The idea of keeping a partially packed bag ready to go is brilliant. It speaks to your lifestyle of readiness and adaptability, which I could benefit from, even though I'm not a frequent traveler. I would say that after we had that huge quake in 2018, I did pack an emergency bag ready to go just in case of anything. You triggered a memory. Remember when you thought you lost your bread-making machine? I think your suitcases got temporarily lost. I remembered how distraught you were.
Perfect timing. I too travel light, but can see several areas where I can improve based on your summary. And I will put them to the test later this year. Thank you!
Just loved reading about how you travel light Celi! I challenge myself to do the same every time I get down my carry on! I absolutely use the packing cubes, and do think they save space as I roll up each and every item and squeeze them neatly and tightly together. And they are wonderful for organization, as you said. Traveling with a backpack for 3 years in Southeast Asia trained me well as to how much was really needed. Even stopping to work along the way kept me from adding more items as I knew I'd be moving along again and wanted to travel light! Literally! So good to see the farm animals and know all is going well there too!
While I read this I wondered how on earth to you come up with all these names? Do you recycle any? Do you run out of names in time? Or do you name only some of the critters?
Smart and useful tips on traveling light. We have been doing the same. On recent trips to Spain and Patagonia for 2+ weeks, we each had a carry-on for the overhead bin. People with us on both trips asked how we got by with so little. :-) There are stores if you need something, sinks for washing out things, and go ahead and wear it multiple times.
I enjoyed this whole thing. But you've also made me want to use long coats more. In winter I always use a long wool coat, but now I want a cool Spring-Autumn one...
Or just wear it with a summer dress. My fav look is a black T shirt and black jeans with my floor length vintage dove grey gabardine coat and converse. I have the best time in that coat!
Great tips! Thanks. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like using a backpack. My daughter insisted I get one. Just didn't work for me. Glad all is OK at the farm. Happy travels. xo
such a timely post, I'm leaving for Portugal in few days with a carryon and backpack and you have such great advice, you definitely have it down to a science, I'm pretty good about it, but always try to do better. last year I did Costa Rica this way, but forgot that nothing would dry when I washed them as we were in the rain forest for most of the time. this year, no rain forest, so it should be easier. one thing I do, is take old underwear and and throw away as I go ,and t-shirts I donate as I go. helps with space. I also take a small washcloth as some places we stay do not have them. love how all creatures great and small are all living their best lives on the farm with their human helpers.
A washcloth is a great idea to tuck in with my napkin and pillowcase - great idea! I have never been to the rain forest - I don't think i would like that! Being able to wash and dry my smalls makes life so much easier. What about socks? Do you wear boots in the rainforest?
I wore socks and hiking shoes, brought a few pairs and did the best I could. some days we walked around in a city, but nothing ever dried when staying in or near the rain forest, and it rained for a bit every day )
This really resonated with me because, until 2014 when I first walked El Camino de Santiago de Compostela (500 miles) with everything I thought I *might* need in a huge pack on my back, I owned so many clothes that they had their own separate room plus overflow in wardrobes in other rooms. Every day of that walk, I would donate more items to the collective baskets in the hostel where I would stay. Who needs more than one pair of hiking pants? The two merino t-shirts were fine. Why had I thought a curling iron was a necessity when I was about to walk 15-20 miles across rural Spain every day, drenched in sweat and wearing a huge hat? It was dry socks that mattered, for pity's sakes! I love travelling and have family and friends in many countries but have learned that no one notices or is impressed by what you are wearing but by what you are Being, which is present and ready to lavish them with your attention. Bravo, Cecilia!
Meant to tell you that all the animal shots were taken by the team minding the farm while I am away. So grateful to them!
The idea of keeping a partially packed bag ready to go is brilliant. It speaks to your lifestyle of readiness and adaptability, which I could benefit from, even though I'm not a frequent traveler. I would say that after we had that huge quake in 2018, I did pack an emergency bag ready to go just in case of anything. You triggered a memory. Remember when you thought you lost your bread-making machine? I think your suitcases got temporarily lost. I remembered how distraught you were.
