RHYS BOWEN: Guess what I'm doing today? I'm packing for ten days in England. I'm trying to take the absolute minimum as I'll be navigating train stations as well as airports. The trouble is what is the mininum? I remember two years ago I checked the weather forecast for June and it said sunny and warm. So i brought one light cardigan. And in the Cotswolds it was cold and drizzle. So cold that I had to search out Charity Shops to find a sweater. and could only find one with beads on it.
This time it's going to be October. So far the weather in London looks okay. Around 60 plus, but with maybe some rain. Unfortunately I'm going to be further north. This could mean we escape the rain off the Channel, or we get colder and wetter rain. I am taking a puffy jacket and a rain shell, so all should be well. I'm trying to layer...blouse, long sleeve T shirt. jacket, cardigan plus one sweater. But I know from experience that whatever I take it won't be right. There will probably be a sudden heat wave and I'll have to find a charity shop to grab some Tshirts. I've found it's no use going to a real store as they only stock winter clothing in October. Last time I was in New York for the Edgars my phone said the temperature was going to be around 60. It wasn't. I went to the nearest clothes shops and, being April, they had flimsy summer clothes and bikinis.
Oh, and I have a very important business meeting so I have to look extremely professional. Gray blazer, either turtleneck or cream blouse, navy slacks. Maybe scarf.
What can I get away with for the minimum of cosmetics? a tiny jar of face cream. Foundation, mascara, lipstick...Shampoo and conditioner as my scalp doesn't like the hotel ones. Mousse and hair spray. It all takes up space. I tell myself that I can buy travel sized things when I'm there and discard them again. That is if I'm staying anywhere close to a pharmacy.
I'm trying to make it all fit into a carry on sized suitcase, plus an under seat wheely bag. I don't want to face getting a full sized suitcase onto a train and then finding space for it on a rack. I've got compression bags and they work well, but I'll need a hair dryer as I'm staying with a couple of people before I'm in a hotel. I'll need a pair of shoes as I'm wearing sneakers to travel in. It's like a giant jigsaw puzzle.
Actually I think I'm quite a good packer. So what are some of Rhys's packing tips?
#1 is packing cubes. I can roll about eight tops plus underwear into quite a small cube. I really like compression cubes. I'm using one cube for puffy jacket, rain shell, sleep shirt and underwear. They are light and going in my carry on, just in case my big case is lost. I should add choose items that don't crease. Not everywhere will have irons. Oh, and if it does crease hang it up in the shower when you've just had one.
2. Stuff shoes with small items--tube of face cream etc. Bring smallest toothpaste, toiletries. I use a square of solid shampoo. Easy to pack and won't spill. Bring extra zip lock bags. You'll always need them.
3. This is one of Hank's tips: always shove a scarf or pashmina into the carry on in case it's freezing cold on the plane. Ditto a bag of nuts/snack bar in case everything is delayed.
3. This seems logical but items you'll wear first on top.
4. Also logical: choose a color palette so you can mix and match. I have navy and being slacks, tops etc.
5. And lastly, apart from medications, everything can be replaced if you're in a first world country. So don't worry about lost cosmetics, hair brushes, laddered tights etc.
I'm wondering what Hank takes on her complicated book tour. And what tips can anyone give me to make this process easier?
I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip, Rhys . . . .
ReplyDeletePacking may not always be easy, but you seem to have everything well in hand . . . .
Thank you! Fingers crossed
DeleteIn a train station in Macclesfield right, now, waiting for our train to Oxford with far too much, and too heavy, luggage. Our daughter asked us to bring some things they can't find in Greece, but we won't be in Greece for three days yet, so we are schlepping extra stuff. And my husband insists on bringing jeans, which are heavy.
ReplyDeleteIt's chilly here, but will be warmer in Greece. Maybe? We had to bring layers, and both dressy and active footwear. It's crazy. Plus, stairs everywhere.
Good luck, Rhys!!
Nothing like traveling on a train to make you regret your packing choices! After spending 6 weeks in France earlier this summer, I was on the train from Carcassonne to Toulouse with two roller bags (both carry-on sized, so they can go on the storage racks above the train seats). Except the train was so crowded there was no way to maneuver down the aisle. So I stood for an hour with both bags, a backpack, and a big market bag precariously balanced on one of the roller bags. All while shuffling out of the way of everyone trying to board or leave. I much prefer to stick with carryon only.
