I want to be a Master Mother Packer

“We’re only staying for 2 nights in Puerto Galera and that’s your bag?!”

I can never forget that look on Mother Lito’s face when he saw me loading what seemed to be a weekend overnight bag. From what I can recall, it contained at least 3 swimsuits, some dresses, shorts, towels, accessories, flip flops, mini bag for walking, sarong and I really don’t remember but it seemed like I am out for the week... not for the weekend.

Source

There was the walking-down-the-beach outfit, the hang-out-at-the-bar-during-day-light- outfit, night-life-with-the-beckies-outfit, swimming outfit (how the hell did I manage to swim with chandelier earrings on?!)

But several years later, I have learned to keep it down low. It wasn’t fun loading my bag especially if my becky friends won’t help me with my luggage (lol!), it certainly wasn’t fun pulling a trolley bag in the sand.  

In my attempt to pack light, I came across this article:

Check the Weather

• Uhmm... I wish Philippine Weather is predictable but I guess I’ll just bring umbrella with me everywhere. Boy did I get the surprise of my life when I was in Boracay and it's rainy at some parts of the day.

Make a List of Activities

• Tours, Beach, Night Life, Shopping - check!

Decide on a Color Scheme

• I cannot decide on this (and chances are I will not follow whatever color scheme as long as I am dressed comfortably)  so I will proceed to the next step.

Opt for Travel-Friendly Fabrics

• Instead of jeans, I packed dresses, skirts and shorts with light fabric.

Choose Your Pieces Wisely

• Oh damn. This is the hard part. I am set to bring a hair dryer, curling iron and a hair straightener together with other girly hair stuff. I will revisit the “pieces” when I am decided which one to pack.

Scrimp On Shoes

• The article said “The average female airline passenger carries five pairs of shoes in her suitcase.”  I packed my trusty crocs flats that’s weather-proof and 1 pair of havaianas flipflops.

Account for Accessories

• I don’t really need accessories for this trip (I'll only be gone for 56 hours). But perhaps earrings would do. 

Make A List

• I have this list as early as three months before the trip. iPod (check!) Point and Shoot cam (check!) DSLR for blogging pics (check!) Laptop... nah. I will not bring work with me.
• Also I must have at least one book to keep me company during waiting time at the airport. (Yes, I will leave the hardbound ones at home).

Pack a Bag Within a Bag

• I have a black and pink polka dot weather proof eco-bag, does that count?

Carry Makeup and Meds Separately

• I have a travel overnight kit that houses my toiletries and meds. I plan to bring those lip and cheek tint stains to save on space, so yeah, I will not be needing those bronzers since I’ll come home hopefully “bronzed” anyway.

Let's see if it works.