Packing for a trip

[Christine]

What I like about Blue is that we can share legroom. The Lovevook is bigger and that was an issue. I didn't have it very full so it fit under my Southwest seat fine, without smooshing, but took up the whole space.

My reason for switching is that I use a scooter and I can hang the backpack on the back of my seat. The metal frame does cause you to get pulled for a bag search at Disney though.

Lovevook is staying home this trip as my carry on item will be a backpack cooler - packed with my clothes for the trip down and then to be used in the parks during the trip.

I recently found a smaller Baggalini backpack at TJMaxx. It was on clearance for about $45 (I think they are much more). It can fit a smaller laptop. I took it on my last trip (no laptop) but lots of other stuff and it did MUCH better under the seats (I am mostly flying United and, man, some plane configs have poor underseat storage). It would also hang on the back of a scooter seat I think and it has the band so you can slip it over your suitcase handle. The fabric on it is really lightweight so you might take a look at that brand. I now 100% use that brand's crossbody bags/purses. Very durable, lightweight, and lots of organization. Since I'm a cheapskate, I won't buy them full price but TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross will often have last season's bags for about $25. Ross more like $15 but more scarce. Costco was also selling the tote but I didn't think it was a great deal.

 

[china mom]

I recently found a smaller Baggalini backpack at TJMaxx. It was on clearance for about $45 (I think they are much more). It can fit a smaller laptop. I took it on my last trip (no laptop) but lots of other stuff and it did MUCH better under the seats (I am mostly flying United and, man, some plane configs have poor underseat storage). It would also hang on the back of a scooter seat I think and it has the band so you can slip it over your suitcase handle. The fabric on it is really lightweight so you might take a look at that brand. I now 100% use that brand's crossbody bags/purses. Very durable, lightweight, and lots of organization. Since I'm a cheapskate, I won't buy them full price but TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross will often have last season's bags for about $25. Ross more like $15 but more scarce. Costco was also selling the tote but I didn't think it was a great deal.

There was a Baggalini I was considering but cold not justify the $110 price tag. Sadly, I am not near a Ross or Marshals - but then again, maybe that's a good thing.

 

[Christine]

There was a Baggalini I was considering but cold not justify the $110 price tag. Sadly, I am not near a Ross or Marshals - but then again, maybe that's a good thing.

Oh it is a good thing.

 

[china mom]

Packing hack:

I have this shoe rack

and instead of shoes, I have these bins

I labeled the bins and have all of my items like travel sized toiletries, travel toothbrushes, charging cables, luggage locks etc

For shorter trips, I usually have everything I would need already packed in my personal item bag but for bigger trips, I can roll the cart out and "shop" from the bins as I pack. I keep the cart in my luggage storage closet.

Yes, I do know how I sound.

 

[Kitty 34]

I like packing. I have many lists so I don't forget anything. I don't feel I overpack tho; not like my DH who packs as if he will be a castaway on an island for a year!

 

[White Cat]

I like packing. I have many lists so I don't forget anything. I don't feel I overpack tho; not like my DH who packs as if he will be a castaway on an island for a year!

I too have a list. It helps.

The thing to remember. Passports. Drivers licenses and credit card. Can about go anywhere and do anything with those items.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Basically my toiletry bag is always packed. It gets refilled as soon as I return.
It’s not difficult for me to pack my carryon. My wardrobe is mostly classic and my color palette limited so not hard to match items up. Only my accessories have a lot of colors.I wouldn’t say it was a joy to pack but it’s not an onerous task either.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I enjoy packing-it's exciting to know your trip is finally happening! I start a list a week or so before I pack, and I put a copy of the list in the suitcase so I can make sure I come back with everything. I pack as lightly as possible. This is not like my sister, who packs like she's going away forever.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I enjoy packing because it means we’re about to go somewhere fun but it is a bit of a chore also. I’m always running around like a chicken trying to make sure everyone brings what they need to, and I have to pack for my dh and youngest also

 

[js]

I have an unhealthy obsession with packing for trips. I used to travel quite a bit but now I rarely venture anywhere but back and forth to Disney numerous times a year. But that does not stop my obsession with packing for travel. We travel carry on only exclusively, even for longer trips or different destinations and my personal item is always packed and ready to go. I could catch a flight with five minutes notice.

