MirandaAs hopefully you know by now, we travel frequently – even if just for a long (3-4 day) weekend. I thought I’d give you a sample of what our packing list looks like.
Chris:
underwear (1 pair per day plus one extra)
socks (1 pair per day)
jeans (1 pair)
undershirts (1 per day)
button-up or polo shirts (1 per day)
dress pants (if he must)
dress shoes (ditto)
running clothes (1 set)
toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shaver, razor
and he’s set!
me:
underwear (at least double what I need)
socks (ditto)
running clothes (2-3 sets)
running shoes
bum-around shoes
1-2 (or sometimes 3) pairs of nice shoes
sandals
shirts (1 per day plus at least 2 extra)
jeans (1 pair plus the ones I’m wearing)
bras (1 per day)
toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, razor, shave gel, hair gunk, different hair gunk, other hair gunk, perfume, q tips, more hair gunk, flat iron, cuticle cream, eye shadow, foundation, blush, lip gloss, at least 2 kinds of eyeliner, mascara, and probably at least 5 other items that won’t leave the makeup bag), comb, brush
personal pharmaceutical company (small pill bottle containing Excedrin, Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and allergy pills)
1 dress (that I won’t wear the entire time)
1 skirt (ditto)
camera (prolly doesn’t leave bag if we’re going somewhere we’ve been a lot)
iPod (won’t get used unless I run…and we all know how likely THAT is)
pajamas
However, with all of these items…I will still forget to pack a sweater, even if it’s May and we’re going to San Francisco. Please note that the red thing I’m wearing is a sweatshirt I got that says “San Francisco” on it. And yes, it was just a bit brisk.
I was actually toying with the one-way car rental idea. When we were scouting colleges, we went to Seattle to check out U of Washington (I grew up in sight of Huskie stadium). Ironically, Michelle really was NOT that interested in U of W, but she humored me. From there we went to University of Oregon (nice college), and I got a one-way car rental from Seattle to Portland. Yes, it cost more money, but it was loads cheaper than taking a small plane hop to Oregon, and we got to see the Science Fiction Museum AND go up in the Space Needle, and while in Oregon we went on the aerial tramway (much fun), which we would not have done if we’d not had a car.
So I’m actually leaning in that direction, and it would be a blessing to the TSA if they did not have to view me on a Nude-O-Scope…
I will be interested to hear what you decide!
I SOOOOO love lists. No, I don’t actually own a copy of The Book of Lists, but betting a copy is going on my list.
Now, on an entirely different topic, I’ve got a decision to make. My daughter is going to Penn State University (proud-sad-at-the-same-time me) in August, and here are the logical travel options (keep in mind we are going from California:
1) car
2) train
3) plane
Going back to front, I’d like to address 3) plane first. Yes, this makes most sense to most sensible people. But we will have, I’m sure, many more “things” than we now anticipate. I’m not sure schlepping a world of items on a plane is the right way to go.
But if we look at 2) train, then we are stuck with the unreliability and inconsistency of this, my favorite, mode of transport. We can haul a lot, but if a train breaks down (and they do) near Chicago, we may miss a connection. If a train does not breaks down, and if we plan extra transit days imagining it might break down, then we’re in for more money in hotel bills.
Car makes sense going there (six days at 8 hours a day…), but the thought of turning around and driving back alone is just too much.
Which do you recommend and why?
Wait – there is a book of lists? This is going on my Christmas …. wait for it …. list.
I would definitely NOT take a plane. I dislike air travel…it’s such a hassle. It’s great for getting me overseas or to Mexico or across the country for a quick weekend trip, and I will admit that taking off and landing do sometimes give me quite a thrill, but I could do without taking my shoes off and going through the Nude-O-Scope so the TSA can assure themselves that I am not a threat to America.
The train has possibilities. As you say, it may break down, and it may not – so if you choose this option you will definitely give yourself some extra time. Given how much you’ll likely pay for your train ticket – plus all your stuff – is another hotel night or two really *that* much extra to plan for? Plus, if the train does NOT break down, you will have a couple extra days to explore the area your daughter will soon be living. Which would probably not be a bad thing? I’ve never been *to* that area of PA, but I bet it’s gorgeous. However, with the train you may run into the same issue as the plane – lots of “stuff.”
If it were me, I would be tempted to drive it. It would be an awesome cross-country road trip, where you could stop at various landmarks and have a fun family vacation! Then once you get there, you could even go to Hershey, PA! Have you ever been there? Because it’s kind of awesome. As far as the driving home alone…you don’t have anyone who could come with you? Or maybe you could spend the time reflecting upon…whatever.
OR – I just thought of this – you could rent a car, drive it there, and take a plane back! That way, you won’t have a week where you are driving along the lonely US highways.