It can pay off big time.
I’ve always over-packed. Whether it’s different climate outfits or just extra choices, there’s always clean clothes coming home in my suitcase.
But, for all the times that’s happened it only takes one delayed return, added days to a trip away, to appreciate those extras.
Sure, I never go where purchasing or washing clothes isn’t an option, but that isn’t always convenient though. Plus, it’s definitely never easy to find what you need in a pinch, unless it’s the basics (socks or underwear).
We just got back from a trip that ended up being 5 days longer than expected. I tell you those extras packed were greatly appreciated.
My method when packing is, if there’s still room in the suitcase, fill it. Unless I’m going where I know I’ll be shopping.
I also always travel with more medication than required, and I’ve finally got Mister doing the same.
Do you travel with extras or just the bare minimum?
kathy knull 
I do overpack, and have tried to carry less. 8 times out of 10 this doesn’t work for me, but there are a few occasions when it does. I think it all depends on the weather one encounters on trips.Perhaps we should start a group – Overpackers Anonymous?
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True, weather changes can add to packing. Might be a good idea for a group. We can keep track how many items came home unused. 😊
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Right! Let’s do it!
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I pack plenty of extras. We never know where we will end up or what weather we will encounter. So we take clothes for cold and hot temps.
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Sounds like a good idea, especially since your travels sounds a bit spontaneous.
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I have always over-packed. The extra stuff has come in handy often enough to make me happy with continuing this choice. Five days is a long time to have a trip extended. I think I’d have to do some laundry for that. 1-2 days, no sweat.
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Yes, this has definitely reinforced my decision to overpack. I won’t be changing my ways anytime soon. It was getting close to having to do laundry.
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Hi, Kathy – I definitely fall into the bare minimum packing group. It stems from my long-distance hiking (if you bring it, you carry it….for miles and miles and miles!) My current rule of thumb is that if it doesn’t fit in my backpack or carryon, it doesn’t make the trip. I’ve never felt deprived or wishing that I had packed something that I didn’t (at least not yet)!
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I can see back-packing would create different packing habits, and I admire people who can travel with the bare minimum. I definitely wouldn’t want to carry what I pack.
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I overpack like you do. In fact, if there’s still room in the suitcase (like you said) I will keep packing unless I think there’s a way to shop while I’m away. LOL!
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Glad to hear there’s others who share my mindset. 😊
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I do somewhere in the middle! I throw in a few extra essentials, just in case. But I also like to leave a little room for any shopping I might do, and I hate having trouble closing the suitcase lid!
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That’s when I really enjoy my expandable suitcase. I pack it zipped small and always have the option of extra room.
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I brought waaaay too much to Europe and wouldn’t bring my laptop next time. I always think we’ll have a rainy day where I’ll hole up in a coffee shop or even better, castle to write. That never happens! I can always use my phone.
Do you use packing cubes?
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Glad to hear I’m not alone in packing too much. 😊 I quit traveling with my laptop, I have a IPad mini and a small fold up keyboard. They do the trick for me.
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Our neighbor’s luggage was lost on a trip to Italy. Her husband had to buy underwear. It made for a lot of stories as Italian underwear sounds like the speedo type. This neighbor was well in his 70s and didn’t like “picking his crotch” to get it out of there! Although this isn’t exactly the situation you are talking about, it gives good cause to try not to have to buy if you can fit extra in the suitcase. When we go by car we definitely overpack.
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Well, that is sort of the same as not easy to find what you need. Actually, I don’t know why I used, socks and underwear, as an example of easy basics. I’m as fussy with buying them as I am a pair of jeans. Traveling by vehicle does usually mean being able to take a few extras.
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I like to pack heavy. Those extras come in handy – if the weather changes or the trip is delayed or in the case of tromping through the woods you need to put on clean clothes afterwards! I pack my suitcase and my husband packs his. On return trips I pack both and usually have room for several extras since he is not an economical packer…
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Yes, you never know when there’s a spill or something happens to dirty a choice. We each usually pack our own, but sometimes Mister just puts out what he wants to take and I’ll pack his suitcase, especially if it’s a longer trip. In my experience most men aren’t as efficient folders or packers.
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I plan my outfits carefully, and usually throw in one extra thing
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Wow, only 1 extra outfit, that’s impressive. I usually do 2-4. 😊 my excuse is I like options.
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To be fair…I have a really paired down wardrobe, and I almost dress in a uniform, so it’s easy
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That sounds simpler.
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I’m all about simple…
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We just ended a six-week trip to Mexico where we each took one carry-on… and I packed too much (I never wore the two pairs of shorts I packed). Fortunately, we basically had one temp range, which made things easier.
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That sounds like a wonderful trip. It is easier to pack for one temperature, but still nice to not bring everything home dirty.
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