I travel for work around 4-5 times a year. Compared to some, I’m sure this isn’t very much, but for me it’s regular enough that I have developed something of a routine when I go on a trip. I have also developed a real dislike for air travel (but that’s another story).
One of the first things I do when I have to take a trip is write a list. I’m not sure why I bother to write a fresh list each time, because each list is usually the same. It always starts:
- Asthma meds
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- iPad..
You get the picture. I write down the important things first. Yes, dental hygiene is important to me.
I think the list making starts to prepare me mentally for the trip ahead.
I have to thank M for teaching me how to travel light. I usually do my best to travel with carry-on luggage only. For most work trips, which tend to be 2-3 days long, it’s not at all difficult to restrict myself to just the essentials. I really love being able to just walk out of the airport on arrival, without having to wait for a bag, or worry about it getting lost in transit. Also I don’t have anything particularly bulky or painful to lug around, so I am relatively mobile and don’t get completely exhausted from dragging everything around. (This does mean I am restricted on what I can buy or acquire on my trips. I also reject all vendor loot when I attend a conference. It’s nothing personal, guys.)
Nowadays I find that the technology I cart around makes up the bulk of my weight. I’m going to Brisbane tomorrow, and I’m telling myself it is rather excessive to travel with a Kindle, an iPad, and a Macbook Air, but I’m ignoring my own good advice, and I think I’m going to be bringing all three devices. The power cords take up a remarkable amount of space!
I am glad for my ereader/tablet though, as I no longer have to suffer the angst of trying to decide what book to bring on the trip. I’m currently deliberating about which pen I’ll bring with me (sigh).
Maybe it’s a little early for me to be smug about travelling light…
3 Comments
Do you take clothing? I was more interested in that. Or a spare pair of shoes? I take a bag of cords and chargers and I have that down to a fine art.
Of course I take clothing Anne 🙂 I ration it out. On longer trips I do laundry. Usually I don’t take a spare pair of shoes.
Enjoyed your post as it resonated with me. I try to visit my family in Melbourne regularly and have honed packing down to what I *really* need, to a fine art.