General Chat

AL maybe you should start hiring yourself out to come and pack for we indecisive ones when we go away. I can only relate to the others who take everything in their case, just in case!!

Oh thinks I'm brilliant at packing. We will either take one small suitcase each or one large one for the pair of us. I work out mix and match outfits before we go, decant cosmetics etc into little travel bottles. etc and take the minimum I think we will need. Still usually bring a few things home unworn! Most hotels offer a cleaning service, so can usually manage to get a few things cleaned while we're away. They also provide hairdryers and general things like soap, shampoos, shower gels etc, as well as towels, towelling robes and towels for by the pool/on the beach. I put in a couple of cossies each - which are washed through after use, few pairs of shorts each, t-shirts, two pairs of smart trousers for him, couple of skirts for me, couple of fancy dresses, couple of pairs of trousers, assortment of tops (most of which can be worn day or evening, few smart shirts for him. Also take a couple of pashminas and accessories to 'jazz up' a few plain outfits. If holidaying in the UK I pack in practically the same way. However, I look at layering clothing, in case it is cold. AL

When we go away I'm never too sure what I'll want to wear (if we eat out in the evening what type of place will it be, could be posh or it could be a pit stop for lorries), and never too sure what the weather will be like, if the forecast is for sun then I might need more changes of clothes in case I get all hot and sweaty, if the forecast is for rain then I'll need more in case I get wet. Then again we all know the forecasts are often wrong don't we, so should I take something else in case of that blizzard we sometimes get in June/July? A pair of shoes for trekking up what seems like a mountain or across a muddy field, a pair for walking to the shops, a pair for the beach, a pair for going out, a spare pair if one lot gets wet. And as for underwear, I almost empty the drawer - well, you never know do you? LOL

Went to a cottage in February for other half's birthday weekend - it was only on the Norfolk coast 20 miles away and for Fri - Mon.We still took 2 cars, the old Sierra to load most of the stuff in and then the rest of my stuff in the Fiesta cos I can't(won't) drive the Sierra around. I do like to be prepared for all weathers/occasions and made the excuse he had to get back to get to work, while I could drive back leisurely later. So good to know I am not alone in the amount I take. One year I got so stressed when I was packing for a holiday - 2 weeks in Kefalonia, that o.h got fed up with me trying to cram everything in, and just said to use another case - the third one - and he would pay any excess baggage. We got away without paying any extra but I didn't wear half of what I had taken - just felt happier having the choice of things.

LOL Gwyneth - the 'in case of what?' has me grinning - I recognise myself there. I'm the only person I know that takes four pairs of knickers on an overnight stay!

I'm with Mags on this and take a 'What if' approach. What if it's bad weather and trousers get soaked. What if I tip coffee all down myself as happened earlier this week. What if the roads are rough and only really comfortable shoes will do.... but not for socialising. What if........etc. I wouldn't want to be washing clothes all time, so PLENTY is the word. I usually count out the undergarments then add about 5 more, in case..... In case of what? It's easier if you can be fairly sure of the weather and that's not easy in Britain. Have a great time Ann, whatever you pack.

Magazine articles that have you packing everything you 'need' in something the size of a flight bag tickle me to death. I am such a mucky moo, I can't wear anything more than once. Think I'd rather be out enjoying myself having selected from the vast array of clothes I've lugged with me than stay in washing something to go out in the next day lol I have the 'first cut' - where everything I would LIKE to take with me is festooned around the bedroom - and then the final 'second cut' when I can't get it all in! It's no good 'knowing' that you would 'feel right' in something you've left at home is it? and feeling right is important when you're built like a tank. LOL Have a wonderful holiday Ann. Hope the forecasters got it wrong and the weather's glorious for you. Mags xxx

I take as much as I can squeeze in the case and then some, even tho most of it comes back unworn, you just never know what you might need. My son always tells people 'Mum doesn't just take the kitchen sink, she takes the water in it as well' and he's almost right! Like to be prepared.

the trouble with the L District is, if you are likely to walk you also need walking gear, wet weather gear, flasks, rucsacs etc Good job we have a large boot. ann Glos

I'm like that,if I dont take it I'm bound to need it,so I have to take as much as I can get away with. Sad person aint I ?

I just take my favourite stuff and then have an excuse to buy some nice clothes and anything else I need whilst I'm away! Go on, try it & treat yourself! Trudi (have a wonderful time)

anyone else have a 'belt & braces' attitude to packing. I do admire those women who can pack one pair of trousers, a skirt, a couple of tops and a couple of pairs of pants for holiday. I tend to empty my wardrobe into my case. Especially for holdays in this country when the weather is so unreliable. Ann Glos