This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Slim·Fast.
Since I know what I’m about to say is sort of weird, I think the best course of action is just to say it. Put it out there. Jump into the deep end of the community pool that’s chock-full-o-crazy.
Ready?
Here you go.
There are few things I enjoy more than packing a suitcase.
Seriously. I sort of adore it, in fact.
And it’s not that I just like packing my own suitcase. Oh, no ma’am. I like packing suitcases for other people, too. I love the whole process of figuring out what to take on a trip, getting everything organized, sorting all our stuff into categories, figuring out the best bag for what needs to be packed – the whole thing.
And because I love packing so much, getting ready for a trip can be almost as much fun for me as the trip itself.
(Maybe I should stop now.)
(I fear I’ve overshared.)
(My only defense is that I’ve never claimed to be even remotely normal.)
So given all of that, you can probably understand why our recent family trip to see a very large mouse pretty much reduced me to a quivering pile of trip-planning anticipation. After all, there were just so many things that needed to be done ahead of time! So many, very fun things!
Like what, you wonder? Well, sunscreen! We needed sunscreen! And I needed to find the hats we take to the pool in the summertime. And I needed to make sure that the little man could still wear last year’s shorts. And I had to make sure that all of us had a windbreaker that could double as a poncho if it rained. And then there was the matter of double-checking that we had plenty of rechargeable batteries and the extra-large Ziplocs and the books for the plane ride and a stash of dollar bills for whenever we needed to tip someone.
Clearly I had no choice but to make a to-do list. And type it. Sort of like this. Except that certainly it was considerably more detailed and also alphabetized.
MY JOY, IT KNEW NO BOUNDS.
And in all seriousness, I think the reason I enjoy the list-making and the pre-packing and the packing so much is because travel is jam-packed with stuff that you just can’t control. Weather. Delayed flights. Mixed-up reservations. Crowds. The occasional irritable family member.
Not that we’d know anything about that. Oh, heavens no.
But the packing? That I can control. I can make sure we’ve been as thorough and as organized as possible before we leave the house. I can’t do one thing about having to hike a half mile from the parking deck to the terminal or dealing with disgruntled travelers or standing in jam-packed security lines. But I can plan well enough in advance to make sure that our iPods are charged, that we have a Ziploc filled with all our necessary cords and cables and chargers, that we can rest in the peace of knowing that once we get to wherever our destination happens to be on any given trip, Mama here is going to have our travel camera tucked into a zippered portion of my favorite (durable!) travel purse, and ALL WILL BE WELL WITH THE WORLD.
Unless the airline loses our luggage, of course.
However, you can rest assured that I’ll have some back-up clothing in my carry-on bag.
There’s no such thing as being too prepared.
If you’d like to be entered to win a Slim-Fast gift pack (worth $100), leave a comment that answers the following question: what kind of traveler are you? Do you like to make your pre-travel lists and check them twice? Do you run through the airport at the last minute and arrive at your gate approximately two seconds before the plane door closes? Do airline employees know you by name because you’re forever missing your flights? Or are you a traveler of the prompt-but-laid-back variety?
Happy Commenting, y’all!
And don’t forget to check out the BlogHer round-up page for more chances to win. This giveaway will run from 3/28-4/20.
Rules:
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on this post
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d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here.
This giveaway is now closed.
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I like to pack a few days ahead of time when I travel. And be at the airport at least an hour before the flight so I can have time for security and ISSUES!
I do not like to fly… But if I must, I usually try to get to the airport an hour ahead of time. There have been a couple of times I’ve gotten there and they did not have my ticket!! Other than that, I’m pretty organized when I pack and I jot down lists but I’ve never made an alphabetized list. Maybe I should start!
I like to pack, sometimes make a list and usually pack too much.
I am a last minute packer. I like to be pleasantly surprised when I arrive at my destination and find that I have actually managed to throw in a few useful items. Of course sometimes I arrive and find that I have packed 12 shirts, a skirt that no longer fits and some sweatpants. That’s when I curse my laid-back packing style and pledge that from now on I will pack days in advance following a detailed packing list and that I will purchase travel-sized containers of beauty products and disposable footies to wear through the security check.
Only I forget that pledge until the next time I find myself tossing random things in a suitcase just moments before I head off to the airport.
I go and make a nice list of things I need to bring, then I don’t end up packing until the last minute! I always end up forgetting something!
