I've never been good at packing. I just don't like it.
I want to travel light, and take only the essentials, but I need to make sure I've got extra clothes, shoes, shampoo, wetwipes, books etc just in case. I've definitely gotten better over time as I've been on more trips and moved house a few times, but it's still something I dread. Does it take anyone else at least 3 days to properly pack and be happy with what you've got in your bag??! 😣
My trip to Malaysia and Australia is fast approaching and after my wardrobe decluttering I've got a much better idea of what I have to choose from. But I'm STILL not fully packed!!
The bag debacle
As I mentioned before, I like to do things logically. To me, this means having the bag ready to pack things into before I start thinking about what I'm going to pack. I know some people would rather see what they need and get a bag to fit, but that's not how I work. I know I'm away for 5 weeks so need a decent size bag, but will be backpacking for some of it, so didn't want anything too big.
My travel luggage selection wasn't great. My favourite pink suitcase came to Malawi with me on a uni trip and got ruined by the baggage handlers, so had to go in the bin. My other good suitcase is too small for a 5 week trip. The only suitcase my family had that was about the right size came to Canada with me recently only for me to discover the wheel was broken. My trusty backpack would hold all I needed, but when I took it interrailing I found having to dig to the bottom to get anything out such a pain. So, I did some research and found the perfect bag for me - not too big, not too small, zip opening all the way around, with wheels and backpack straps! Check it out here.
The weather
Something I learned when travelling round Europe a couple of years ago is that it pays to check the weather forecast! We assumed holiday in June = sunshine EVERY DAY. We were wrong! Which thinking about it, isn't really a surprise. But since all we were thinking about was the beaches we'd visit, we naively packed shorts and strappy tops only! Oops. I had one pair of leggings and a hoody with me (for the train/plane/bus trips) that were well worn by the time we arrived home! This time, I know that the weather should be between 22 and 32 degrees for my whole trip, there will likely be rain in Singapore, and it may get windy in Melbourne.
How many days is it?
And even more importantly, will I be able to do washing? I'm staying with family for the first two weeks so clothing isn't too much of an issue then and I will be able to do some washing, but after that it may be a bit trickier. Lots of hostels now have laundry facilities, which is a godsend if you're away for a while! I'd definitely recommend checking out Hostelworld for finding great places to stay. I'm away for 5 weeks but am taking enough clothes for about 2 weeks (and am contemplating stuffing some more stuff in my bag just in case...) It's also worth thinking about the facilities at the places you're visiting, since hostels don't provide much other than a bed, but hotels are likely to give you a towel and toiletries.
I want to travel light, and take only the essentials, but I need to make sure I've got extra clothes, shoes, shampoo, wetwipes, books etc just in case. I've definitely gotten better over time as I've been on more trips and moved house a few times, but it's still something I dread. Does it take anyone else at least 3 days to properly pack and be happy with what you've got in your bag??! 😣
My trip to Malaysia and Australia is fast approaching and after my wardrobe decluttering I've got a much better idea of what I have to choose from. But I'm STILL not fully packed!!
The bag debacle
As I mentioned before, I like to do things logically. To me, this means having the bag ready to pack things into before I start thinking about what I'm going to pack. I know some people would rather see what they need and get a bag to fit, but that's not how I work. I know I'm away for 5 weeks so need a decent size bag, but will be backpacking for some of it, so didn't want anything too big.
My travel luggage selection wasn't great. My favourite pink suitcase came to Malawi with me on a uni trip and got ruined by the baggage handlers, so had to go in the bin. My other good suitcase is too small for a 5 week trip. The only suitcase my family had that was about the right size came to Canada with me recently only for me to discover the wheel was broken. My trusty backpack would hold all I needed, but when I took it interrailing I found having to dig to the bottom to get anything out such a pain. So, I did some research and found the perfect bag for me - not too big, not too small, zip opening all the way around, with wheels and backpack straps! Check it out here.
The weather
Something I learned when travelling round Europe a couple of years ago is that it pays to check the weather forecast! We assumed holiday in June = sunshine EVERY DAY. We were wrong! Which thinking about it, isn't really a surprise. But since all we were thinking about was the beaches we'd visit, we naively packed shorts and strappy tops only! Oops. I had one pair of leggings and a hoody with me (for the train/plane/bus trips) that were well worn by the time we arrived home! This time, I know that the weather should be between 22 and 32 degrees for my whole trip, there will likely be rain in Singapore, and it may get windy in Melbourne.
How many days is it?
And even more importantly, will I be able to do washing? I'm staying with family for the first two weeks so clothing isn't too much of an issue then and I will be able to do some washing, but after that it may be a bit trickier. Lots of hostels now have laundry facilities, which is a godsend if you're away for a while! I'd definitely recommend checking out Hostelworld for finding great places to stay. I'm away for 5 weeks but am taking enough clothes for about 2 weeks (and am contemplating stuffing some more stuff in my bag just in case...) It's also worth thinking about the facilities at the places you're visiting, since hostels don't provide much other than a bed, but hotels are likely to give you a towel and toiletries.
Though I love a good holiday and chance to explore somewhere new, I still find packing the worst part. Even when that's knowing you're going somewhere hot and getting away from the crummy English rain! Maybe I'll learn one day... But for now, I'll be cramming my bag full of as much stuff as possible!
Thanks for reading!
Becky x
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