How Many Days Ahead Of Your Trip Do You Start Packing?

Usually only a few days before going on a trip. I am also used to pack as I was a frequent traveller.
I like to travel light with only a carry on and an anti theft crossbody bag. I wear comfortable clothing that will not wrinkle and that is easy to wash. I also always bring a sweater or fleece with me if I am flying. I tend to get cold in the aircraft.
 

A former in-law had elderly parents who were showing signs of senility. Before they got too far advanced, he wanted them to come visit from Australia to Florida to see their grandkids.

The night before they left Australia, one of their daughters came over to their apartment to see how they were coming along with the packing. In her father's suitcase, she found $3,000 Australian in small bills and about a dozen belts. That's it.

Her mother's suitcase was a bit better packed but there was a large Thesaurus in there. When asked why there was a Thesaurus in the suitcase, she answered, "Well, I couldn't find the dictionary!"
 
Two weeks ago, I flew on my first Boeing 787 from Washington, D.C. nonstop to LAX. The plane was supposed to be a B-757, so it surprised me that I got to ride in the 787. What a beautiful interior. You would think you were flying in your living room.

The plane went on to Anchorage and then it was chartered to fly some big wheels from the government to fly to Russia. Something must be in the works.
 

No list. Usually take about 30 minutes to throw some stuff into a bag or two. Usually end up not needing about 1/2 of what I packed and having to go out and buy, or do without other stuff that I need but didn't take.
 
Two weeks ago, I flew on my first Boeing 787 from Washington, D.C. nonstop to LAX. The plane was supposed to be a B-757, so it surprised me that I got to ride in the 787. What a beautiful interior. You would think you were flying in your living room.

The plane went on to Anchorage and then it was chartered to fly some big wheels from the government to fly to Russia. Something must be in the works.
Gee, that's interesting.
 
I need to write lists, or else I'd forget things. About a week in advance of my departure, I cross items off the list as I add them to the suitcases.
I usually start packing a week in advance and cross stuff off my list as I go like Bella here. Then I check and recheck as time gets closer.
 
I print the out my standard list a few days ahead of time. Then I make notes if there’s something special I should put in or take out, depending on the season.

Mentally I plan a few things I’d like to wear and move them to the front of the closet. The day prior, I fine tune it.

Years ago I made a list of the things I was taking and co-ordinating them. When I refined them day by day, I realized I had about 18 outfits for 7 days. My suitcase became much lighter.

I do carry-on only. A small suitcase and a very scrunchable backpack for under the seat.
 
I start planning early making lists. After over packing for so long, I've been working at becoming a minimalist. I take into account how many days we will be there, the weather & our activities. My makeup bag is a duplicate of what I use everyday like brushes, combs, etc. so I only need to add soaps, makeup & like items. I usually start laying out clothes a week ahead so I only have to add a few things at the last minute. It's taken time, but I'm getting better at it.

After loosing our luggage while going to Germany many years ago & having it finally showing up after 4 days, I learned a lot. The first thing my husband does is check on what the airlines are responsible for to you when they loose your luggage & everyone one of them is different. My goal is to get everything in carry-ons for the next flight so we don't have to worry about checked bags.

I'm more than willing to take time out & do laundry whether domestic or over seas. I take detergent pods with us when we drive & I will look into laundry detergent sheets that I've seen at stores if we would be flying. I just want to try them to see which ones work the best first.
The airport lost my luggage the first time I visited my BFF in Florida. When I reported it, I was told someone would deliver it to me. She does not live in the same town as the airport. Sure enough, someone brought it...I believe it was the next morning. It's certainly a good idea to have a least a change of clothes in a carry on or more if one is savvy enough to be able to pack more. I don't think I'd be a savvy one. :D

@Jules I don't print a list, but keep one which I update as needed, in my Google Docs. I color code what is packed, what needs to be packed and what I'll be wearing. I can access it from any of my devices, so keeping up with it is no problem. It's good that you have a system that works for you.
 
Appetizer, soup and salad(mushroomcream soup, green salad and seafood sakad), main course(wild sea bass), fruit and desserts (chocolate cherry cake).
 
Turkish Airlines, looks like. First class or business?

I've only flown them Sardine Class (or should I say Sardalya?), but even then the food was a big improvement over coach on other airlines.
Yes. It was on Turkish airlines. I feel the only people nice to me now are the flight attendants. This is how sad of my life is now
 
Last edited:

Back
Top