DeleteI agree with Rhys that charity shops are a great solution. Although when I walked into one in Nice and smelled the cigarette smoke lingering on items, I realized that I would need to give items a good soak and airing before I could wear them.
I’m glad to hear it’s chilly because I’ve packed turtlenecks! Sorry we miss each other by one day too!
DeleteRhys, we are in Oxford until Sunday morning, flying out of Gatwick t I Athens.
DeleteThose all sound like great tips, Rhys. I can't think of anything to add, and I'm not particularly good at packing light, anyway! Shoes are always a problem.
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip!
Thank uou
DeleteI haven't been commenting lately and won't for a while because we've started an intense course on Portuguese that also has lots of homework. But I read this blog avidly and love to read comments, which is about all I can manage for now.
ReplyDeleteGreat packing tips, thanks.
Obrigado!
DeleteHave a great trip, Rhys. Your packing tips are excellent. Here are a couple more. Woolx dresses and tee shirts, long and short sleeve. Extremely comfortable marino wool for both hot and cold weather, layering, no wrinkles. Silk underwear, especially camisoles and tee shirts for warmth under anything or under a suit jacket.
ReplyDeleteWash in the sink and dry overnight.
I love wool. It doesn’t love me any more I’m afraid. It makes my skin break out. But I have a silk turtleneck
DeleteI see all these ads for different brands of wool tees and travel clothes, but wool tends to make me itch, like Rhys. Is this brand non-itchy?
DeleteI have found this brand to be completely non-itchy. I wore one of their 100% woolen dresses (a loose, tee shirt style in a smokey blue color) in 100°F weather to visit ruins in Greece during our vacation in July. I was comfortable, not itchy, and the fabric resisted odors so I wore it again before feeing like it needed to be washed. It dries very fast. Next sale, I am going to buy another dress and a long sleeved tee.
DeleteI am NOT allergic to wool. If you are actually allergic to it, this probably isn't for you. I am more sensitive than I used to be, but this fabric is exceptional.
I have been a carry-on only luggage traveller for over a decade. I use the same tips as you, RHYS.
ReplyDeleteOn this month's 13-day trip to Japan, I only brought clothes for 4 days (3 for hot/humid Japan, 1 for chilly Vancouver). Wash & wear active wear & merino wool. Tru-Earth laundry sheets. The suitcase was only 1/2 full.
Half full on the way there means room for shopping to me!
DeleteThe luggage came back 2/3 full. I bought a nice handmade kitchen knife, some hard to find Japanese condiments & 3 English translated paperback books by Japanese authors.
DeleteGrace, did you check your bag through on the way home because of the knife? I saw a photo of it;>)
DeleteHave a wonderful time Rhys! I pack very light. I take a carry on suitcase only. If I need something or forgot something I can always buy it. So far, it hasn't been necessary. I take 2 pairs of pants, and enough tops for the number of days we'll be traveling, a jacket (lightweight or heavy depending on the expected weather), undies, PJ's, I wear my tennis shoes and pack a nice pair of shoes. For our type of travel I can wear the same thing more than once as we generally aren't visiting people we know.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips Rhys! If it's a short 2-3 day trip I usually only have a carry-on, longer I need the larger luggage.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhys, Since your topic yesterday was about words and definitions I wanted to share what a radio show (A Way with Words) spoke about... "we’re still having a blast with that 1875 dictionary of the Sussex dialect we mentioned in last week’s episode. This compilation by Rev.W. D. Parish, offers a charming window on archaic words and phrases from the southeast corner of England, with such gems as:
ReplyDeletebutter-my-wig — A strong asseveration. As in, 'No, I won’t. Butter my wig if I will!'
print-moonlight — Very clear moonlight. Moonlight bright enough to read by.
peter-grievous — Fretful; whining. As in 'What a peter-grievous child you are! Whatever is the matter?' From French petit-grief, or little grief. "
Have a great trip!
I love those expressions! My favorite was always ‘come dungspread’. We’ll get it done come dungspread!
DeleteThose are wonderful expressions! For anyone who loves historical romances, Beverley Watts wrote an hysterically funny series ,The Shackleford Family, which starts with GRACE. She uses some of the most hilarious expressions and colorful epithets I've ever encountered. Each book has a fairly graphic love scene, just in case you don't like those, but it's only one per story. The audiobooks are insanely good.
