US & Canada PTR - 2 sleeps to go, wow

[shushh]

OK here's my input.
Ditch the extra T-shirts. Just bring the one that you'll wear from Australia on the plane. You're most likely to be able to buy T-shirts as souvenirs. Seeing as you'll also have dressier tops, maximise the use of these and wear them if needed in Florida where the weather is warmer.
Ditch the second pair of PJs, especially if you're bringing trackies they can act as your emergency 2nd pair.
You can do it...bring only 2 pairs of jeans and one pair of shorts.
Can't do much about footwear, if you need them you need them.
Also your kids are much older and unlikely to lose gloves/beanies etc, so one set is enough. Usually the heating inside is enough to dry them overnight.

Remember you're going to the land of shopping! If you desperately need something, you can buy it there! You'll be surprised at how much you can cope without...

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

It does look beautiful shuttergirl, you are going to have an amazing time.

Do you take your good camera when you travel, or is that a business tool of trade only?

I would love to have photos like that.

I usually take my 3rd good camera and I definitely don't take my good lenses. This time I'm thinking about taking my 2nd good camera and I'm going backwards and forwards about what lenses. Because photography is work for me I try to minimise the bulk of equipment however we are visiting some seriously picturesque places on this trip and some good lenses would be a bonus. I generally take one little lenses and one of my "smaller in size" zooms. I'm tempted to take along some great lenses. I'm torn.

I can create lovely images no matter what, we all can when we are capturing a beautiful scene, but perhaps it would be fun to play around with some decent glass.

I don't know.

OK here's my input.
Ditch the extra T-shirts. Just bring the one that you'll wear from Australia on the plane. You're most likely to be able to buy T-shirts as souvenirs. Seeing as you'll also have dressier tops, maximise the use of these and wear them if needed in Florida where the weather is warmer.
Ditch the second pair of PJs, especially if you're bringing trackies they can act as your emergency 2nd pair.
You can do it...bring only 2 pairs of jeans and one pair of shorts.
Can't do much about footwear, if you need them you need them.
Also your kids are much older and unlikely to lose gloves/beanies etc, so one set is enough. Usually the heating inside is enough to dry them overnight.

Remember you're going to the land of shopping! If you desperately need something, you can buy it there! You'll be surprised at how much you can cope without...

Oooooh tough love from Shushh, I love it.

Okay, I think we need 2 t-shirts. The outlets aren't until day 8 of our trip so we need to have something to get through until then. And 3 days after that we are in freezing conditions so wont' need to really shop for tees to wear.

I could perhaps come at the 2 pairs of jeans, perhaps .

I think we could likely do without 2 pairs of jammies and go with 1 pair. DH will likely just wear undies to bed so that's good.

1 pair of shorts is probably more sensible.

Am I compromising well?

New York and other cold climates - Shushh, do you think we would be likely best to go with thermals under our jeans but go with layers and our down jackets for up top? I'm just thinking when we are inside, having a thermal top on will feel stifling. What did you do?

 

[shushh]

I usually take my 3rd good camera and I definitely don't take my good lenses. This time I'm thinking about taking my 2nd good camera and I'm going backwards and forwards about what lenses. Because photography is work for me I try to minimise the bulk of equipment however we are visiting some seriously picturesque places on this trip and some good lenses would be a bonus. I generally take one little lenses and one of my "smaller in size" zooms. I'm tempted to take along some great lenses. I'm torn.

I can create lovely images no matter what, we all can when we are capturing a beautiful scene, but perhaps it would be fun to play around with some decent glass.

I don't know.



Oooooh tough love from Shushh, I love it.

Okay, I think we need 2 t-shirts. The outlets aren't until day 8 of our trip so we need to have something to get through until then. And 3 days after that we are in freezing conditions so wont' need to really shop for tees to wear.

I could perhaps come at the 2 pairs of jeans, perhaps .

I think we could likely do without 2 pairs of jammies and go with 1 pair. DH will likely just wear undies to bed so that's good.

1 pair of shorts is probably more sensible.

Am I compromising well?

New York and other cold climates - Shushh, do you think we would be likely best to go with thermals under our jeans but go with layers and our down jackets for up top? I'm just thinking when we are inside, having a thermal top on will feel stifling. What did you do?

Oooh which good 'glass' are you considering dragging along? This enquiring mind would like to know!

