. They're made of a lightweight, washable, durable nylon. Worth every cent, IMO. Roll clothes and you can get a lot in each one. So helps in organization and also unpacking. I'm sure there are "heavier" ones out there, but they are SO worth it. I love the different sizes and also use them in my carry on bag.

I did not "get it" either until I started using these! Now I cannot imagine traveling without them. THE best thing I ever did! I have turned the entire family onto them.

[fancy pantsy]

sandralea, i hope you have a wonderful time on your cruise.

[Deadeye Daisy]

Packing for just one week is a no-brainer. Lay out on the bed EVERY SINGLE THING that you plan to take. Then put ¾ of it back in the closet. Go through the rest and put some more back.

For just a one week cruise, one carry-on size bag is sufficient. If not flying, you can easily make do with a 24" bag. I go away for three weeks at a time a carry-on bag and my tote bag. Microfiber is a GODSEND when traveling. It packs small, doesn't wrinkle, can be laundered and dried on a hanger in 30 minutes. Easily layered.

Formal nights on a cruise is a no-brainer. I always have one black floor length polyester skirt in my bag. In a pinch, this can be pulled way up and belted to become a shorter length strapless dress.

In winter, I wear things like my down parka and boots instead of packing. They come off on the flight, and I put on travel slippers.

If you're taking a separate 'vanity case' or something similar for hair and makeup, you're traveling with WAY too much stuff. I carry some pretty strange things, too. A 6 cup Brita pitcher, a water purification kit, duck tape, TP (have been in some 5 star hotels and inns that have what feels like newsprint). Disinfectant wipes. Lots of clear zinc oxide no matter where or when I'm traveling.

Our now 22 year old DG said she is now very happy that we taught her how to pack for several weeks when she was 8. She travels on the spur of the moment and does it with one carry-on bag, all the time laughing at her travel companions trying to joggle suitcases.

We taught her to pack whatever she wanted, then she had to go outside with the suitcase(s) and walk about a mile from the house lugging it all, then come back. It's a lesson EVERYONE should learn. If you can't manage your own luggage on a trip, you are over packing.

I've been to many places where you can't find a porter, or if there is one, he's busy with someone else. Often an inn doesn't have an entrance accessible by car or bus. YOU get to lug your own things. If you happen to be going between cities by train, you'll be GLAD you can manage your own bags.

I have more problems unpacking, too. First, suitcase doesn't get to come into the house until after EVERYTHING has been steam treated, including the suitcase. Then and only then do the clothes get to go into the wash.