Packing Lists

DW has always been the organized one.

I travel light.

Before she buys anything, she researches every facet of the product, compares comparable items, and hunts for the best price. When we travel, she checks out where we're going to stay (an what amenities the place offers), what we can do on which days, and how to get around.

So it's no surprise that when we prepare to travel, she has a list of what to bring.

It started when we would go camping. She would have a list of all of our camping gear: tent, sleeping bags and mattresses; cookware, cutlery, and dishware; clothing for day, night, and inclement weather; sunscreen, beachwear; games, playing cards, books. And much, much more.

When we travelled abroad, DW had a list to make sure that we packed the right amount of clothing, packed our passports, maps, travel guidebooks, compasses (in Korea, we purchased miniature compasses that slipped onto our watchbands. We always knew which way to go).

With kids, the list became more complex to meet the needs as our girls grew. It was a challenge when our kids were smaller, when we had to make sure that we packed everything that they might possibly need, but even now that our girls are teenagers, we have checklists to make sure that they don't forget things to keep them occupied while we're in transit.

When I travel, I like to remind DW that I don't need to consult a list, that I can pack in 15 minutes or fewer. Sleepwear, check; underwear for at least three days, check; three pairs of pants—jeans, lightwear, and dress, check; socks, check; t-shirts, button shirts, check; sweater, check; optional shoes, based on the climate, check.

I make sure my sundry bag is stocked with razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, meds, nail clippers. An optional hair brush, depending on the length of my hair (these days, I don't need one). If I'm staying in hotels, I don't need shampoo or soap. Depending on where I'm going, I may pack a small, lightweight microfibre towel.

With today's age of technology, there are more things to keep in mind when you pack for a trip. Chargers: one for my phone, one for my D-SLR, one for my smart watch. My portable charger for all of my devices. Power cords. For my upcoming trip to South Korea, I need a power adapter.

Speaking of my D-SLR, I never travel without a camera bag, full of lenses, flashes, accessories. I'll bring my tripod—sometimes, two. For my upcoming trips, I've added selfie sticks. I have my underwater video camera (for which I can't forget my charge cable).

Because I plan to write a lot while I'm in Korea, I'm packing my laptop. Of course, that needs a power cord, too.

It'll be a miracle if I can get all of this into my carry-on suitcase and travel camera bag, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

I don't usually make packing lists. That's DW's department. But maybe, just maybe, I'll take a peek at hers before I hit the road.