Long before airlines started losing checked bags en masse I became a carry on only traveler. Packing light for a trip has become normal to me. (Don’t ask me on a road trip though; with no fear of space constraints or luggage getting lost I can fill up a vehicle like no one can!) I love the simplicity of not having a lot of wardrobe options at my destination because as most of you have experienced, traveling with a lot usually means you return having only worn a fraction of what you took with you. But if I am not stressed at the lack of options when I arrive, I am always profoundly stressed in the preparation. Which is exactly where I am now. Stressed and wondering how much more I can pull out. And if I am really going to have to wear my hiking boots for 48 hours of travel instead of my beloved Doc Martens…..
For my upcoming adventure I began the packing process two nights ago, weeding out what for sure I wouldn’t have room for and or need (which are not entirely the same thing), created a pile of prospects and must haves. And I did pretty good; I would say my little red been everywhere suitcase would close if it weren’t for the fact that I have yet to add my toiletries. And all my chargers and converters. And the packing cube of OTC cold meds etc that I know from French experience aren’t readily available in every country…..But it really is at the point where there is very little of anything I would want to leave behind. Gulp.
To give you an insight, here’s what I am packing for:
9 weeks in New Zealand, New Caledonia and Australia- hiking, cycling, sightseeing
My niece’s engagement party in Ottawa over Easter- medium fancy I think. I see a last-minute trip to Goodwill in my Ontario future.
A few weeks in Alberta- visiting, maybe some small hikes
A trip to BC including three nights camping and tickets to the ballet- definitely hiking!
A wedding in Mexico- beach resort so again, maybe whatever I find for the event in Ottawa can do double duty if I can squeeze it in my suitcase
Even reading that makes me laugh. How on earth will I ever manage to have clothes for all those climates and activities in one little bag? (Insert shoulder shrugging here.) It’s going to be interesting to see how it all plays out…..be prepared for photos from the next 4 months where my clothes quickly start to look very familiar to you…… 🙂
My strategy is layers. And sticking to a simple colour palate. Think lots of white and grey with the odd bit of black thrown in. And some fun jewelry so you maybe don’t even notice that I am wearing the same clothes over and over. 😊
I always envy those put together looking travellers, knowing that even as I do so it could never be me. I would never be able to escape unscathed from the potential of getting food on me when eating, spilling a drink….all of the things that don’t happen when you are wearing dark colours but would be sure to happen if I wore my beloved white. And I think, because I am cramming so much into one suitcase and a backpack, I think I also probably look like a frazzled, schleppy, short, elderly person. In fact I know I do because I have seen myself reflected back in mirrors in airport bathrooms and in no way do I ever look like a put together and collected traveller. Instead, what I often see back is an even more dishevelled d looking version of my usual self. Sigh. Maybe one trip I will treat myself, and trust in the airlines baggage service, and check my bag for at attempt at cool frequent flyer image……
This journey is going to be a long one. I am taking the train late tomorrow afternoon to Paris where I am booked in at an airport hotel. Noon Saturday I start a 13 hour flight to Hong Kong where I have a 12 hour layover (but am resisting the opportunity to play tourist for a day because of covid #s and entry requirements). I then board a 9 hour flight to Sydney, Australia where I have a 9 hour layover before the final 3 hour flight to New Zealand. I am not excited about 48 hours of travelling, especially on my own when, overtired and time confused, I will have to navigate everything by myself. Please, please, please let there be no hiccups that my stretched, groggy brain will have to navigate! And I am not yet excited about the trip itself as it means saying heart wrenching goodbyes here but I know me, once I am at the gate for the first flight Saturday I will launch myself into adventure excitement mode.
I think I won’t post tomorrow morning; I will have Nina until we tear out of here at 2:30 so need to use the early morning hours to get myself ready before she joins me. But if I have wifi along the way I promise to update you on how the journey is going. What I will do though, is send all subscribers the first part of The Fireman story tomorrow morning when I get up– so if you are keen make sure you subscribe today so not to miss the opening chapter!