I’m more of a road tripper than a flyer. If I were flying, I would be very specific about what went into my suitcase, and arrive at the airport in loads of time to people watch and wait for my flight. I was 3 months pregnant with my 6 year old the last time I flew. When road tripping, I’m a little more devil may care. When we get in the car the husband and I say to each other, “Did you need to bring anything we can’t buy at Target? Do you have said item in the vehicle?” But one thing’s for sure, I’m an overpacker. Must remember the curling iron! In the off-chance I decide I need curly hair, and have time to curl it! (that is almost never)
I’m a mix. I like to have a list and a plan for all the travel involved, yet I always somehow end up late at the airport due to a taxi not arriving or something. So yeah, I’m one of those people you see running through the airport. So far, I haven’t missed a flight yet, so I guess that counts for something!
I am a list girl. I make lots of lists and usually type them also. A spreadsheet is good with lots of kids! And, still, we always forget something!!
I am a planner, with lists, packing started at least a week in advance, as organized as I can be.
baaaaadd one.
Wow. I want to travel with you. I travel all the time and I am nothing like you. Still, we manage… ;) Although, any time you want to help me pack, I would love that!
Oh mercy. I would typically not be caught dead with a list of any sort. However, my husband is a list-maker extraordinaire. My goal is always to have like WAY too many shirts and then absolutely no shoes or pants at all (or so it would seem to the casual observer).
I am nothing short of AWE-STRUCK at your list-making/packing/fore-thinking skills.
Pack the night before, and usually forget at least one thing… forgetting my whole bag of makeup was bad mistake, but hey, i got to buy some new mascara!
I make lists way ahead of time, but I don’t always finish packing until the night before. Hubby packs at the very last minute!
I make lists ahead of time, but don’t actually pack until right before we leave.
I have a customized excel list and Eagle Creek/LL Bean packing system (a little crazy here too…but its genetic), but once I get packed, I’m pretty laid back on the actual trip. Thanks for the chance to win.
I enjoy packing, too. I am a list maker. I make lists of lists I need to make. (Does that make sense?) Thanks for the fun giveaway!
I’m a list maker, and though it isn’t my usual personality, I am very organized when I pack a suitcase. And, I can’t stand the stress of running late…so I lie to my family and tell them we leave sooner so that I can make sure we get to the airport an hour ahead of time!
Promt, but laid back.
It depends on the trip as to what kind of packer I am! One overnight = one hour of packing/planning. Spur of the moment works! Two overnights = two hours of packing/planning! Three overnights = three hours of packing/planning (and probably shopping!)…etc… I’m a very organized packer…I have my makeup already in a bag ready to go at any moment, keep my quart sized carry on baggie at the ready. :)
I am a list maker because I’m always afraid I’m going to forget something. i love traveling so it’s all fun!
Oh I list it all up. I take over our guest room a few weeks before any trip and organize the hell out of the three kids’ clothes, car or plane entertainment, car or plane snack options, fun surprises, desperation bribes and of course…all my clothing because I take way too much everywehre.
I also arrive way early because I can’t stand the feeling of being rushed, espeicially with three kids in tow. I did have the pleasure of traveling without the kids a year or so ago and I was much more laid back about things, but that sort of makes sense right? I didn’t have to worry about anyone I was responsible for freaking out mid-journey and it was oh so very, VERY relaxing and delightful!
I’m right there with ya – I love the packing list! In fact, I have one saved on my computer that I tweak for every trip we take! Which reminds me, we are leaving on a Spring Break get-a-way this weekend, so I’d better get to my lists!
i start making a list about a week ahead. then don’t pack until the day/night before. must have at least one hour at the airport to breathe before boarding. any less and i start out stressed!
I make lists way in advance beginning with things I may need to buy. Closer to time I make lists of clothes I will need by the days I will be gone and what I will be doing on those days (Monday-Travel, MSU Cowbell shirt and khaki shorts) for example.
Also, since my last 2 trips to Africa I didn’t see my checked bag until 3-5 days into the trip, I now pack my carry-on as if I will never see my checked bag. Makes life easier when you are somewhere in a 3rd world country with no Wal-Mart or much of anything else.
I like to use the days (or months) leading up to a trip for shopping. For example, such phrases make the credit card happy: “That top is perfect for Disneyworld! I need sandals for a nice dinner at Epcot. That bag looks like a good travel bag.” And then the night before, I throw all my new clothes into a suitcase, realize that nothing matches, and that I’ve got 20 tanks and no shorts.
I am in awe of your organizational skills, particularly since I’m organizationally challenged. I’ve learned to make packing lists and rely heavily on large zip lock bags to sort things in a way that makes sense to me. However, I didn’t realize I needed to make an additional list of which items go into which bags and then CHECK THEM OFF as I placed each bag where it was to go until one memorable trip when I drove 15 hours, mostly through a snowstorm. When I stopped at 3:00 a.m. and then got up at 6:30 to hit the road again, I had to comb my hair with a plastic fork because I forgot to pack the “hair” bag.
