Overnight Getaway–On The Fly Packing

Business + Pleasure

Happy day, Reader Dearest,

Whew!

Some days are a whirlwind.

Like my recent quickie trip to Atlanta. I was pondering trip logistics late Thursday afternoon, only to realize that I had no idea what I was going to pack… And we were leaving at six Friday morning.

Now, if you know me, that’s a problem.

Not because I don’t know how to pack.

Or that I find packing stressful.

It’s that I find planning a pack to be one of the fun parts of the travel experience. (Stay with me…)

Let’s say it together:

Anticipation.

Psychology tells us that anticipation is half the fun! Looking at the itinerary. Imagining what the day will be like. That’s all part of the pleasure.

So for me to NOT have a packing plan all listed out was the exception.

Last Minute Trip?

So rather than miss out on a last minute trip, or grabbing a full-size suitcase and throwing in everything and the kitchen sink, let’s talk about packing on the fly. Because life offers surprise opportunities, and it would be a pity to miss them because you can’t figure out what to pack.

We’ll do an abbreviated version of How to Pack.

Yes, I check the weather and the itinerary. In this case, both days are travel days. Car travel to the work day and car travel home after the play day.

Day One

A work day. We were driving to Atlanta and I would be working with a client in her closet, then a work luncheon and some shopping. (Yes, sometimes shopping IS work!)

Stretchy trousers for sitting in the car (2+ hours) and all the bending and stretching working in a closet entails. Flat shoes for climbing on a stepstool. (Top shelves are not within my reach!) and sequins for a little bit of fun at lunch! It turned out to be a great choice because those sequins took me out to dinner and a little dancing with hubby that evening. The dancing was an unexpected and wonderful surprise!

I knew I did NOT want to pack two completely separate outfits, so I chose the crossbody bag to work for both days, as would the denim jacket and hoops.

I did throw a scarf/shawl in my bag, just in case the night turned chilly. Which turned out to be a good idea because the hotel A/C was beyond Arctic. Had this been a longer trip, I would have packed more of my Always Pack pieces!

Day Two

Play day at the aquarium with a four-year old. (And his parents–He takes them everywhere.) Lots of walking and picking up small human. Kid-friendly lunch somewhere, pizza anyone? More walking and lifting and a 2+ hour drive home. We’ll repeat the jacket, hoops and bag, and add jeans, a dark top for scuffs and spills and super comfy shoes that can walk all day long.

Tips

• Think comfort AND versatility. What can you rewear on Day 2 or 3?
• Start with the shoes. Unhappy Feet = Unhappy Traveler
• Make sure to add some fun. In this case, mine was sequins and a leopard bag strap. Yours might be a colored top, scarf or some fun jewelry.

Bonus: Relax! You’ll be home in a day or two. If you forgot something, ask the hotel desk or go to Target/CVS/etc. They’ll be happy to help!

How About You?

Do you enjoy traveling? How about the packing? Is it a fun part of the anticipation or a stress? Do you have any trips planned for the rest of the year? Business or pleasure? I hope you can have both! Please let me know if you find these packing posts helpful. OR if there is other travel packing info you need! I love to hear from you… XO

Stylishly yours,