I do not have any expensive pieces of luggage except for a couple of moderately priced Disney suitcases but an always window shopping for that perfect bag. I am also obsessed with travel organization such as packing cubes, tech organizers and such.

Unfortunately, I follow a tick tocker who does nothing but review personal items, carry on bags, and travel organization items. She has been very, very bad for me.

So, is packing something you enjoy or hate? Do you have a favorite bag or packing hack? How long prior to a trip to you pack and how many times do you re-pack?

I love packing and LOVE being organized.
Can you tell me who you follow on TT?

I usually pack 2-4 weeks prior to a trip. Never less.

Thanks.

 

[china mom]

I love packing and LOVE being organized.
Can you tell me who you follow on TT?

I usually pack 2-4 weeks prior to a trip. Never less.

Thanks.

Rilee

https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith?lang=en

She has cost me $200 so far in travel items I did not need.

 

[CynBeth]

I love packing for a trip. I always have a list for what to bring and start buying travel toiletries a month or 2 before. As the weeks get closer I think about what t-shirts to wear with shorts and depending on the time of year might need some long sleeve tops and pants. About a week before lug my suitcase out of the closet and start washing and packing. My husband waits until the day before to put things in his suitcase.

 

[redrosesix]

I get so excited when I'm getting the suitcases down from the attic but then I don't actually pack until the day before, or the morning of if we're leaving very late. I do have a packing list though, and it doesn't change much from trip to trip.

When we were doing competition trips I also packed those bags, and it was a separate list. But either way I insist on no interruptions while I'm packing and now my daughter does the same. We basically have everything washed, mended if necessary and folded on the bed...and then you can see what you're missing or have too much of. I usually have one colour that everything will match with...and it's usually navy blue. My daughter generally does light pink...you don't need to pack an entire rainbow for a trip, so if nothing matches that item it's out.

Bag fees are getting so expensive now from Canada, and many airlines are starting to charge for a carry on. If it was just about space I could live without the carry on, but we always put everything we will need for the first 24 hours in the carry ons...just in case. When they were competition trips we also put the dance outfits in the carry ons because there was no way to replace them in time for comp if they were lost or delayed.

My daughter now takes cheap jewelry for the trip, stuff she doesn't mind losing and leaves everything special at home.

 

[china mom]

I get so excited when I'm getting the suitcases down from the attic but then I don't actually pack until the day before, or the morning of if we're leaving very late. I do have a packing list though, and it doesn't change much from trip to trip.

When we were doing competition trips I also packed those bags, and it was a separate list. But either way I insist on no interruptions while I'm packing and now my daughter does the same. We basically have everything washed, mended if necessary and folded on the bed...and then you can see what you're missing or have too much of. I usually have one colour that everything will match with...and it's usually navy blue. My daughter generally does light pink...you don't need to pack an entire rainbow for a trip, so if nothing matches that item it's out.

Bag fees are getting so expensive now from Canada, and many airlines are starting to charge for a carry on. If it was just about space I could live without the carry on, but we always put everything we will need for the first 24 hours in the carry ons...just in case. When they were competition trips we also put the dance outfits in the carry ons because there was no way to replace them in time for comp if they were lost or delayed.

My daughter now takes cheap jewelry for the trip, stuff she doesn't mind losing and leaves everything special at home.

We fly Southwest to (as of now) all bags fly free. But, we fly standby and there is always a chance of getting separated from our bags so carry on is just easier for us. We have not done more than a week carry on only so I might check a bag for a longer trip.

