You already know by now that I enjoy traveling and I pack light. I challenged myself last month for my lightest packing adventure yet. I was heading to Disneyland--my flight would get me there around 10:00am and my return was the next night around dinner. Often I stay at a hotel just across the entrance, but this time I did Hotwire and ended up about a mile from the park. Not that far, but I didn't want to take a shuttle/cab to the hotel, check in early and leave a bag and then get myself to the park (and the reverse would be true the next day--I'd give up park time to head back to to the hotel to get my bag before the airport). I could have rented a locker at Disneyland for $7 a day both days, but like I said--packing light challenge. So, how much do you really need for a 32 hour trip? Turns out, not too much.
I realize that this method probably doesn't work when traveling with small kids, but some of the tips could help cut down on a few things. I'm a believer of "buy it there if you need it" rather than throwing in everything just in case. You rarely end up needing it.
So, here's what I took:
1 regular size cross-body purse
1 t shirt
1 pr underwear
Rain jacket (it folds up into its own pocket, from LL Bean)
Make up: mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow stick, sponge, blush, moisturizer (I rarely wear more than that anyway)
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Hair pick, ribbon and elastic
iPhone/charger
I wore the same pants and the same shoes both days--I do that at home all the time--don't you? No? Oh well, the jig is up for me then.
Here's how I compacted my toiletries. You know those tiny zip bags that extra buttons come in when you buy new clothes? I used those. I had enough moisturizer for bedtime and getting ready. For the deodorant, I sliced off a bit and smooshed it around in the zipper bag--then split the bag wide open when I used it and rubbed it on my skin. Too "redneck"? Maybe--but it worked. My toothbrush came prepasted (it was like dehydrated paste, but you could just use a mini zipper bag). I also did a bag with medicine. As a bonus, the toothbrush was disposable and the mascara was at its end, so I tossed them before I came home. Hotels come with shampoo and conditioner, so for one night--it works.
That's it. Two days, no luggage and a purse smaller than my everyday bag. I brought home more than I took with a few souvenirs (it is Disney after all). I enjoyed every moment in the park!