And I didn't realise I sounded so authoritarian!!!
But yes, you're compromising really well

We started off wearing thermals, both top and bottoms, everywhere we went, with another top over it (cotton usually), some sort of a wool or fleece jumper and a down jacket on top. But we soon learnt that if we walked a lot, it gets very hot! And worse when you go indoors. My poor children had lined jeans on as well. So on high activity days, we would cut out the jumper & just keep the thermals and a cotton top on with down jacket. Our thermals look like normal tops so I'd put the thermals over our cotton tops. That way if we're really hot when inside, we can take the thermals off.

 

[PrincessInOz]

If we're dishing out tough love, this is what I've just packed for my 8 days in California:

• 2 pairs of pants (one jeans, one chino)
• 3 tops
• 1 black singlet (for layering purposes. I don't know if I'll use it but I thought I'd take one anyway)
• one good outfit to wear for a night out (we've booked in to see Earl Klugh at Yoshi's)
• 1 pair of PJs
• exercise t-shirt and shorts (there is a good gym on the hotel we stay at and I do take the opportunity to work out for an hour or so)
• Two sweaters, one short sleeve, one long sleeve for layering
• Trench coat (again, for layering and I'll take the trench on board with me)
• 9 days worth of undies and socks.
• crocs (and I seriously thought of not bringing this but it is good to use around the hotel for when I want to walk about)

I wear a very good/dressy track suit on the plane. I can use this for lounging around in the hotel if I want. I'm wearing my sketchers. I want to buy shoes on this trip...no point bringing extra.

I suspect that I've overpacked but there is *just* enough clothes there for me to last the 8 days without having to wash.

I stood on the scales with my packed bag. I'm up to about 8 kilos, including the bag. Lots of room to come home with stuff.

 

[shushh]

If we're dishing out tough love, this is what I've just packed for my 8 days in California:

• 2 pairs of pants (one jeans, one chino)
• 3 tops
• 1 black singlet (for layering purposes. I don't know if I'll use it but I thought I'd take one anyway)
• one good outfit to wear for a night out (we've booked in to see Earl Klugh at Yoshi's)
• 1 pair of PJs
• exercise t-shirt and shorts (there is a good gym on the hotel we stay at and I do take the opportunity to work out for an hour or so)
• Two sweaters, one short sleeve, one long sleeve for layering
• Trench coat (again, for layering and I'll take the trench on board with me)
• 9 days worth of undies and socks.
• crocs (and I seriously thought of not bringing this but it is good to use around the hotel for when I want to walk about)

I wear a very good/dressy track suit on the plane. I can use this for lounging around in the hotel if I want. I'm wearing my sketchers. I want to buy shoes on this trip...no point bringing extra.

I suspect that I've overpacked but there is *just* enough clothes there for me to last the 8 days without having to wash.

I stood on the scales with my packed bag. I'm up to about 8 kilos, including the bag. Lots of room to come home with stuff.

You know its funny when I travel by myself, I tend to pack more! Because I always think I have the opportunity to do things and go places without the kids... So the funky shoes go in, as do the trendy tops...but most often than not, I don't end up wearing them!

 

[aussietravellers]

I suspect that I've overpacked but there is *just* enough clothes there for me to last the 8 days without having to wash.

Oh my, I was looking at your list and thinking that I wish I could pack light like that. When I went to Melbourne for three nights recently, I took more than that But I have serious issues Serious overpacking issues

 

[aussietravellers]

You know its funny when I travel by myself, I tend to pack more! Because I always think I have the opportunity to do things and go places without the kids... So the funky shoes go in, as do the trendy tops...but most often than not, I don't end up wearing them!

Thats me I am a ridiculous over-packer and then I don't end up wearing many of the things, I stick to my favourites or I have been shopping so wear the new things. I drive myself insane sometimes. I always say "next time I am not packing so much", then next time, over-pack I do.

 

[shushh]

Oooooh tough love from Shushh, I love it.

Okay, I think we need 2 t-shirts. The outlets aren't until day 8 of our trip so we need to have something to get through until then. And 3 days after that we are in freezing conditions so wont' need to really shop for tees to wear.

I could perhaps come at the 2 pairs of jeans, perhaps .

I think we could likely do without 2 pairs of jammies and go with 1 pair. DH will likely just wear undies to bed so that's good.

