Friend Friday: Vacation, All I Ever Wanted!

Ah, summer always remind of vacations, which reminds me of The Go-Go’s.  But vacations also mean lots of hurry, scurry and of course, packing!  This week’s Friend Friday asks us to think about how we mentally and physically prepare for that quick get away.

When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra?

I don’t really have one, because I’m always contradicting them in some way.  My tendancy is to overpack, which is ironic because I always go shopping no matter where I go.  One thing that really has helped me in a few situations was something my mom taught me:  make sure to have an extra outfit, underwear, socks, and toothbrush in your carry-on.  In times where my luggage was either lost or delayed, this has been a lifesaver!

What are your must packs?

Other than the essentials (underwear, socks and toiletries), I must always have a casual outfit which includes jeans, a t-shirt and pair of shorts, a swimsuit, a business casual outfit, an outfit for an evening out and a very light cardigan or jacket and blazer.  I must also have at least 4 pairs of shoes to match these corresponding outfits.

What are you happy to leave behind?

Heavy jackets or coats, unless I’m knowingly traveling to a place with inclement weather.  I did pack a coat when I went to London because I wasn’t sure what the weather would be like.  Then ended up buying a coat there and we had to buy another piece of luggage to accommodate our purchases, mainly the coat.   We were smarter when we went to New York last year and packed lighter because we knew we would shop.

Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase?

Put things in shoes and purses and roll stuff around things like hair straighteners.  Generally, try to pack essentials or things that can be mixed and matched because you know can always going shopping at some point (well, that’s my excuse anyway).

Beach reading…what are you taking with you to read in the sand?

I don’t have an iPad, Kindle or any other reading device, so I’ll be hauling the latest hard or soft cover of Sophie Kinsella’s latest “Mini Shopaholic”.

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday is a Google group for bloggers to converse on a given topic each week. Katy from ModlyChic sends the questions, bloggers post their responses and then add their post to the list of people sharing their thoughts on the subject matter. To get started, check out this great tutorial on Grit & Glamour here.

(Image courtesy of Chartstat)

14 comments

  2. I always shop too and I have had to buy an extra bag to bring stuff home! Heck, when I went to Vegas in March I shipped home a whole box of stuff!! I usually leave behind things like shampoo and conditioner because I can buy it when I get to my destination. Keeps the weight of my suitcase down – which is always a problem for me anyway!! Notorious overpacker!!
    Happy Friend Friday!!

    1. Very true about the shampoo and stuff, especially if you are going to a hotel. They usually have that there anyway, but I stop by a drugstore to get my faves if I need it. We are kindred overpackers…now I can tell my hubby I’m not the only one!

      xoxo

  4. I agree, taking extra underwear/toiletries in your carry-on works for me very well! Shipping works for me when I shop alot. .. Happy Friday!
    Madison

    1. Hi Christine –

      We must ALWAYS leave room for shopping! Yes I am Pinay! I kinda thought you were, but I wasn’t sure 🙂

      I saw some of your pics on your site…beautiful shots! Thanks for stopping by! I’m definitely going to be following your blog!

      xoxo

  6. I don’t have a Kindle or anything like that either. I’m technologically challenged, plus I love the feel of a tangible book in my hands 🙂

  7. I own an Ipad, but i still LOVE the feeling of a nice hardback book in my hands. Nothing could ever replace that 🙂

    x mordrian

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