Packing light!

I am not someone who is fond of checking bags ... one bad experience about 15 years ago, and I was cured of checking bags!

In recent times, when I've had to pack for a work-related trip, I have been able to fit everything and then some into my favorite carry-on bag. It makes travelling and transfers easier not to have to worry about bags arriving or not. It also makes getting to my ultimate work-related destination a lot faster.

But what about when you travel as a family? I was watching a video produced by Heathrow Airport Authority about packing.  They suggest laying out everything that you think you'll need and taking a third of the stuff away. Just my luck, I'd take the wrong third!

What I've done for this trip is take basics: two pairs of jeans - one that I'll wear and another skinny pair - and a pair of leggings.  My tops are almost all tunic-style and mix and match with my cardigan (lucky planning on my part).  I'll be wearing an all-purpose pair of walking shoes that slip on (great for our flight and security) and I'll be packing a pair of dressier shoes as we plan on going out one evening for special meal. My husband always packs light - I just have to make sure that he brings everything that he might need. My daughter, however, takes after my mother in her packing...she'd bring everything but the kitchen sink.

To solve this problem, and some 9 year old angst, I created a packing list related to a daily activity list that Finn and I created together. By looking at what we'd need generally for the activities we've planned, having an idea of when we'll be visiting certain attractions helped to cut out stuff that she'd not wear.

We've limited ourselves to two bags - a classic carry-on and a backpack - each; we won't be bringing toiletries as given security issues with liquids, it didn't make sense to bring stuff only to have it take up room that could be used for other more important stuff - like stuffies!

If worse comes to worst, we can add to our limited wardrobe once we arrive and I am pretty sure that they have similar toiletries there to what we have here. Our trip may truly be an adventure once we're faced with using brands that we have never heard of before - but that, I expect, will be part of the grand adventure. Just like that kangaroo burger at the Christmas market... :)