1 pair of shorts is probably more sensible.

Am I compromising well?

Ok just to push you a little further...
Average Orlando top temperature in December is about 22/23 degrees. Perfect for a single long sleeve top...so bring one T-shirt only and maxmise the use the 4 long sleeve tops that you're bringing!

Are you hating me yet?

 

[PrincessInOz]

You know its funny when I travel by myself, I tend to pack more! Because I always think I have the opportunity to do things and go places without the kids... So the funky shoes go in, as do the trendy tops...but most often than not, I don't end up wearing them!

I'm going to the US. I think I can find some funky shoes there...and trendy tops....and t-shirts.....and pants.....and even a new trench coat.....


Maybe I should leave the trench behind.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Oh my, I was looking at your list and thinking that I wish I could pack light like that. When I went to Melbourne for three nights recently, I took more than that But I have serious issues Serious overpacking issues

You were in Melbourne....and didn't call????



(I'm really friendly and I don't bite; no transmittable diseases that I know of....)

 

[shushh]

I'm going to the US. I think I can find some funky shoes there...and trendy tops....and t-shirts.....and pants.....and even a new trench coat.....

Maybe I should leave the trench behind.

This is what I'm trying to convince Ms Shuttergirl! Just substitute trench coat with T-shirt...

 

[shushh]

You were in Melbourne....and didn't call????

(I'm really friendly and I don't bite; no transmittable diseases that I know of....)

I can vouch for that!
Speaking of being in Melbourne, DH has a conference in Melbourne in May next year and I'm desperately trying to convince him that the rest of the family needs to go as well. Will let you know how I progress on that front

 

[PrincessInOz]

I can vouch for that!
Speaking of being in Melbourne, DH has a conference in Melbourne in May next year and I'm desperately trying to convince him that the rest of the family needs to go as well. Will let you know how I progress on that front

Keep me informed. depending on how long you stay and if you're feeling brave, I might even offer a home cooked meal.

 

[PrincessInOz]

This is what I'm trying to convince Ms Shuttergirl! Just substitute trench coat with T-shirt...

I figure my list should be good as a starting point for Shuttergirl. She just needs to add the thermals and the gloves, hats, scarves and michelin man puffy jackets.

The rest....she can buy.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Hmm....Maybe I need to go visit my PTR and put my packing list up there.

 

[aussietravellers]

You were in Melbourne....and didn't call????

(I'm really friendly and I don't bite; no transmittable diseases that I know of....)

Oh next time I will I promise , now that i know you don't have any transmittable diseases As that was a concern

It was a fleeting visit, visiting family.

 

[battymum]

As for the shopping, have DH shop online as much as he can, and have it shipped to your last hotel, particularly anything bulky.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Oh next time I will I promise , now that i know you don't have any transmittable diseases As that was a concern

It was a fleeting visit, visiting family.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

The great thing about tough love is it either makes me agree entirely of if I feel in my head "noooooo I can't go with so little" then I know some things I can't bend on. It's a really good guage for me as to what I really need and what I'm being obsessive with so thanks ladies.

Oooh which good 'glass' are you considering dragging along? This enquiring mind would like to know!

And I didn't realise I sounded so authoritarian!!!
But yes, you're compromising really well

We started off wearing thermals, both top and bottoms, everywhere we went, with another top over it (cotton usually), some sort of a wool or fleece jumper and a down jacket on top. But we soon learnt that if we walked a lot, it gets very hot! And worse when you go indoors. My poor children had lined jeans on as well. So on high activity days, we would cut out the jumper & just keep the thermals and a cotton top on with down jacket. Our thermals look like normal tops so I'd put the thermals over our cotton tops. That way if we're really hot when inside, we can take the thermals off.

Well Shushh, my all time fave lens is my 50mm 1.2, it's what I use in the studio every single day and it is beautiful. However, it's super expensive and to be honest I'm pretty rough on my camera when I travel. It stays slung over my shoulder the whole time and bangs into walls, toilet cubicles etc. So yeah, I don't think I can take my baby. I generally just use my cheap little 28mm A. because it's tiny and isn't heavy to carry on the camera and most importantly B. I don't have to back up as much to get alot into the shot like I would have to with the 50mm.