DeleteThe only thing I can really add is that I roll everything up before putting it in. Except that blazer will have to lay flat on top.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteGreat tips Rhys! I hope you have a wonderful trip. My last trip to the UK, I packed for rainy and cold, based on my memory of the two springs I spent there. It was sunny and in the 80s or higher every day. Luckily, the season was right, so I went to Primark and bought some summer clothes. I also had to get a pair of sandals because the cute shoes I had just gotten at Nordstrom were SO uncomfortable. I think I left them behind somewhere.
ReplyDeleteAlways happens to me in England. I’m thinking I should add a T shirt
DeleteHi Rhys! Hope you have a lovely trip.
ReplyDeleteOne year, my hub and I traveled throughout southern England on mopeds in mid August. We didn't expect there to be pouring, nearly torrential rain one day and the next day sunny. We hadn't even brought a rain coat with us (coming from Southern Calif, we hardly even knew what rain was). We did collect an impressive amount of rain gear in England though! Our best buy were the Wellies or heavy duty rain boots.
I hope it won’t be bad enough for welliee. I’ll stay by the hotel fire. And I do have a good light rain shell
DeleteAnd I don't recommend travel by moped in the rain!!
DeleteI thought I was a decent packer, but some of you are putting me to shame!
ReplyDeleteI have been working very hard lately at figuring out what to pack for our upcoming 11-day pilgrimage to Rome. It will be different from my usual travel experiences for a few key reasons: we are part of a tour, so will be seen by the same people every day; we're visiting religious sites almost daily, so I will want to dress just a little nicer than I might otherwise out of respect; we have a much more packed itinerary than I usually plan, so there will be little opportunity to actually do a load of laundry; we are going in November, so the temperature on any given day is likely to range from 49 overnight to 65+ at the heat of the day.
My current thinking is all about layers. I am tentatively planning (counting travel wear) a dress, two pair of pants, two long comfy skirts, four short sleeve tops, two long sleeve light weight tops, two shrugs, one cardigan, one pullover sweater, plus tennis shoes and ankle boots and a hooded rain jacket. All are in a black/white/teal color palate. (Except my pale yellow rain jacket. It is what it is.) It is still a work in progress so I am open to suggestions to reduce the list.
I’d bring fewer short sleeved. And maybe more than one cardigan. Or a pashmina to throw on in churches
DeleteThanks for that, Rhys. As I said, definitely still a work in progress. It would almost certainly help me if fall weather would show up here, as nothing beats actually living in a temperature to help remember how to dress for it!
DeleteA cardigan AND a pullover? Hmmm...The cardigan can be a pullover. And DO NOT CARE about people seeing you in the same clothes. (This is very key. You can fix that with a black pashmina.) My two cents: You need 4 different outfits.
DeleteAgree with Hank: do not care about repeats. Unless you are wearing something supremely memorable, I doubt anyone will notice - we are all more self-absorbed than we like to admit.
DeleteSusan, I can tell you right now that especially on a trip like this, I wouldn't even notice "That woman wore that shirt two days ago" and I absolutely wouldn't say anything if I did - because I'd be in the same boat!
DeleteSusan, if you wear scarves, and I do all the time, pack two or three different ones. Mine completely change the look of an outfit, dress up or down a suit or slacks, and disguise things you've already worn. Plus, a scarf will keep the chill off in sudden a/c and can easily fit in a pocketbook.
DeleteGood luck, Rhys! UK charity shops are fabulous. I needed a sweater (jumper) while staying in York and found an Oxfam store. I bought two wool sweaters that looked like they once were part of a twinset. One was royal blue and one was black, definitely 80s style. But they kept me warm and now I wear one when I'm writing as an inspiration and good luck charm. The moths have enjoyed them as well unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteThat’s the problem with wool. I keep my cashmere in zippered bags!
DeleteI remember two occasions in June when I had to pick up additional clothing because the weather suddenly became colder/rainy after I arrived in the city I was visiting for the day.
ReplyDeleteOne was in Bath, the sunny day suddenly changed and I had to pick up a jacket to get me through the day.
The other was in Denmark. I had all the right clothing, unfortunately, it was all in my suitcase in Copenhagen and I was in a small town for the day. I found a turtleneck that saved the day. It’s very well made and I still have it and it has outlasted many that I have bought elsewhere.
