The Karina Chronicles is running my guest post about packing light. Go ahead, take a look!
In it, I mention my ten-minute packing timeframe. Normally I take a little longer, but we had a situation the day of our departure to Paris. I worked in the morning, holding conferences with my students. At around 10:00 a.m., I checked my email, only to see a message that the airline had canceled our flight. I called Neal, who had taken the day off (luckily), and after some heated phone calls, he was able to get us on an earlier flight.
I had to reschedule a few students, rush home, find a ride to the airport, finish straightening out the house, and pack. I was supposed to have had about four hours for most of this, and instead, I had less than 90 minutes.
This is what I love about being a list maker and a light packer. After a few moments of panic, I was able to calmly get my act together without missing anything I’d decided to take. What might have been a huge inconvenience was merely a small inconvenience.
What are your favorite tips for preparing to travel?
I loved your article (and the dress featured in the article). You always find the best dresses and skirts, seriously, love your style. Amazing what you were able to pack in just 10 minutes!
When I’m preparing to travel, lately it’s been with a 2-year-old in tow, so in addition to packing my stuff, I have to think about hers, and I also have to remember snacks. Snacks are important to keep the toddler happy when traveling! Both by car and plane.
I have a great little black dress that won’t wrinkle even if I stuff it in my bag at the end – wore that 3 times on my last trip, accessorizing with different hosiery, scarves, and switching up my footwear (heels one night, boots another). Important to have versatile pieces that can be worn in different ways, and items that don’t wrinkle too much (I hate to iron when I’m on vacation)!
Loved your article (and the dress & boots!) about light packing. When I am going to be gone for just a few days I really try to plan outfits that are versatile as possible, and bring a tiny travel packet of detergent. Simplicity is of utmost importance!
That’s quite a story! I make lists and usually am all packed a day ahead of time and that helps me to remember anything I’ve forgotten.