Bag Lady

For weeks leading up to my trip, people asked me if I was packed and ready to go.  Although I had a general idea of what I would take with me, I did not physically organize my things until the night before I left.  Note to self: never do that again.  I was busy packing and cleaning up to the minute it was time to go.  In fact, when I arrived at the airport 90 minutes before the flight, the attendant asked me why I arrived so late.  I was already frustrated, and that is not what I needed to hear at that moment.  I packed 2 carry-on size bags – a backpack and a small rolling suitcase that could fit under the seat.  Everything I needed for the foreseeable future was in those 2 bags.  The ticket agent told me that Qatar Airways allowed carry-ons based on total weight, not size, so I had to check my backpack.  I was upset with myself for making an assumption instead of checking the luggage policy first.  I prayed that my backpack would arrive intact in Chiang Mai at the same time that I arrived.

Lessons learned:

• Pack early and plan to do nothing but relax the day of the flight
• Check the luggage policy for each airline
• Remain calm
  

Pinterest was a great resource for packing tips, which helped me to determine what to bring on this journey.  Check out my final packing list.  I’ll post updates along the way about what worked and what didn’t.

Pile before packing

All the clothes to be rolled

First aid plus

Contacts in an old first aid kit

Clothes 

5 tank tops

4 t-shirts (plus travel shirt)*
1 workout shirt*
2 long sleeve shirts*
1 hoodie (travel)*
1 pair of jeans (travel)
3 shorts
3 yoga pants
1 legging
1 dress
4 sports bras (1 for travel)
1 regular bra
4 pairs of socks (1 for travel)
8 panties
2 period panties
1 sarong

1 visor 

2 swim suits

Note: Nothing on this list requires ironing.  All of my bottoms are black, except for jeans and leggings, so I can mix things up.  *FAMU gear

Shoes

1 pair flip flops
1 pair running shoes
1 pair sandals

1 pair water/swim shoes

First Aid/medical 

1 first aid kit

Ibuprofen
Stomach relief
Antihistamine
Yeast relief
Malarone

1 Neti Pot with salt and baking soda (in contact cases)
cloth for glasses

Hair 

2 loc socs 

1 latch hook

1 hair toothbrush 

1 swim cap

2 microfiber towels for hair
rubber bands
bobby pins
scrunchie

Cleaning 

Clorox wipes

Wet Ones hand wipes

1 bar Fels-Naptha laundry soap 

Purell wipes 

Lysol spray

Toiletries 

toiletry bag 

1 mirror

 2 contact boxes (8 pair)

16 daily contacts (8 pair) 

1 pair bath gloves

1 pair glasses
1 washcloth (packed inside Neti Pot)
1 soap bar
1 Diva Cup
Pantiliners

2 razors 

Soap bar 

toothpaste 

moisturizer 

body oil 

floss 

1 sewing kit 

safety pins 

tweezers 

nail files
nail clippers 

Bags 

1 purse

1 day bag

1 shopping bag 

1 clutch 

1 waist bag 

1 backpack 

1 rolling suitcase 

Miscellaneous 

1 solar charger

Matches 

1 luggage scale

1 poncho
1 inflatable neck pillow
1 running belt
1 swim goggle
Travel adaptors
Mosquito repellent wipes
2 head lamps
Earbuds
Phone holder/stand
Laptop and charger

10 Ziploc bags (quart and gallon) 

3 compression bags

2 journals
1 umbrella
1 flashlight
Incense
1 armband for phone
Snacks
1 hand fan (manual)
1 fan (automatic)

Binoculars

super glue

I forgot to bring my peppermint castile soap, which I use for hair, body, laundry, cleaning, etc.  That soap is good for everything and lasts forever! I also realize after walking around in the rain that I need some waterproof boots if my feet are going to remain comfortable during rainy season.  I'll get the soap and boots next week with my special delivery.

Pack light!