How my unfortunate packing habit came to a head
Despite the fact I have been travelling for over two decades, I cannot get it right, and it has quite literally tipped me over the edge. What are your packing tips?
I am terrible at packing. There is no denying it. Despite the fact I have been travelling for over two decades as a supposed adult, I cannot get it right.
I always bring too much, not enough, don’t have the right clothes, underestimate the cold or the heat, the dress code, not formal enough, too formal.
The amount of times I have riffled through my suitcase in my hotel trying to find the right outfit but come up empty-handed is too many to count. Why did I leave (insert dress, shoes, jacket, pants) at home?
Why? Why can’t I master this? Admittedly the signs were there early. My first big trip overseas was backpacking around Europe at 21 and instead of travelling light, I filled my backpack with the heaviest thing you can imagine: books.
I was so inspired by the art, history and culture of Europe that I wanted to know more, so I bought lots of books: one on Renaissance art after going to the Vatican Museums in Rome, another on Greek mythology after the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and even a large coffee table book on Potsdam in Berlin (seriously, what was I thinking?).
My unfortunate habit came to a head when we were in Barcelona trying to board the Metro during peak hour. I dropped my train ticket and leaned over to pick it up and that is when my heavy book-packed bag tipped me over and I fell on my back.
The only problem was I couldn’t get up. I was like a turtle on its shell, legs and arms flailing as busy commuters rushed past me. I had to be rescued by my hysterically laughing friends.
My packing has not improved in the years since despite being able to take a whole lot more than a backpack, especially when travelling business for work. Somehow I still manage to take the wrong 30kg, which is quite a feat.
Whenever I interview someone who traverses the globe regularly for their profession, I always take the opportunity to quiz them on how they pack. I get many answers: some swear by packing cubes, others rolling clothes, and some even get by with just carry-on. When I get this last answer, I look at the person in awe, how is that even possible?
So I welcome any tips. I am about to go on a family holiday to see my brother in Bermuda via New York which means packing for not only me but my children and for two different climates. Coats and bathers. I shudder at the thought. Wish me luck because I will need it.
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