Oh, brilliant! Yes, I just came home from 14 days on the road, and 13 different cities! And I had only an overhead compartment bag and a tote bag--NO checked luggage. I had three black dresses and four jackets. Four pairs of shoes. All of which mixed and matched. A jersey nightgown and flat travel slippers. On the plane I wore black widelegged drawstring pants and a black tee and a black cardigan, a beautiful scarf and a short black trench coat. And sneakers. (You can see how this is all useful.) Underwear in a compression square, which included a plastic section for laundry.
ReplyDeleteI keep clear plastic zip-containers of toiletries all packed and ready so I never have to deal with that except when things run out. ON this trip, I only had to buy a new container of contact lens solution, and once asked at the hotel desk for toothpaste, which they happily gave me.
Tips: wear your biggest shoes on the plane. Wear your scarf and coat on the plane. If you can buy something you need on the road within ten minutes and for less than 10 dollars, you don't need to pack it. ALWAYS have food, like almonds and granola bars. (Even in first class, food is generally awful or nonexistent. And bump yourself to first class if you can--sorry, you all, but for 11 different airplanes in about as many days, it is completely worth it.)
Finally, get a good cleverly engineered suitcase and a smart zippable carryon tote (into which you can stash your handbag as well as your laptop)--both of those are some of the best investments I've ever made.
It makes my day when the hotels have bathrobes. :-)
And if your coat has pockets, it can make a very nice extra carry-on. Coming back from New Zealand my jacket pockets were full.
DeleteSmart packi g! I always check a heavy bag and - knock on wood- have never lost one. Years ago, I bought a silk bathrobe that compresses into nothing and is warm and comfortable after a shower or before bed.
DeleteLisa, that is GENIUS!!
DeleteSusan, yes, silk is great. xxx
DeleteOh, and I'm the outlier---a flat packer, not a roller. With tissue paper. It truly works, and nothing is ever wrinkled.
ReplyDeleteI've finally found my packing soulmate, Hank. I'm a flat packer with tissue paper, too. My daughter is a roller and laughs at me, but my tissue paper has served me well.
DeleteSO agree. I cannot figure out why it works, but it does!
DeleteRHYS: Since my teens, I travel only with carry on bags. I remember the airlines losing my parents' luggage when I was a child. I follow the same tips as you do. Regarding cosmetics, I remember the cosmetics in England are way better than the cosmetics in the USA. When I bought cosmetics in the UK, they were gentler on my skin.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about wearing the puffy jacket instead of packing it to make more room in the luggage? Perhaps it's not feasible? When I fly, I wear layers, which I can take off if I become warm.
There was a story on social media about charity shops in the UK. A traveller mentioned that they buy clothes to wear from charity shops at the beginning of their trip, then when the trip is over, they donate clothes to the charity shops. I thought that was a good idea.
If you have time, then perhaps you and John can stop by the Dialogue Express Cafe. It is two minutes from the Stratford station. They have a menu where you can see different signs for coffee, tea and other drinks. Have a wonderful time in the UK.
Puffy jacket is down and compresses to nothing. And is light!
DeleteHave a great time, Rhys. Your packing sounds good to me.
ReplyDeleteI have to pack for a weekend trip up to Erie. Should be warm - but by the lake, there's always a breeze so a jacket or sweater is a must. Fortunately, it's only two nights and I only have to look nice on Saturday. I've gotten away from wearing makeup, so that's space I can save. Except this trip is one where I'm teaching at a conference, so I suppose I should pack some cosmetics. Don't want to look frumpy. Fortunately, I think this weekend will fit in my weekender bag, which has a plethora of pockets to store all those small things, like charging cords.
My new thing to "find space for" is a travel-size electric kettle to go with my tea. I'm tired of showing up at hotels with substandard tea offerings and coffee pots that are either broken or spit hot water all over the place and make a mess - and don't give hot enough water to boot!
I just returned from a month in Paris (heaven) and ny most important advice: make sure the wheels on your suitcase are strong! Mine on an older one collapsed, leaving me struggling, sweating, and almost unable to get from the RER train at Notre Dame to the apartment on L'Ile Saint-Louis, a few blocks away. Two wonderful French people stopped to help me. Tough start, but the rest of the stay was great. I had 3 pairs of slacks, 3 cashmere sweaters, 3 white tops, 3 scarves, 2 of which were wool, a raincoat, and 4 pairs of shoes to handle the cobblestones. As it turned out, only the good looking sneakers were needed most of the time. Oh, I bought a new and more capacious suitcase !
