What should I pack? When should I start?? HELP!

Question

I'm leaving on Thursday to go to a lot of places... New York mainly. And Canada..and Michigan.. but what should I pack and when should I start? I'm scared I'll forget something vital.. ugh! I'm gonna be gone for like 3 weeks! Help me please!

Answer 1

First off you are headed for travel in summer. Leave heavier clothing items behind. I'm presuming you are only bringing one bag since it costs extra now to check two. I would start now to make sure all the stuff you want to bring is clean and ready to go. Here are some helpful tips:

* bring swim wear - you never know if there will be water around (pool, beach) and a bikini also doubles as extra set of underwear when in need

* lay out all the items you think you might need in piles on your bed. tops, bottoms, toiletries, accessories, electronics etc. then narrow it all down.

*only bring items of clothing that can be worn with other things to make new outfits. keep to more solid colors are they come together better

* bring more underwear and socks then you think you need. i usually pack 1 week's worth. you usually run out of these items before anything else. plus you don't want to do laundry every 2 days.

* talking about laundry. it is a great $$ saver to bring your own laundry detergent. I love http://www.drbronner.com/ you can find it at trader joes. You can use it as a body soap, shampoo and laundry detergent too.

* shoes - limit the number of shoes! for a girl it is easy to just go crazy here plus you are going to NYC and will probably buy more. i would bring bare minimum. 1 pair walking, 1 pair flip flops (essential on any trip) and 1 pair nicer but comfortable shoes to walk/dance in. this is the going out shoes...again that should co-ordinate with your clothes.

* 1 light jacket/windbreaker - essential for the air conditioned planes or cooler nights

* for clothes - layering is the key. for girls in summer bring several tank tops or better still tanks with built in bras which can go under other t-shirts for a layered looked and for quick change if the weather gets too hot or cold.

* for pants - i bring i denim skirt that can have multiple uses. short enough that i can go out for the night in but not so short that i can't wear it during the day. 1 pair of jeans...yes only 1 and wear it on the plane since it is probably the heaviest item. i love cargo pants, usually bring 2. i buy slightly dressy ones so that it doesn't look like i came from a safari and can wear them to a restaurant even with a dressy top. 1 or 2 pairs of shorts

* hair - if you are staying at hotels or with a friend don't bring a hair dryer as most will have it. i can't live without my hot iron so that cames in it's place. if you do have to bring a hair dryer buy a travel one that is smaller but still gets the job done. for products transfer to small bottles. you will be amazed at how little you need for 3 weeks.

* lotions - i have dry skin and can't live without body lotion. i bring 1 that i use for face and skin and have a little container in my back pack for use during travel (airports and planes dries out my skin).

* make up - again bare minimum. one of each item. i bring one small compact with eye shadows that i can use for day or night. one gloss and one lipstick. don't bring all your makeup brushes just the essentials again or invest in a smaller set of traveling brushes like i have

Hope this helps and travel safe!

Answer 2

First calm down. Make a checklist first.  Make sure the checklist is complete before you start packing. think of everything. then start packing little by little and cross things of the list. It would be a good idea to start packing tomorrow Tuesday! Make your list tonite...