The lens I'm thinking of taking as an extra is the 70-200mm. But that puppy is heavy heavy heavy. I'm definitely taking it to Europe because we will be spending more time seeing the countryside. I'm not sure whether I need the big zoom for city stuff so much. I generally take my little 70-300 stock lens because it gives me the zoom but without the heavy bulk.

I'm very conscious of not wanting to feel resentful of lugging everything around coupled with the need to capture beautiful images. Grrrrr. it's hard.

If we're dishing out tough love, this is what I've just packed for my 8 days in California:

• 2 pairs of pants (one jeans, one chino)
• 3 tops
• 1 black singlet (for layering purposes. I don't know if I'll use it but I thought I'd take one anyway)
• one good outfit to wear for a night out (we've booked in to see Earl Klugh at Yoshi's)
• 1 pair of PJs
• exercise t-shirt and shorts (there is a good gym on the hotel we stay at and I do take the opportunity to work out for an hour or so)
• Two sweaters, one short sleeve, one long sleeve for layering
• Trench coat (again, for layering and I'll take the trench on board with me)
• 9 days worth of undies and socks.
• crocs (and I seriously thought of not bringing this but it is good to use around the hotel for when I want to walk about)

I wear a very good/dressy track suit on the plane. I can use this for lounging around in the hotel if I want. I'm wearing my sketchers. I want to buy shoes on this trip...no point bringing extra.

I suspect that I've overpacked but there is *just* enough clothes there for me to last the 8 days without having to wash.

I stood on the scales with my packed bag. I'm up to about 8 kilos, including the bag. Lots of room to come home with stuff.

Okay, I just could never ever pack that light. I admire you for it but I just would not be able to do it I wish I could. On our first trip we travelled very lightly and I hated every minute of it. It truly just created stress in my life.

I'm not sure why I thought going away for 5 weeks in cold climates was a good idea . This is stressing me out.

Shoes - my feet are super sensitive so I need to make sure I've worn my shoes in before I wear them for anything that requires lots of walking which would count out shoe shopping for the actual trip. I could buy shoes to bring home though.

Thats me I am a ridiculous over-packer and then I don't end up wearing many of the things, I stick to my favourites or I have been shopping so wear the new things. I drive myself insane sometimes. I always say "next time I am not packing so much", then next time, over-pack I do.

This is me.

Ok just to push you a little further...
Average Orlando top temperature in December is about 22/23 degrees. Perfect for a single long sleeve top...so bring one T-shirt only and maxmise the use the 4 long sleeve tops that you're bringing!

Are you hating me yet?

I could never hate you .

Wouldn't 22-23 degrees be more like t-shirt weather? I was actually thinking we might be better cutting down on the long sleeve stuff and upping the t-shirt count because we can laying with cardies/hoodies etc in the cold climates???

This is what I'm trying to convince Ms Shuttergirl! Just substitute trench coat with T-shirt...

I figure my list should be good as a starting point for Shuttergirl. She just needs to add the thermals and the gloves, hats, scarves and michelin man puffy jackets.

The rest....she can buy.

I could probably buy things for everyone else but I dont' want to have to shop for myself. I have to be in the mood for that. I have never bought myself a piece of clothing on holiday, ever. Plus whilst we have plans to shop, I don't want to be stressed that we need to get to a shop so we have enough clothes to wear if that makes sense? Not sure it does make sense .

Oh and baby baby, I'm going to look like the momma of all michelin men in my puffy jacket. You wait until you see me

As for the shopping, have DH shop online as much as he can, and have it shipped to your last hotel, particularly anything bulky.

He does lots of online shopping here in Oz, I think he's dying to get into the stores and shop. He love love loves to shop, he's such a girl like that. I tease him about it all the time.


Arghhhhhhh, I'm going backwards and forwards over this but I think until I'm dragging the stuff out of the cupboards and seeing how big the piles are, I won't be able to cut it down much more. Once I see how much room it will take up in the cases I feel sure I'll be able to become more ruthless.

 

[battymum]

Fwiw, I don't think you are overpacking at all, and the things you are considering cutting back on don't take much room anyway such as an extra t shirt or two. Maybe I would cut it to two jeans only, but that's about it.

So there, I am no help to you sorry!

I know in my family, we don't like to share suitcases, so everyone is responsible for their own packing, as long they have the essentials in there, I don't even look.!