Makes you glad you’re organized, right?
I am a start planning three months ahead, multiple lists, checking and re-checking, get to the airport with three hours to spare sort of traveler. Clearly a barrel of fun to be around. ;)
I am a list maker. I make a list of everything I need, Pack it and the put eveything by the door. I then go through the list in my head mentally about 100 gazillion times before I leave the house always fearing I will have left a most important item at home. By the time we leave th house, my motto is, “Whatever we don’t have we will just buy it!”
I am the type of traveler that would like to grant you the joy of packing my suitcase. I would rather stick a hot poker in my eye than pack a bag! I do like to get to the airport early ( ATL). We are those annoying people that have to re-pack at the baggage line to meet the eight. I know, I hate us too!
I always pack enough of everything in my carry on that I will be okay if my suitcase does not arrive with me I will be okay. I am a large girl who cannot run into just any shop to replace clothing. I like to prepare and plan ahead. Sometimes the packing is as much fun as the traveling.
I’m afraid I’m sort of a run-to-catch-the-plane-before-the-door-closes kind of girl. I’m not really a favorite or airline employees, especially when I’m trying to drag a bag on board that looks like it ought to be checked.
I love lists! And a trip list is a must! I begin thinking and planning about a week out- but I pack for everyone including hubby so it takes time. 3 girls, my husband and myself. Exhausting but I would rather be tired then get there and discover hubby has packed 2 undershirts and shorts – in the winter! True story and the last time he ever packed for himself!
Definitely a last minute packer! Which is weird considering I’m a list person. I’d don’t mind the packing so much as the un-packing later.
I pack the night before but I have made a complete list of what is being packed and where does it go. I show up an hour and a half or so early for my flight because I am so stressed out since we don’t fly very often.
Total planner when traveling; not the rest of the time though! I make list of each clothing items for the 5 of us, toiletries, a list each for Sam’s, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. and then start packing 2-3 days before.
I’ve never flown. Never. But I do make lists and check them off. Most of the time we are on the road when I realize I forgot to check something off the list. Then I beat myself up over it. Thank goodness there are stores everywhere we go!
I really like to plan what I am going to put in each suitcase. I like to have at least one outfit for each family member in each suitcase, in case one gets lost. I also like to plan what to put in the children’s bags o fun – I want a good mix of activities and travel snacks.
We also like to get to the airport many hours ahead of time – it never hurts to be early.
I am re-reading this, and I have now decided that I might have some travel issues. Bless it.
I am a strange and ineffective mixture of plan-ahead and procrastinate. I’ll think & consider & even make lists, but then I never do the actual packing until it’s late.
I love to make lists….shopping lists, packing lists, activities lists. I also LOVE to be at the airport super-early (good people watching).
Ah, what kind of traveler am I? Well, I’m the type that does plenty of lists and over-planning, but then somehow my family comes up with something I haven’t thought of at the last minute, so I look like a total dolt. SIGH. Oh well, usually the trips are fun anyway! :)
I’m the whiney traveler. I whine about the packing, stress about procrastinating with the packing, and finally melt down when I get there and I didn’t even pack 1 pair of socks. Given this history, I try to keep my travels down to two or three times a year!
I am a prepared traveler, have itinerary in hand and schedule activities and make sure hotel is booked and call ahead to make sure no problems, with four kids I can’t afford to be unorganized when it comes to traveling
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I hate packing…but a list of necessities helps me not have to think
I’m a list person too. And a lets leave for the airport way way early so we don’t have to worry if we hit traffic or there are long lines at the airport kind of person. I’d rather leave early and take my time and spend an extra hour waiting for my flight if I need to, because i’m a laid back kind of traveler, so why add stress by rushing to the airport.
I’m a HUGE list maker. Yet, without fail, I always seem to leave one item at home each trip I take.
Loved this post!
I am a way to inadvance list maker and probably edit it 5 times before I actually pack. One of my favorite things is to get a cute colored sharpie, some white paper, and make my day by day list of what to wear, a list of beauty/hygiene products to pack, list of shoes, list of undergarments (I know, crazy!), shopping list, and a list of other essentials (phone charger, books, laptop, etc.)
I have never thought about why I am like that other than I am normally very organized person, but your explanation was spot on—it’s a control issue!
I love to pack for a trip…..it is the UN-PACKING that I have an issue with!! My suitcase will sit in my bedroom floor for days after I get home (sometimes a week). I think I just don’t want the fun to end!!
Hate packing because I am always scared I am going to forget something even though I do make a list! ANDDDD to add to that crazy….I have to clean my house before I leave…..!!!!
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