The Savvy Woman's Packing List

I am legendary for the heft and size of my luggage. But when I headed out Sunday for an overnight trip, I reversed that trend and packed very lightly. I surprised the guys on the camera crew that I would actually take an overnight bag for an overnight trip.

However, I am now regretting my decision as my overnight stay in Louisville, Kentucky, has stretched into three nights--thanks to a vicious visitation of a local stomach virus. I was scheduled to tape an updated conversation with the founders of the Together for the Gospel conference (Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C.J. Mahaney, and Al Mohler) in Dr. Mohler's personal library. I was looking forward to seeing this library in person as I had heard so many rave about it. Instead, I spent that time in the emergency room of Jewish Hospital in downtown Louisville. In case I had any delusions that I was indispensable to this shoot, I'm glad to report that the Brainbox Productions crew did a great job without me--no surprises there.

My little adventure has raised some good points about travel, especially for single women on travel. When I was registering at the hospital, I was asked if I have an advanced medical directive, a signed power of attorney, or other such medical forms. I don't. Yet. Like most people, I don't think I'm at the stage where I need to think about it. But obviously illness or injury can strike at any age, and if one travels a great deal it would be wise to put these documents in order--especially for singles.

As a result of this trip, I'm returning to my overpacking tendencies (sorry, guys!). I didn't pack the extra outfits I normally do, clothes that account for spills, weather changes, modesty mishaps (didn't I pack that cami?!) and unexpected changes in travel plans. Before I pack any extra clothes, my suitcase is typically pre-packed with the following items:

- Disinfectant wipes (I've seen some unclean hotel rooms in my time)

- Dove cleansing cloths (activated with water, these are ideal for carry-on luggage)

- Chargers for my mobile phone, PDA, laptop, iPod, etc.

- Slippers (have you ever noticed how black your feet get padding around some hotel rooms?)

- Robe (especially helpful if you are a houseguest and the bathroom is not adjacent to your room)

- Tiny fan (good for drowning out loud hallway conversations)

- Earplugs (good for drowning out everything, but risky if you don't hear that alarm)

- Noise-cancelling headphones (especially helpful for long plane rides)

- A vitamin-rich, ultra-moisturizing face mask for rehydrating post-plane skin

- An array of medicines to combat bug bites, rashes, nausea, colds, respiratory illness, skin infections, cuts, burns, blisters, and "Montezuma's revenge"

- An alarm clock function (on my mobile phone or iPaq) because wake-up calls are infamously unreliable

- Last, but not least, my medical insurance card

That's before I start packing what I need for a particular trip. I always bring two pairs of shoes, even if I'm just gone for a short trip, because you never know when blisters will strike--or when your colleagues will get impatient with the stately pace your high-heeled boots require. (On one trip, my male colleagues were scheming to put caster wheels in my heels and tip me backwards like a dolly to get me around faster. When they finally 'fessed up to what was amusing them, we all laughed so hard that we couldn't walk at all!)

My hotel and hospital stays were pleasant, but a I've got to give props to Southwest Airlines. They not only rescheduled my flight twice, they did it without charging me additional fees. I only have to produce my emergency room discharge papers. That's truly outstanding service, especially the week before Christmas!

If you have any other packing tips, please post a comment. I'm re-opening the comment function on this post in time for our holiday travels. (And check out the submitted ideas for "niblings" in the "Creating Aunt Traditions" post--I've updated that post with a selection of your comments.)

Comments

[Amber Harrington]

"modesty mishaps (didn't I pack that cami?!)"

That is hilarious! What would we do without cami's?? I think I wear one every other day. A modest girl needs a good collection of camis--or at least a black, white, brown, and tan one!

Also, I agree with your packing habits. There are just way too many things that could go wrong NOT to pack extra outfits, etc.

[Alisha J]

I travel frequently with the ministry I'm invovled in. A very wise older women told me when I first came on the staff that I should have two of every toiletry I need. One for travel and one for at home. I have the extra set, always packed in a makeup or travel bag. That way you never forget your toothbrush or shampo.
I have a second set of everything except make-up because that's too expensive to have two of. It saves time packing and I forget stuff a lot less than I use too.
MaryKay has a great roll-up bag that holds fullsize products. I think it has 4 or 5 seperate pockets. That's what I keep mine in.

[Carrie]

A mini water bottle, organic granola bars or a ziplock baggie of almonds, a banana, lip balm, and a tiny copy of the Book of Common Prayer are good carry-on items too!

[Carol]

Never throw away old undergarments at home. Save things until they're almost at the end of their usefulness, then wash them and put them in your suitcase for your next trip. Then wear them on your trip and throw them away as you go. Take a few sandwich bags to put items in for discreet discarding--especially if you're staying in someone's home.
The result: less dirty laundry to haul back home.

[Jennifer L]

Yeah, I also am notorious for packing more than I need. I often come home with several tops I never wore - but a few of my friends did! :) I agree with Alisha that it's WAY helpful to have two of everything....Note: do not forget eyeglasses!! I only have one pair and wear contacts except at bedtime. I often forget to pack them - it must be quite hilarious to watch me try to make it from the bathroom to the bed. : )

Merry Christmas, Carolyn!!!

[gail]

good reminder on having paperwork all lined up in case of emergencies...it is also a good idea for someone to know where banking, investment, bill payment information and internet passwords can be found just in case there are long term needs...ah my friends tell me i have oco- obsessive compolsive overpacking syndrome...it's true...