Travel Light Essentials

For once, I had a clear vivid dream that I can recall. I wish God showed me a hunk, 4 digits or bluechips but it turned out to be this way...

A friend, who was travelling with us to Holland, sent me a text message that she was already on the way to the airport. She added that the weather is going to be cold, do bring something warm. It reminded me there was no thick clothing in my haversack. I went on a frantic search for my slim fit winter jacket. I spent 15minutes looking for it in my over flowing wardrobe but was a futile attempt. I reckoned my domestic helper could have mistaken it to be my brother's, I hunted for it in his room and… after another 20 minutes of searching, it was hidden at the darkest corner of his wardrobe! Whew...

The sign of relief was but a short one. It burst as soon as I realised the need to have the matching pants to go with this jacket. I went on for another panic search for the matching pants... Sweat broke as time tickle away. I struggle between the search for image and a flight to catch. By the time I decide on the pants to bring, it's10 min to boarding time of the flight. Argggh!!! So frustrated that I woke up. What a "fashion" nightmare!

In reality, I usually pack my luggage 3 days in advance to prevent such panicdrama. However, part of the dream on finding matching outfits is true.

Society expects us to dress appropriately for the occasion with matching outfits to reflect good grooming. I love to travel light, I had successfully sardine squeezed my travel essentials into a small haversack for a Hong Kong trip.

The trick to maximise the luggage space is to bring items that can be recycled. I’ll make an effort to bring clothing that could inter-match with one another and serves dual or triple purpose. The lightest wrinkle-free tops coordinated with my pretty sandals which is supposed to double up as slippers in the beach too. And the tees to go with my jeans, skirt, shorts and Capri leggings.

Such is the complexity of compact travel baggage planning. To avoid last minutes night mares like what I had last night, I would need to pack my luggage few days in advance. Plan things slowly as I recall the travel needs. Over the years, I developed this list to make the packing more efficient.

Here is my list of multi-purpose "must-brings" when I travel overseas:

1. Shorts for the gym or the beach.

2. Bikini for swimming which could double up as lingerie.

3. Wind-breaker to keep warm and dry from the rain.

4. Sandals cum beach slipper. Fashionable to lounge in clubs and comfortable for a stroll by the beach.

5. 1 dress that goes well with pretty sandals for formal dining/clubbing setting.

6. Pair of dressy sports shoes for trekking, gym exercing and marathon shopping! Keep our feet well-cushioned, blister free and happy. I chose neutral colours for easy wardrobe matching.

7. Wrinkle free tops and 2 tees.

8. Add a jacket and a matching skirt for work related travel.

9. 1 set of earrings that adds bling to the dress and the jacket.

10. Vaseline – moisturizer and lip balm.

11. Dettol as laundry detergent and disinfectant for cuts or wound.

Now you know the secret to haversack travel. Hope you find this list useful. Do contact me if you have other travel tips to share.
Happy Holidays!