How does one pack for a long-haul, week-long trip? Considering it’s been two years since I’ve taken part in this particular travel exercise, maybe I shouldn’t be surprised that I am just…
Lost.
I used to do this all the time. I was a pro, a champ. I could pack for two weeks in two hours. I loved just tossing items in my case and jetting off. But somehow, I’ve lost the knack.
Look, I still know how to prep and plan…I’ve pulled up the weather forecasts, projected temperatures and possible rain amounts for each spot along my next adventure route and have picked out the appropriate accessories. I know the essentials that must be packed for any long trip: the toiletries, the beauty items, the favorite pajamas. But beyond that, I’m paralyzed making decisions about what to cram in my suitcase for Friday’s departure.
Perhaps it’s because after so long, this last-minute opportunity truly fell into my lap, and I’m not used to doing last-minute after two long years of watching and waiting, hoping and praying. Maybe I’m not sure what to wear around other people who are also vacationing—not too dressy, but not too casual. What if I look silly or out of place? Hiking boots or tennis shoes…or both? How many pairs of pants, how many dresses, what jewelry? Can I pull off a capsule wardrobe, or should I just risk the airline weight limit on my checked luggage and shove everything in?
I’m being far too deliberate, and I think that too is a function of the past two years.
Every choice made—to keep myself, my family and those around me safe—has been a deliberation. A calculation, a question of risk vs reward. And there’s always been the feeling that the bottom could drop at any moment. I actually think my inability to decide on a wardrobe for this upcoming week and change away might have to do with the feeling that this opportunity too could vanish.
But…better to pack than to never have packed at all, right?
So, I’m going to try to fall back on my tried-and-true rule; layers! If I stuff in a bit too much, no harm, no foul, right? Precision isn’t necessary for this trip…it’s getting back out there that is.
Watch this space for much more about where I’m going…I’m so excited and can’t wait to share more here and with my friends at Travel Awaits.
XO,
Erika