Counting down the days and the packing-puzzle angst is real.
Growing up we didn’t fly anywhere. Driving holidays were always in mid-summer with my brother and I crammed in the back of a Datsun 120Y or Mitsubishi Sigma - we drove for days on end to reach far flung places such as Port Augusta or Cooktown.
Managing bands in the 90s involved countless hours driving a manual Toyota Hi-Ace on the interconnected highways of Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Cairns. Whilst I would be slinging CDs and T-Shirts until last drinks, the post show pack was a hotly contested, competitive domain of ‘the boys’. The routine ritual of loading out and packing the van and trailer was a high pressure, precise science - instruments, stage equipment, PA and lights carefully packed by weight and size in a very particular order.
In the 2000s packing again involved vehicles - this time with kids. Take the Subaru Outback and chuck everything you could possibly need for two weeks including beach gear and not forgetting a cocktail shaker and oven trays.
My 2010s were back to tour life, now with air travel and 20+ items of checked baggage. The aim of relentless admin of ‘flights/accom/ground’ was to mobilise a touring party of 6-12 people across the world, as frictionless as possible. I learnt to live out of a tote bag with a change of t-shirt, underwear and fresh socks - whilst rewearing black jeans and converse for as long as possible.
In 2023 I am no longer prepping to lead a pack of kids or musicians - I pack for one. It should be simple enough, but hell no. Six months is a long time and being ‘unprepared’ is not in my DNA.
“He who would travel happily must travel light.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Light? Light! Kudos to those who can live out of carry on forever. Not me. However, I am determined to be light enough to maneouvre myself and luggage across the world with dignity and grace.
I am thinking a lot about baggage. Bags contain stuff. The idea of stuff is loaded.
Humans hang on to so much bloody stuff. I am determined to only pack what I need and will use. Yet, the gnawing self-talk of ‘what ifs’ and ‘just in cases’ are relentless. What is that about? I remind myself, if the weather (or anything else unforseen for that matter) isn’t what I am prepared for…there are shops.
“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.” Cesare Pavese (Italian Novelist)
My ‘stuff’ also includes emotional baggage. So much of my ‘stuff’ is complicit with identity and belonging. Self expression and choice of clothes, shoes and accessories. I am gently releasing old habits, fears and expectations along with the need to take two pairs of togs - a single onepiece it enough!
Clothing is hard. The mantras of ‘layer layer layer’ and ‘everything has to work with everything else’ have become gospel. A friend reminded me that it really won’t matter if I wear the same thing every day as I won’t know anyone. Another friend agreed it is boring as hell, but worth it every travel day.
Shoes are sorted. Hiking boots, waterproof trainers, sandals and thongs.
Accessories are minimised to a few favourite earings, one necklace and a costume ring. Skincare and make up are downsized to the bare essentials.
#books #playlists #manuscripts #podcasts
As I ascertain what my creative process as an emerging writer is - I have adapted to reading and writing on devices. There is one exception though, my A4 ruled journal. Oscar Wilde nailed it when he said he never travelled without his as “one should always have something sensational to read on the train.”
Some ‘tools’ simply cannot be left behind - yes, I am packing my tarot cards, an amethyst crystal and chakra balance essential oil. The shakti mat is still in the maybe pile to the family’s amusement. Cornwall will provide the sage, wishing candles, mugwart and frankinsence :)
This final week I will cull, cull, cull.
I was comforted by our new collective ‘artificial friend’ (ChatGPT) that my ‘in real life’ process was pretty solid after all. You’re welcome.
As an AI language model, I can provide you with tips on how to pack light for a long trip:
1. Make a packing list – Before you start packing, make a list of everything you need to take with you. This will help you avoid packing unnecessary items.
2. Choose the right luggage – Opt for a backpack or a suitcase with wheels that meets the size requirements of the airline you will be flying.
3. Use packing cubes – Consider using packing cubes to organize your clothes and make them more compact.
4. Choose versatile clothing – Pack clothing that can be worn in different ways and for different occasions.
5. Pack multi-purpose items – Pack items that can serve multiple purposes, such as a sarong that can be used as a beach cover-up, picnic blanket, or scarf.
6. Leave non-essential items at home – Avoid packing items that you can easily buy at your destination.
7. Use vacuum bags – Consider using vacuum bags to compress your clothes and save space in your luggage.
8. Wear your heaviest items – Wear your bulky items such as jeans, jackets, and boots on the plane to save space in your luggage.
I love this! I have too much stuff, I think 5 years in boarding school sharing a room with up to 5 other girls, with my tiny allocation of space, a small chest of drawers and half a wardrobe, and the same threadbare ugly bedspread as everyone else has done that to me.
On our Nepal trek, we were limited to 15kg for a month. It did my head in packing for that.