Packing for an overseas trip - A crisis or a Challenge

Packing - A Crisis or a Challenge

Rae Hamilton getting prepared


The excitement of a trip away soon gives way to the dilemma of what to take or in my case what not to take.  For years I have put off the inevitable packing until the last moment when I simply take everything I could possibly need just in case there is an infestation of mosquitos, no doctor or pharmacy and I have to be the medic.  I even took some new click contraptions once which sent a wee current to your itchy bits to stop them being scratched to death. And the myriad of tops I have taken in the past just in case the temperatures soared from 8 to 35 degrees in one day.  I would pack for a trip sometime in the last week before departure and then the night before jam in everything I had been so happy I had previously managed to leave out. And then...guess what.  I would buy another 5-6 tops overseas as they were irrestistable, only to find they looked a bit garish back in Auckland's grey winter weather. Thinking perhaps that becasue of our opposite seasons I would hardly need to shop for the coming summer.And I know I am not alone in this as I walk past a recycle shop every morning and see other peoples mistakes, in all their kaliedoscopic colours, flashing under the neon lights.

That was the old way - pre Lynda the stylist of Personalised Branding.  Remember the 'wardrobe makeover' that had me looking like a possum in the headlights back in May.  Well, in August for a 5 day trip to better weather, I packed efficiently into one side of my suitcase and wore everything I took.  Did a bit of relatively inexpensive shopping and was very pleased with the results.  All very well as a practise run but as our amazing trip to all points north loomed, I was again struck with complete indecision.  How do we as New Zealanders and Australians pack for a trip that takes in many countries and many temperatures?  As we are so far away from Europe we tend to add extra side trips to other European destinations.  So, off we go in two weeks to countries where the temperatures will range from 1degree into the 30's.  Plus, the range of activities is just about as varied. From lying beside a pool to ballooning in Cappadocia in Turkey.

Hello Lynda I thought.  Why don't I give her my list and draw on her considerable experience while I work in real estate and the website and enjoy my family, pop things into the suitcase a few days before and swan off.

Ha...it still takes planning and preparation which is the key to successful traveling - I hope.

After the phone call to Lynda I sat down to write the list and I was so pleased I could pass over the problem when I realised the complexity of the trip.  I have always traveled to Europe in our winter to their summer so I had only ever needed a warm weather wardrobe.  November in some of the places turned out looking rather different.

The Message/List to Lynda:

1. gaps in  wardrobe - shopping list for trip or whenever so if I do some shopping I don't bring back orphans (have never been so poor due to the real estate market so thank goodness you introduced me to Veronika Maine and where possible I would like to get away with what I have already in my wardrobe)
2. packing list for trip - details of places/temps below - nights on boat always in aircon so bare arms too cold.

Trip:

• Singapore on way there and back (couple of nights) - hot 30?
• Turkey -Istanbul min 14 Max 19 inland to Cappadicia - balloon ride and sightseeing then back to Istanbul for a couple of nights - (jacket for ride and sightseeing) (temp around 12 - 18 but colder in morning)
• 11 day cruise lots of excursions and dinner every night on the boat with 2 days at sea - giving formal nights a miss thank goodness but dress up nonetheless) lows range from 12 - 20 and highs from 18 to poss 30 in Egypt and Jerusalem
• Athens for a couple of days at the end of the trip (av temp nov 15.5)
• Rome/Milan for 5 nights (Rome 8-17 av and milan 1 - 11 degrees rainy)

Now I am so happy because I have shared my problems - I can relax.

The result:
After less than an hour in my wardrobe and with me trying on everything (again), Lynda sorted the clothes into an increasingly small pile with only two coats for the cold/wet/sightseeing/ballooning and and came back to me with a very short list to purchase pre trip and/or for spring summer.  So that if I did some shopping while away it would be filling gaps in the wardrobe not creating clutter.

The dining thing on the boat was sorted with some colour to add to the black outfits and a few tops to layer under if cold and to wear on their own in the hot temperatures. Plus a pair of satin trousers to wear with the tops. Thanks goodness she gave a reluctant tick to the Merrells walking shoes as they don't slip on the gravelly pathways while sightseeing.  Very light and ok to wash which they will need after 8 hours wandering Jerusalem. However, I realise that on the list was a pair of pewter.silver runners that she is intending I replace the Merrells with.  Hmmmm..

We both agreed that there was no point going for a gold medal in packing perfectly and that if the weight allowance was there, why not take whatever it would allow. 

Plenty of hair and beauty product on the boat so no need to take the huge bottles. .

Sounds too easy doesn't it?  However, making the list for me took an hour or so looking up temperatures and activities and sorting clothes plus Lynda's input took the total preparation time to 2 1/2 hours minimum.  And nothing in the suitcase yet.  Now I can understand why people write books about this subject.

Meanwhile watch this space as I shall be blogging flat out, photos included, when the trip starts so the wonderful Geraldine can pick up the ball in my absence and post everything. Plus she had found the 10 best travel apps for iphone and for ipads. Can't wait to tell you about the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.  The bags, coats etc are unbelievable.   And promise not to buy any orphans.

Jet Lag Cure
As part of my planning research I have found a fantastic new product that helps recalibrate sleep which I will be taking with me.  It is a vitamin supplement to take PM to aid relaxation and sleep. It has been formulated by entrepreneur, Nicky Webber, as part of a new range.  Check it out here...

Help us all with your tips
I would love to hear from any of you who have the packing thing sorted or who have some great tips to share. I feel such a wimp having handed the problem to Lynda but it is a task I have hated forever.