19 Comments
User's avatar
Christie Hawkes's avatar

I'm somewhere in the middle, Joanne. I don't like to pack too soon, because the suitcases make the dog a nervous wreck, but I also like to pack early enough that if I'm missing something I might need, I have time to round it up. I do like knowing where my passport is at all times!

Expand full comment
Joanne Tracey's avatar

Kali used to get so anxious about the suitcase so I'd never pack when she was around and would have to put the packed suitcase in the garage..

Expand full comment
Bernie L Cruikshank's avatar

I have a list when we pack to go on a ski trip or a camping trip but not if we are traveling. I am to travel light and just use carry on (been doing that for decades). I usually pack the day before to make sure the clothes are clean but if I was changing seasons well I guess I could pack a week before. The shorts are in the drawer from last fall! So exciting! Have a great time.

Expand full comment
Donna Connolly's avatar

Hi, Jo - We leave for our trip the same day as you do. I packed all my clothes today (in compressed packing bags). I'll do the toiletries and final touches on Monday (she says with confidence). Richard will pack the night before if not early the morning that we leave. My experience tells me that he will bring way more clothes that he needs and borrow most of my unisex toiletries. But I may just borrow an extra pair of socks from him. Isn't that what good relationships are for? <3

Expand full comment
Jennifer Jones's avatar

I’m an almost last minute packer. If I start packing early I just keep adding to it every day and end up taking too much. Exciting times for you Jo, and it’s great that there is nothing that needs your attention while you’re away.

Expand full comment
Joanne Tracey's avatar

Yes! I'm going to use that excuse. I always aim for a suitcase that weighs no more than 17kgs for a trip as long as this one.

Expand full comment
Suzanne's avatar

Jo, I was a last-minute packer too, but no longer. Having the luxury of time makes all the difference. Have a wonderful trip.

Expand full comment
Joanne Tracey's avatar

Thanks Suzanne

Expand full comment
prue batten's avatar

I plan and pack way too early.

And take too much. Or not enough. Anyway, the old age meds and shoes take up all the room!

Expand full comment
Joanne Tracey's avatar

Grant tends to pack too much too - and his shoes are bigger...which takes up more room.

Expand full comment
Joanne's avatar

I am both the planner and the packer! Though oddly I have forgotten to pack so many things through the years-- often pajamas. I get so focused on what I need each day that I forget about nights! Those trips I got some pajama souvenirs.

Expand full comment
Joanne Tracey's avatar

Grant announced last night that he's packed. We're staying a couple of nights with friends so I've been worried I'd forget pyjamas...

Expand full comment
Alex Keerie's avatar

Wow Friday!…..that is coming in quick! A few washing cycles before then though….so packing will be fine 😉

Expand full comment
Joanne Tracey's avatar

And it's not like I'm going to need any of the clothes I'm currently wearing. The temps are just a tad different.

Expand full comment
Alex Keerie's avatar

We might break dbl figures by the time you get here 🥶

Expand full comment
JanineHarriswriter's avatar

I think plenty of warm clothes are required from how my mum has been moaning about the weather there!

Hope you have a fab time though!

Expand full comment
Joanne Tracey's avatar

I can't wait for the cool weather!

Expand full comment
Sherry MacKay's avatar

I am in the middle of packing for Melbourne as we speak:). I hate packing so much…. I have many lists!

Sherry (sherryspickings)

Expand full comment
Joanne Tracey's avatar

My journal is full of lists and possibilities, but I don't have a packing list. Grant keeps asking me to put things on "the list". You'd think after 36 years he'd know.

Expand full comment