Pack

I am heading overseas for my Portugal retreat in a week.  My constant mind chatter that hit about a week ago, is what to pack.  I am in a head space that happens every time, of trying to be as minimalist as possible while still being comfortable. 

What to Pack and Wear While in Transit

Traveling from Portland to Europe takes forever.  Sometimes I am lucky enough to grab one of the few direct flights from PDX to Amsterdam or London, then make my way to my final destination.  I am looking for the best deal and sometimes have a few miles to use to get that price point down.  Often that requires a flight from PDX to somewhere else in the US before I board my international flight.  Some tried and true suggestions to ease the long travel day:

Luggage

I try not to check my bag going over (I will check going home).   I have found that my Away Carryon hardshell suitcase is a winner and has been for years.  I love it.  I love it so much that I have purchased one for each of my family members for Christmas gifts.  They are that good and last forever.

My personal item is another story.  I have tried many different options from over-complicated backpacks that should really only be used for back country hiking, to tote bags of various styles, to what I use on business trips.  The latter does not work at all.  The others mentioned were not quite right.  Most were not efficient enough with space, or just a pain to carry even if attached to my carryon suitcase.

My last trip to Portugal, my co-retreat leader buddy had a new personal item.  Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack.  I noticed when she opened it up to grab something while we were waiting to board, how much stuff she had in there and it was organized and viewable.  Then, as we were going through customs at Heathrow, and I was carrying my tote on my shoulder (I checked my suitcase), which was killing me with weight and distribution, she was happy as a clam with her backpack.  I had time to study it for 2 weeks and upon my return, treated myself and bought one.  I used it recently for a trip to Hawaii and I am in LOVE with it.  So much so, those 3 Kemper men either have one now or are getting one soon (they don’t read this blog so I am not at risk of ruining the surprise).

Essentials for Flight

As I am often working my corporate job during my retreat, I always have my Air pods.  But I also bring my Bose over the ear headphones because I have found that over an extended period, I can’t stand having the Air pods in my ear.  Since they are larger, they are seen by my row mates as a clear indicator to leave me alone because I want to sleep.

I always have an eyemask.  I used to think it was stupid, but then I brought one just because and noticed that it does really help.  I don’t sleep well on flights (and I have accepted that) but blocking out light does help me get in a few more hours of rest.

A neck pillow is essential.  I have good luck with Cabeau and Wander.

Blanket.  I bring my own.  I never did, but during the pandemic I started buying crap for travel in hopes it would come back and bought this travel blanket from Gravel.  I love it.  It snaps around my neck, has pockets for my hands and a zippered pocket for my phone.  Also has foot pockets.  It scrunches up into a small sack that I attach to my backpack.  I have used this blanket when on the ground at my destination on the beach or in a park.  Perfect for a picnic.

I don’t drink alcohol anymore on flights.  OK, not entirely true.  I don’t drink as much alcohol as I used to on international flights.  Based on the departure time of my international flight, I may have a gin and tonic to celebrate that I am heading off to Europe, if it is early enough for me to chug some water later.  But I have stopped drinking the wine they give you with the crappy meal and do not have another cocktail if offered.  It really does mess with your sleep.

Bedtime Tea.  Magnesium. Ashwagandha. Trazadone.  Do what you know works for you.  Trazadone is my rock.  I am a bit of an anxious flyer, so it takes the edge off and allows me to get in some sleep without feeling groggy IF I TAKE IT IN TIME. 

Electrolytes.  I just started doing this and I swear, my jet lag is not as bad as it once was.  I used to dehydrate myself because I hate using the airplane bathroom.  Stupid.  I know.  Now I make sure I drink a full water bottle on each flight where I have added electrolytes, and I swear, I don’t pee as much.  I hate really sweet drinks (woe to the person who is with me in any restaurant/bar when I start asking about a particular drink and its sweetness level) and have found most electrolyte powders are sickly sweet, but then was told about LMNT.  If you like salt, this is for you.

Those airline meals on international flights suck.  And I have known a few folks that got food poisoning.  I always bring snacks but recently have started bringing my own meals.  I am big on trying to get enough protein in me so will pack lentils and rice with nuts, or a wrap of some sort.  Salad rolls travel well.  I have a bento box style carrier that I use later while on retreat to pack more food items if going to the beach, or want to have nonperishable snacks in my room during the retreat.

Compression Knee High Socks – they work.  Wear them.  No more swelling.

Essentials for the Entire Trip

Coffee

My day does not start without coffee.  And while this item is not used in flight, it is essential for each day that I am overseas.  My Aeropress has served me well over the last decade.  I bring my own coffee and travel mug (Yeti is my fave).  When at the retreat location, I sneak into the kitchen, fill up my water bottle with hot water in the morning, and head back to my room and make my coffee.  I can sit in my room in solitude and enjoy a cup before I greet the attendees for the first yoga session of the day.

Packable Puffer Jacket

Packable is the key here.  Obviously if you are going to a tropical locale, you don’t need this.  But for other locations, it is a good item to have just in case the weather turns.  Cotopaxi has a great packable option that I practically live in during late fall, winter and spring in the PNW.

Packable Grocery Bag

Multi use.  Gathering provisions at the local grocery store (one of my favorite things to do) or hauling items to the beach.  I have an old IKEA bag that becomes its own little ball.  I often use it in flight, putting the items I need at arms reach for the trip, while storing my backpack and suitcase in the overhead bin.

I am DONE with Heels

I always used to pack a pair of heels just in case.  But since I am mainly going to Europe, cobblestone streets are the norm and a death trap for heel wearers.  Flats all the way.  I guess if I had a fancy event, that would change.  But in all my years of traveling, I have yet to be invited to a fancy event. 

Swimsuit

Always.  No matter where I go.  My goal in life is to get into any body of water at any time.  Even living in Portland.  Ask my husband about the day walking the dogs to the river that is a mile from our house.  The day was warm, the river was beautiful, one of my dogs was in the river, and I decided to join her.  In my underwear.  Save your companions from embarrassment and pack a swimsuit and carry it with you wherever you go on your daily excursions.

Caftan

I swear to God, I do not know how I lived without this.  I am giving full credit to my friend Tricia who while on retreat with me in Italy, had a caftan in her bag while we were exploring Cinque Terre.  We all had our swimsuits, but not on our bodies.  We spontaneously decided to jump in the water while in Manarola before lunch and needed to change.  The 3 of us were trying to change into our swimsuits discreetly and Tricia throws the caftan over my head, creating a tent for me to change into my swimsuit!  Brilliant!  I found one before a recent trip and used it as a bathrobe in the morning and coverup after I was done sunning myself on the beach (which is always a few hours before the rest of the group who are not living the pale/redhead dream).

Laundry Handwashing Detergent and Washing Machine Detergent Sheets

I do not pack enough underwear for the entire trip.  I pack half of what I need.  I also really try to not overpack with clothing.  There is something soothing about handwashing clothing.  If my location has a washing machine, I am ready with a detergent sheet to really wash items such as jeans, etc.

Clothing

I try so hard to be minimalist and have worked at not throwing in last minute packing items.  I am not going to tell you what to pack and what not to pack.  Suffice it to say, we always pack too much, wear the items we love over and over anyway, so try to cut your items down by half.  Good luck.