Like, changing enough money, or vaccinations, or suspending my local mobile plan.
I enjoy packing and putting things away. My mother never tires of repeating the story of how I can be counted on to arrange random things in a shoebox for hours as a toddler, deeply absorbed and entertained. While I am no Marie Kondo (she would weep looking at my bookcase), I can be counted on to pack a neat suitcase with a very specific system organised via packing cubes. Knowing that I have what I need, no more and no less, gives me the extra kick I need to venture to parts unknown (to me).
A few things I’ve learnt about packing, over the years:
Weather, weather, weather
Three pairs of shoes, maximum. One of them should be a pair of flip-flops
You can buy nearly any item of clothing you forgot to pack. It might be ugly but it will tide you over. But the same cannot be said of medication, sunblock, and tampons
To cut down on weight, pack like you’re travelling for five days even if you are travelling for a month (or more), and wash your clothes on the go
If the idea of losing what you brought with you makes your chest explode from pain, don’t bring it
Dark grey hides all stains, as well as shoddy laundering
