There's No Place Like Oz

However, with an assortment of back problems, I know I can’t carry something like that around, no matter how strong and supportive it might be. And you know what, I don’t have to! With being in one country and not changing locations every few days, it’s best for me to carry a wheeled piece of luggage. Four years of travel have taught me to pack (relatively) light, and I’m pleased to say that all of my belongings fit into one of these three items:

1) Camera bag (which doubles as my purse)

I wanted a camera bag that didn’t necessarily look like one, and I found it on Etsy! I’m obviously taking this photo so I can’t show you what it looks like with the camera actually in the bag, but it fits in the open front space. Then there are two pockets for lenses — one of which I use for my telephoto lens and the other I use to store my phone, cards, and cash.

2) Electronics bag and carry-on item

This used to be my daypack, but it’s too much of a bother to carry around at the moment. It’s an essential piece as it’s my carry-on item and stores my netbook, travel papers/tickets/reservations, Emergen-C vitamin packets, a few pieces of jewelry, all of my chargers and power cords (phone camera, netbook, electric toothbrush, a dual-voltage adapter), and a few other odds and ends.

3) Wheeled suitcase

It may not look like it, but this suitcase is just an inch bigger than maximum carry-on size permits, and it’s currently stuffed with ~14-15 kilos so about 30 pounds or slightly more. I wish it was lighter, but I’ve packed a small bag *very* full.

What’s in my suitcase?!

— 2 of 3 pairs of pants (khaki water repellent and 50 SPF pants from Eddie Bauer, a black soft pair, and dark jeans) — I’m always wearing the 3rd 🙂
— 8 shirts at the time I left home (6 short sleeved, 1 3/4 and 1 long-sleeved) — I’ve since ditched one of the short sleeved, received one for free at State of Origin, and purchased 2 long sleeved shirts because it’s SO cold in Melbourne
— 1 pair of PJ pants and 2 PJ shirts
— 1 pair of workout capris and 2 workout shirts — I may ditch one soon as I picked up a quick-wick, anti-stink (yes, that’s what it says!) shirt at Lululemon in week 1
— 2 sports bras — I bought a better one at Lululemon but am holding on to the old one for the time being
— 6 or 7 pairs of socks (though I inherited a new set from a roomie who left them behind)
— 8 or 9 pair of underwear (as you can see with the socks and underwear, I only wash once a week and don’t feel like handwashing all the time)
— 1 bathing suit (I’ll use it eventually — didn’t feel like having to buy a new one when the time came)
— 1 Rick Steves travel towel
— 3 sets of shoes (always wearing my sneakers, a set of flip flops to use as shower shoes, and black shoes in case I need something nicer than sneakers, but I’ve only worn them once)
— 1 travel size hair dryer (have never brought one on a trip before but I’m so thankful to have it)
— 1 mini umbrella

I also have 1 North Face rain jacket (the outer layer of the TriClimate 3-in-1 coat) — I always wear it so it’s never packed!

I’m sure I’m missing a few things in there O:-)

I also manage to fit in these two items, which actually take up a fair bit of room:

Tempur-Pedic travel pillow, necessary with my neck and back problems

Toiletry bag carrying the usual toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, etc.

Now that I’ve added 2 new shirts in the last week, 5 Lindt chocolate bars, and a couple of reusable shopping bags, repacking 3 bags that were filled to the brim should be an interesting challenge to conquer on Friday night (woohoo, fun Friday!).

Once I’ve based myself somewhere for work, I’ll no doubt buy more clothes and have some shipped to me from home as well — including my suit to interview for jobs!

Eventually I’ll take the typical travel photo of everything laid out to see at once…but for now, you have an idea of what I’m toting around 🙂

Featured image at top from Noelzialee on Flickr via Creative Commons.