And finally, packing light for a flight seems like a good metaphor for life doesn’t it? Keep your needs minimal. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how liberating that is; even if it is a little painful to get there.
A Bientot! xo
Wow, the adventures coming up sound so exciting. You must be very organized to pack as you do along with all the trip planning. I’d be so stressed, with my many oversized stuffed suit cases, lol. Koodos to you!
Safe travels.
I am going to be very very tired of my 2 dresses, 1 pair of shorts, 2 pairs of pants by the end of It all…..
Wow!! I am exhausted reading that and I just got up 😜
Michelle, I am so happy for you being able to travel as you do and become even more “worldly” if that is possible with you!
So many amazing adventures lie ahead of you!! Based on your itinerary, you will be back in France before too long.
I admire you for all you do and I will be watching for part of the fireman story 😉
You are an amazing lady. Have a safe trip to NZ. Enjoy your last full day in France. 🤗
I am so excited for you. I have seen a lot of shows on Australia lately and the scenery is beyond amazing. Hey, and no language barriers this round 👍. Have a wonderful trip Michelle. Can’t wait for the updates.
What a journey you are embarking on–wow!! I am totally impressed by your packing abilities. If anything, I feel like I have gone in the opposite direction as I’ve gotten older. I just about always check a bag and pack more rather than less so I dont have to make decisions before I go :).
Safe travels my friend and sorry I’ll miss you in France….next time💗
Can’t wait to hear about your AU and NZ adventures. I have always wanted to go there. You are so brave venturing out like you do. I envy you and your travels. Travel safe my friend ❤️
Wonderful wonderful stories Michelle. You have a gift! Safe travels. Enjoy every minute!
Lots of exciting things to look forward to.!! Have a wonderful, safe and stress free ( as much as 40+ hours will allow.) trip! It’s the layovers that are tiresome. When I first started flying to Oz the layovers were not that long. Marks last was 10 hours in Doha. Don’t forget your mist for skincare it’s a life saver!! Or rather skin saver! Happy trails Michelle 💜
My mist isn’t going to make the cut in my little liquids bag so I’m going to plan to buy one at the airport. I know the pricing will be crazy but I agree, will be a skin saver. Do you think hylaronic ok if I seal with moisturizer on top??
Be safe my friend
Sending you a safe, easy journey onto your next adventures Michelle. So much excitement ahead for you!
I admire you for packing everything into a carry on for 9 weeks. That takes alot of careful planning!
I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing about your time in Australia and New Zealand.
🦘 ☀️
Safe travels Michelle. I don’t know how you get enough in a carry-on for months when I’m having a problem
getting everything in mine for a 7 day Disney Cruise.
You have to get very very ruthless….. which means some fav things get left behind….
Bon voyage & safe travels! Keep on living the dream, so we can tag along!
Good luck on you upcoming travels. Looking forward to your blogs over the coming months. Bon voyage!!!
Michelle , sounds like some very exciting adventures ahead ! Safe travels and look forward to reading about them, as I looked forward each morning to reading your posts !
I’m stressed just reading this😂😂 can’t imagine packing for months and all those events in such a small bag!!! Good on you! Safe travels, my friend; praying it all goes smoothly for you with the time changes and layovers! Can’t wait to read about your adventures. Enjoy every minute! Stay safe 😘
Sounds like another amazing journey for you! Enjoy every moment!
Michelle, I love reading your blogs, they are very entertaining and uplifting! Enjoy your newest adventures, I can’t wait to read about them!
Will you find your way to Montreal in your travels?
It is ironic that you are leaving France on Saturday and I am arriving in France on Saturday!
Sage journey!😊
As always, I am in complete awe of your adventurous nature Michelle ❤️ I know that you have said it can be scary at times but the fact that you face those fears to create enormous memories, that is something very few people can say they do.
Safe travels 😘 Kayla
I am excited to await your posts of the next 9 weeks of adventure 😊
Michelle this was so beautiful I read it twice. I have so much admiration for you. Wow wow wow. Enjoy your precious time with Nina. Yahoooooo can’t wait to hear about the 👨🚒 lol. Safe travels ❤️