ReplyDeleteCobbles are murder on suitcase wheels!
DeleteI agree with everyone's tips! The most difficult packing, I suspect for most of us, is travel during a shoulder season - spring or fall. One day it might be 40F/4C and raining, and the next it might be 75F/24C and sunny.
ReplyDeleteMy mother, who was practically a professional traveler, had a formula: a few basics in two or three colors, a trench with a button or zip out liner (she had a London Fog she bought in the 60s that lasted her whole life!) and lots of scarves - silk squares, cashmere pashminas, maybe a large wool one she could use as shawl over the trench if it was going to be cold. Sneakers and dressy sandals for warm climates, sneakers and her Italian leather boots if it was cold.
She once spent ten days in Europe with one carry-on sized rollerboard and a cross-body purse. Meanwhile, her travel companions were hauling their carry-ons, plus full sized suitcases, and one had a train case for her toiletries!
Your mom sounds like a very smart practical woman!!
ReplyDeleteRhys, when I was in London in October '22, I packed for nice, crisp fall weather. It was 80 plus, sunny, and incredibly humid! Of course the shops had only fall/winter clothes. So pack at least one short sleeved, washable t-shirt.
ReplyDeleteMy stays in the UK are usually two to three weeks, and I've always taken a big suitcase. I am determined NOT to do that next trip, so will be asking you for advice!
Yes, I was just on the road for two weeks--ONE carry on and a tote! ANd no problems. xx
DeleteThis is not exactly relevant, but perhaps helpful to some of you. Last winter I bought a travel vest (22 pockets?) for my research trip to Italy. I had read about pickpockets in Florence, and I thought, well why not try it? So, I have not used a purse or fanny pack since last February. I wear it every day when I'm out, and I wore it while walking in England for three weeks, and I will take a new black one to Venice in a few weeks (more research). My big fanny pack always counted as a "carry-on" but no one makes a fuss about a travel vest. I actually wore the vest (unzippered) while working in the archive, and it made for one less thing to cram into a small locker. Regarding traveling with only a carry-on, congratulations! I find as I get older, all the medicines, various contraptions (I do need to travel with an oral irrigator, for example), it all takes up room. Plus the laptop and technical items. I love the idea of the charity shops, of which there are, in England, so very many. I wouldn't even know where to find one in Italy, let alone finding clothes anywhere that would fit me!
ReplyDeleteAll. Those. Pockets!
DeleteI am so envious of those of you who take only a rolling carry-on and an under-the-seat bag on planes. My daughter is my hero of packing. She only ever takes one carry-on and some kind of cross body purse. She's great at mixing and matching skirts and tops and having travel, quick-dry underwear. I packed so much for Paris last year in May, and while I needed both clothes for warm weather and cooler weather, I swore to myself that I would never burden myself like that again. My only tip is where shoes are concerned. Find a pair of nice-looking flats that are comfortable and use those for your dressy shoes. I usually go with black, but have in my indecision mode packed a pair of black and tan. They pack or fit in almost anywhere in your suitcase. Do take advantage of the small plastic bottles you can buy to take shampoo and conditioner in. I'm like Hank and pack flat with tissue paper, which has always helped me to keep my clothes neat and unwrinkled. I need to learn to layer up with what I wear on the plane, but I tend to run hot, so I'm afraid I might end up holding half my clothes. Rhys, enjoy your trip and take some pictures for us.
ReplyDeleteSomeone posted in the comments a recipe for Potato Leek soup the other day. I am trying to remember which day it was so I can pull up the recipe. I THINK I have everything to make the soup.
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance.
I'd also like to get the Potato Leek soup recipe AND if anyone has a really good 7 onion soup ...yes there is actually such a thing :) I lost mine and it was a favorite.
DeleteThanks
And does anyone know anything about shipping suitcases to one's destination? I've heard of people doing this. But, I wonder if it is expensive and difficult to find a reasonable transport?
Yes, I shipped a pair of shoes to Toronto where the mystery conference was and it worked out. I shipped it to the hotel where I was staying and it was waiting for me when I arrived.
DeleteExcellent tips! I'm packing for a mini book tour soon and am taking notes!
ReplyDelete