Thank you for the fun article, Cecilia
Happy Weekend!
Yes! I do remember - it had my pasta roller in that bag!! One of the few times I have agreed to check my carry on!
Perfect timing. I too travel light, but can see several areas where I can improve based on your summary. And I will put them to the test later this year. Thank you!
Let me know how your test goes! There is always room for me to improve. I have such trouble with socks in the winter.
Just loved reading about how you travel light Celi! I challenge myself to do the same every time I get down my carry on! I absolutely use the packing cubes, and do think they save space as I roll up each and every item and squeeze them neatly and tightly together. And they are wonderful for organization, as you said. Traveling with a backpack for 3 years in Southeast Asia trained me well as to how much was really needed. Even stopping to work along the way kept me from adding more items as I knew I'd be moving along again and wanted to travel light! Literally! So good to see the farm animals and know all is going well there too!
You sure have put traveling light to the test! I find if I stuff the cubes too tight they end up looking like footballs. Which ones do you use?
While I read this I wondered how on earth to you come up with all these names? Do you recycle any? Do you run out of names in time? Or do you name only some of the critters?
Oh great question! I do name groups. The Charlottes. (This years plonkers) The Bobbie’s. The PopPops. The names just appear! And always make me laugh!
Smart and useful tips on traveling light. We have been doing the same. On recent trips to Spain and Patagonia for 2+ weeks, we each had a carry-on for the overhead bin. People with us on both trips asked how we got by with so little. :-) There are stores if you need something, sinks for washing out things, and go ahead and wear it multiple times.
Wearing stuff more than once blows some peoples minds!! But we do! I mean - I wear underwear for a reason!!
I enjoyed this whole thing. But you've also made me want to use long coats more. In winter I always use a long wool coat, but now I want a cool Spring-Autumn one...
Or just wear it with a summer dress. My fav look is a black T shirt and black jeans with my floor length vintage dove grey gabardine coat and converse. I have the best time in that coat!
Great tips! Thanks. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like using a backpack. My daughter insisted I get one. Just didn't work for me. Glad all is OK at the farm. Happy travels. xo
Backpacks just make my shoulders hurt!
such a timely post, I'm leaving for Portugal in few days with a carryon and backpack and you have such great advice, you definitely have it down to a science, I'm pretty good about it, but always try to do better. last year I did Costa Rica this way, but forgot that nothing would dry when I washed them as we were in the rain forest for most of the time. this year, no rain forest, so it should be easier. one thing I do, is take old underwear and and throw away as I go ,and t-shirts I donate as I go. helps with space. I also take a small washcloth as some places we stay do not have them. love how all creatures great and small are all living their best lives on the farm with their human helpers.
A washcloth is a great idea to tuck in with my napkin and pillowcase - great idea! I have never been to the rain forest - I don't think i would like that! Being able to wash and dry my smalls makes life so much easier. What about socks? Do you wear boots in the rainforest?
I wore socks and hiking shoes, brought a few pairs and did the best I could. some days we walked around in a city, but nothing ever dried when staying in or near the rain forest, and it rained for a bit every day )
This really resonated with me because, until 2014 when I first walked El Camino de Santiago de Compostela (500 miles) with everything I thought I *might* need in a huge pack on my back, I owned so many clothes that they had their own separate room plus overflow in wardrobes in other rooms. Every day of that walk, I would donate more items to the collective baskets in the hostel where I would stay. Who needs more than one pair of hiking pants? The two merino t-shirts were fine. Why had I thought a curling iron was a necessity when I was about to walk 15-20 miles across rural Spain every day, drenched in sweat and wearing a huge hat? It was dry socks that mattered, for pity's sakes! I love travelling and have family and friends in many countries but have learned that no one notices or is impressed by what you are wearing but by what you are Being, which is present and ready to lavish them with your attention. Bravo, Cecilia!
Wow - 500 miles carrying everything on your back. That is a fantastic achievement! A real learning experience. I am sure I could never do it.