There are two versions of me when I travel:
- The person booking the trip: “I’ll pack light this time.”
- The person standing over an exploding suitcase at 1 a.m.: “But what if I need three jackets?”
Every single trip, I become emotionally attached to items I absolutely do not need. Somehow I convince myself I’m preparing for every possible scenario — from a beach vacation to surviving alone in the wilderness. 🌴⛈️
Here’s what I always overpack:
👕 Clothes “Just in Case”
I pack outfits for:
- hot weather ☀️
- cold weather ❄️
- fancy dinners 🍷
- workouts I will never do 🏋️
- a mysterious event that has never once happened
Meanwhile, I wear the same two comfortable outfits the entire trip.
👟 Too Many Shoes
Why do I think I need:
- sneakers
- sandals
- boots
- “nice shoes”
- backup shoes
My suitcase ends up being 40% footwear and 60% regret.
🧴 Toiletries Like I’m Opening a Pharmacy
I bring full skincare routines, multiple hair products, medicine for diseases I don’t have, and enough lotion to moisturize an entire hotel.
And somehow I still forget toothpaste. 😭
📚 Things to “Be Productive”
Books. Journals. Chargers. Laptop. iPad. Planner.
I pack as if vacation is secretly a productivity retreat.
Reality:
I watch random TV in bed and eat snacks. 🍿
🍿 Snacks for the Apocalypse
I don’t trust airports, road trips, or “limited options,” so I carry enough snacks for a 14-person hiking expedition.
Do I eat them?
Usually no.
Do I continue packing them?
Absolutely.
😅 The Emotional Support Items
The hoodie.
The water bottle.
The tiny bag inside the bigger bag.
The random cable I haven’t used since 2018.
These items are not practical. They are spiritual necessities.
Every trip starts with overpacking and ends with me saying:
“Next time I’m bringing less.”
And every time… I lie to myself. ✈️🧳
