Friday, April 16, 2010

FRIDAY FIVE: Pack Your Bags Edition

Songbird from RevGals writes:

I'm preparing to pack my bags for the Big Event Three, and as I gather what I need I'm thinking about just that: what do I *need* to take with me? As a person who likes to pack light, I worry that in the end I may underpack and wish I had other things with me.  I own the gigantor version of the bag to the right, but my morbid fear of having it go astray and not get to the ship means I'm more likely to try to pack it all in a carry-on bag instead, especially since I have a very tight connection on the way to the cruise. But won't I be sorry if I don't bring _______________?
With that in mind, here are five questions about packing to go on a trip.

1) Some fold, some roll and some simply fling into the bag. What's your technique for packing clothes?
A combination of rolling and folding clothes works the best. Things that are forgiving (like jeans and tshirts) get rolled. Socks and underthings are carefully stuffed in empty spots. Usually I have to re-pack my bag because I forget something that should go at the bottom (shoes, for instance). Actually the best packer in my family is Bearded Brewer, with Reedy Girl a close second. The Johnnie and I are not so good, but we are learning.  (I think there is a "packing gene" -- don't you?)

2) The tight regulations about carrying liquids on planes makes packing complicated. What might we find in your quart-size bag? Ever lose a liquid that was too big?
I have a medications bag and a toiletries bag. I don't try to fit my medications into that precious quart bag any more. Once I found out that medication were exempt, I didn't stress so much. My airplane bag has: shampoo, lotion, liquid soap, deodorant and toothpaste.

PET PEEVE: I want my toiletries in my usual unscented (or not perfume added) choices. Unfortunately, there are NO unscented deodorant travel sizes out there. :(


I had to argue one time to take my medications with me. Since they were all with prescription labels on them, I was fine. (Note: Even over-the-counter meds should have a pharmacy sticker on them to avoid the quart bag limit. My pharmacist printed out a bunch of "use as directed" labels for me with my name on them.)

3) What's something you can't imagine leaving at home?
Asthma medications. Depending on the season, my nebulizer goes with me, too.

4) Do you have a bag with wheels?
OH yes. And I loves it, I does. And my luggage set is slightly smaller than the one in my photo...

5) What's your favorite reading material for a non-driving trip (plane, train, bus, ship)?
I'm trying to remember what I read when I wasn't hauling theology books! I'm guessing some kind of novel where I can "fall in" to the story and let it help pass the time.

7 comments:

altar ego said...

There IS a packing gene. I know this because I am lucky enough to have it. Got it from both sides of the family! At home I'm known as the space queen because I know how to maximize space. Especially in the refrigerator after a trip to the grocery store.

I'm with you on the book that you can fall into!

Silent said...

There is definitely a packing gene! I'm grateful to have inherited it from my dad.

angela said...

Why isn't it possible to check prescriptions in your through bag? Is it the thought of losing them? I've never lost luggage for more than a couple days I guess.

RevDrKate said...

Love that description...a "fall-in" novel. Yep, that be it.

Deb said...

Angela
I don't ever want to be without things that let me breathe...

Sisterfilms said...

There is totally a packing gene, and I think it goes along with the organizing gene.

I think the unscented-travel deodorant might depend on if you want anti-perspirant in there, too. ... but my co-op sells a handy crystal deodorant that is travel size that I really like. It has absolutely no scent I can detect (I have allergies to chemical smells) and works well for a regular day of not sweating too much! Also it lasts a really long time (I just use that everyday now).

Unknown said...

I use those items to fill up corners, too. My medications are all pills at the moment, so fortunately I just put them in a pill carrier and go.