Packing and prep

Finally!  I get to write a bona-fide packing post!  I do, in fact, pack quite often for work trips, but that usually means lists that include phone holders for rental cars and spanx.  Happily my overseas travel list has neither of those items on it.

First, Jeff got me my first backpack suitcases. By Tortuga Backpacks, it is a model that recently was put on sale because a new version came out.


I asked him to get me some packing cubes too because I often read about how helpful they are.  And they truly are. Here are the majority of items that will be going into the suitcase:



Next is what I plan to wear on the plane -basically I'll be hanging out in this outfit for more than 24 hours, so it has to be crazy comfortable, include tons of layers from going from snowy Wisconsin to near the equator, and a VERY SOFT BRA.  You ladies know what I am talking about, right?  No underwires allowed:


I got my toiletries pared down to a very respectable size.  I'm not bringing a hair dryer... this will be interesting sporting a more natural hair look (I like my hair fluffy and blow-dried), but I also figure that's what hats and buffs are for.


I'll post after the trip a) what I didn't need/use much or at all; and b) the rock star items of the trip.

My known rock star for travel is the Kipling Crossbody bag.  This is my third one (the others I use all the time are a jaunty red color and a smaller sized navy one for day trips). These bags wash, have the perfect number of pockets, are light as heck, and have a GORILLA doll hanging off of them, which I love.  I have secretly held the hand of the little fella when I have been traveling and am stressed.



The full list is below for reference and I'll have a recap/commentary of the list post-trip.

WEAR ON BOARD
  • Hiking boots
  • Compression socks
  • Soft and stretchy Uniqlo jeans
  • Long sleeved travel Shirt
  • Short sleeved Shirt
  • Down vest
  • Fleece on side of backpack
  • Prana stretchy coat
  • Scarf

PURSE
  • Wallet
  • Passports/ Yellow Fever Cards
  • Xtra cash
  • Earplugs
  • Eyemask
  • Kindle
  • Phone
  • Earbuds
  • Gum
  • Floss
  • Lipbalm
  • Tiny jar of vaseline
  • Long wear lipstick
  • Gloss
  • Lotion for dry hands
  • Phone charger with battery as part of it

SUITCASE
  • Neckroll easily accessible (strapped to side of suitcase)
  • 2 bottoms
  • 2 shirts
  • 1 short sleeve shirt
  • 1 cami
  • 1 sun hoody
  • 1 pair Toms shoes
  • 4 pair Underwear
  • Sports bra
  • Swimsuit
  • Rain Jacket
  • PJ’s
  • Soft bottoms
  • 2 pair socks
  • 2 Hats
  • Buff
  • Phone + Kindle charger
  • Prescription sunglasses
  • Wet toiletries bag
  • Other toiletries bag
  • Collapsable Water bottle
  • Headlamp
  • Copies of important papers

WET TOILETRIES
  • Lip balm
  • Face lotion
  • Face wash
  • Hair spray/styling product
  • Bobby pins
  • Concealer
  • Makeup
  • 1 other lipstick
  • Toothpaste
  • Conditioner

DRY TOILETRIES
  • Brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Nail clippers
  • Tweezer
  • Razor
  • Deo
  • Lush shampoo/soap block
  • Eyeshadow & Blush small compact
  • Eyeliner
  • Eyebrow comb.  Very important!
  • Additional Earplugs
  • Meds

OTHER:  Bug Spray, Sunscreen and small gifts in the checked luggage that has mostly goods and supplies for family they can’t get in Kenya - lots of bacon bits.

Cheeky Monkey!

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