Travelling with Two Undies: is it possible?

Image from practialhacks.com

I love travel packing lists.

I am always reading them and dreaming about a 6 week train trip across the Darjeeling in India.

And this leads me to...travel underwear! I came across a few people recommending ExOfficio underwear on Travel Forums.

Their tagline is: 17 countries. 6 weeks. One Pair of Underwear. Ok, Maybe Two.

I've ordered one on ebay to give it a trial run. I'll keep you posted.

You may think this is crazy, but really, how many do you wear at any given time? One. And how many spares do you need? One. Wash one, wear one. One plus one is Two.

P.S Husband thinks I'm absolutely Mad for going to Korea with two undies. I never said that I was Normal when we got married ;)

Minimising Toys on Travels

Image from wired.com

I am aiming at taking three backpacks so I will work towards minimising toys to take on this trip:

1. A small bag of lego for my son (aged 5). It will amuse him (and his Dad :p ) for hours. (1)

2. Colouring-in books, writing books, pencils, textas and stickers for the plane trip. (3)

3. I am considering taking the ipad to play games, look at photos & videos, listen to music and stories. (1)

4. Bedtime friends: a little dog for son, and a doll for daughter. (2)

5. Books: as they are heavy, can't take too many. And I would like to bring back some Korean kids books. So I might take 6. 3 each. Plus a kids Bible. (7)

6. I like the idea of taking fly swats (clean & new!) and a couple of ballons to amuse the kids at airports if we have to wait. They can play badminton. (2)

7. A small collection of kitchen things e.g. tea set. They like playing "house" and "restaurant". (1)

8. Torches: not exactly a toy, but still very useful and it's fun to play with light. Packing extra batteries. (2)

Total no. of items: 19.

Yikes! It's not very Minimal.

Minimising your Toiletry Bag

Image from styleceo.com

The best thing I have bought to take on holidays and weekend aways is a Nalgene travel kit. I think I got the tip from onebag.com (see my post here).

You squeeze small amounts of shampoo, conditioner, and sunscreen into these little travel bottles, drastically reducing the size of your toiletry bag. Sure it's a little bit of a hassle doing this, and labelling the different bottles (actually I enjoy this), but it's more of a hassle lugging around a giant toiletries bag that is the size of a small suitcase.

You can purchase these travel kits from camping stores. I got mine for about $12.

Minimalist Travels

Image from Hypebeast.com (Japanese mountaineering backpacks: hobo)

I'm heading for a short OS holiday at the end of the year. I wonder if I can do it with four backpacks. Actually, it's gotta be three. One large for Huband, one medium one for me, one small one for the 5 year old.

I can't imagine my 2 year old girl carrying too much!

We are not swimming/beaching so that eliminates swimmers and bulky beach towels. And thongs. And it's mild Autumn weather so I won't need thick jackets and coats.

This is what I will be taking:

Mum
3 shirts, 2 pants, 1 jacket
3 undies, 1 pyjamas
3 socks, 2 shoes

5 year old boy
5 shirts, 5 pants, 2 jackets
7 undies, 1 pyjamas
7 socks, 2 shoes
1 hat

2 year old girl
5 shirts, 5 pants, 3 jackets
7 undies, 1 pyjamas
7 socks, 2 shoes
1 hat

Toiletries
shampoo, conditioner, comb
toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
contacts, solution
glasses, sunglasses
soap
facewashers, hankerchief, towels
nail clippers, deodrant, paw paw
cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen

Stuff
Bible, book, notebook, diary, pen
camera, charger
wallet, cash
passport, travel documents

Kids related
water bottles, snacks
nappies, wipes
pram, cotton wrap, cot sheet
medicine kit
toys, books, games, bedtime friends
colouring in books & pencils & stickers (for the plane trip)

I wonder if I can fit all this into three backpacks.

And as much as I would like to pack for Husband, he tells me he is a grown man and can pack for himself. :)

OneBag.com

This is one of all-time my favourite sites.

Since uni days I have pored over the pages, memorising the packing list, and drawing up a "wish list". I've always wanted a silk inner liner sheet!

It advocates Light Travel - which means travelling with one bag; one carry-on bag.

I love this idea. I've done it ONCE. When I travelled to Korea by myself back in 2004. It was a pretty good feeling. So light and free. While everybody is queuing up to pick up their luggage, you are on your way, hopping into a taxi, with just one small backpack on your back.

The list is pretty minimal. The best tip is minimising clothing. What is the saying? "Lay out everything you are going to take on your trip. Then half the clothing. Double the Money".

For me, three outfits is plenty. Plus you can wash as you go. Coordinating colours is the key, so everything goes with everything. I've pretty much stuck to black, grey and dark green.

Here is the list: One bag packing list