It is crazy how much airlines are charging for bags and carry on. I am glad I don't have to worry about it.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I both have an unhealthy obsession with packing and would also rather be waterboarded. I am thrilled when I discover little travel sized items like fragrance samples, shampoos conditioners and such but also despise all the actual work that goes into packing to make sure everything is as I want it to be.

The only thing worse than parking for the trip is the misery of cleaning everything when I get back because it skeeves me to think someone went into my bag and might have possibly touched something for literally any reason. The whole idea of getting bedbugs has created a process where stuff sits in the garage a few days so hitch hiking critters can crawl out as I wash literally every item that came with us. I also spray the empty luggage with peroxide and air out because, again, other people are just gross.

 

[Christine]

We fly Southwest to (as of now) all bags fly free. But, we fly standby and there is always a chance of getting separated from our bags so carry on is just easier for us. We have not done more than a week carry on only so I might check a bag for a longer trip.

It is crazy how much airlines are charging for bags and carry on. I am glad I don't have to worry about it.

It is ridiculous--the charges.

As I said, I am almost forced onto United via work and the route I am going to. They are now charging $40 per bag. I ended up getting the United card because I get free bags with that. There is no fee for the first year and the next year is $90. I figure a few trips a year the bag fee covers it. I realize I'm still "paying" but I get some miles and other perks out of it. Additionally, they will cover the TSA Precheck fee. While I get this free through work, my husband doesn't have it so I may use my annual fee next year to get him pre-check.

I try by best to do Southwest but I have to get to BWI to get the good, non-stop routes and it's hike for me.

 

[mjkacmom]

If we are renting a house, Airbnb or even a hotel with outside doors, my preferred method is a laundry basket, I just toss everything in. My 23 year old is pretty boujee and asked for this beautiful off white travel bag (she travels a lot), apparently it’s hard to carry and not practical. Could’ve told you that, doesn’t even have wheels.

 

[mjkacmom]

I love packing for a trip. I always have a list for what to bring and start buying travel toiletries a month or 2 before. As the weeks get closer I think about what t-shirts to wear with shorts and depending on the time of year might need some long sleeve tops and pants. About a week before lug my suitcase out of the closet and start washing and packing. My husband waits until the day before to put things in his suitcase.

I just pack solids, shorts, pants, shirts, mix and match, with similar basic colored shoes.

 

[VandVsmama]

So, is packing something you enjoy or hate? Do you have a favorite bag or packing hack? How long prior to a trip to you pack and how many times do you re-pack?

I LOVE packing for a trip. I am very prone to forgetting something important, so I often will make a list. And I get my bags out a few days ahead of time. Doing all of this eases my stress about forgetting something I really need.

Whenever possible, I try to travel with only carry-on luggage. My rolling carry-on bag is an R2D2 piece of luggage that fits in the overhead bin. have had it for 7 years now and it's a workhorse. For my 'underneath the seat in front of you' bag, I splurged last year on a Bento bag. And OH MY GOSH, the Bento Bag is frickin' amazing. Travelled for a 3-day trip about a month ago with just the Bento bag and my purse. It has all of these awesome compartments and pockets for everything. Makes everything easily accessible yet compact all at the same time.

 

[china mom]

I LOVE packing for a trip. I am very prone to forgetting something important, so I often will make a list. And I get my bags out a few days ahead of time. Doing all of this eases my stress about forgetting something I really need.

Whenever possible, I try to travel with only carry-on luggage. My rolling carry-on bag is an R2D2 piece of luggage that fits in the overhead bin. have had it for 7 years now and it's a workhorse. For my 'underneath the seat in front of you' bag, I splurged last year on a Bento bag. And OH MY GOSH, the Bento Bag is frickin' amazing. Travelled for a 3-day trip about a month ago with just the Bento bag and my purse. It has all of these awesome compartments and pockets for everything. Makes everything easily accessible yet compact all at the same time.

See, now you got me all excited. I had looked at bento bags and had fantasized about getting one but can't justify it. Now I will have to look at them again because VandVsmama endorses it.