<p>That makes sense. Home from Huntsville and used half of what I packed.</p>
<p>I am also a stressed traveler. My family can’t understand why - I reserve, plan, pay, shop, pack, and they just show up. AND if something is not to their liking, they blame me. I also am totally stressed at flying for the last 15 or so years… I relate.</p>
<p>Yet, I keep going. I pack lightly. Any trip of 4 days or less is carry on size only. A week or more trip is one checked bag and small carry on. I pack a bunch of tops, and few slacks and/or shorts depending on the climate/weather. I take a dress or two max and a couple of skirts if I might go out somewhere nice, a couple of sweaters and a windbreaker for rain, sneakers, sandals, and maybe a pair of shoes for going out. Less is more in this case.</p>
<p>Let us know how the trip goes.</p>
<p>It usually takes me 3 days to get into vacation mode once I arrive. I have vacation clothes for the types of trips we usually take, so packing is easier for me. We usually go to the Caribbean because I’m generally stressed out and exhausted so I crave the sun, snorkeling, hanging out vs travelling, museums, itineraries, etc. </p>
<p>I’m also a planner - not to the minute, but I go with ideas of what we want to do and book a few things ahead of time and make some dinner reservations if it’s a crowded place.</p>
<p>Hubby’s idea of a vacation - two years back we decided on a long weekend in NYC. I wanted to see a few shows, go out to eat, etc. His suggestion was, let’s just wait til we get there and just figure out what to do. To me that would be more stressful to be figuring out on the fly what to do and if we could get tickets and reservation. </p>
<p>My best friend now in new cities is trip advisor, you can usually get good recommendations for hotels and restaurants.</p>
<p>I was a travel consultant for over 25 years, so I enjoy the research and planning and consider it part of the vacation. I keep carry on bags packed all the time, and each suitcase has poncho, umbrella, shawl, windbreaker, nightgown, cosmetics, first aid, meds etc. in them. I also have a canvas bag with swimsuits, coverups, flipflops, hats, suntan lotion, sunglasses, towels, a couple of pair of shorts and t-shirts always packed. (I know, type A ). I also keep a list of what needs to be done before we leave and when we come home, although as I get older, I am not as crazed about leaving my house in spotless condition before I go away. It’s too bad the small travel agencies were forced out of existence, we were the “crazy planners”! I also agree that Disney is WORK!</p>
<p>I’ve been stressing out a bit over our first “big” family vacation in years. We only want to take carry on bags for a 5 day trip. Yikes, can we do it?! Then it dawned on me, why not just do a load of laundry midway into the trip - less clothes but fresh clothes! </p>
<p>I have learned the key to packing to to just concentrate on taking favorite clothes - the clothes that make me happy to reach for anytime - favorite shorts, favorite jeans, a few favorite tops and the favorite fleece/jacket for layers. Then I look good and am still very comfortable!</p>
<p>With regard to carry ons; it is fair to assume, unless you are early on, your bag will not fit easily in the overhead. With any luck, they will offer to check it all the way through. That happened in the first half of my trip to Huntsville. I hate messing with carry ons larger than a medium purse, but I was not about to pay 25 dollars to check my carry on. </p>
<p>And don’t think “zone 1” means getting on early, at least not on Delta. There are now about 10 categories that board before zone 1!</p>
<p>Oh, and I also like tripadvisor.com, and the “saved trips” function. Unfortunately others traveling with you do not seem to be able to share the saved trips function.</p>
<p>The family and I are leaving in less than 2 weeks for a trip to Europe. The kids and I will be gone 6 weeks, DH will come home in 3 (someone has to work!) We are taking one carry on each. </p>
<p>I’m taking 4 pairs of pants, a pair of shorts, one skirt, six tops, a light jacket (for Scotland) and two pairs of shoes. The men can easily pack light. DD is following this too, except that she gets to drop off a small checked piece of luggage in Paris at the beginning of our trip as she is returning there to attend school for 4 weeks and needs more clothing. </p>
<p>Planning has been epic as it’s high season so we need train reservations and confirmed hotel reservations. And because DS and I are traveling on our own after DH goes home and DD goes to school, I’ve had several different rail passes to consider. That took a lot of time.</p>
<p>Mostly we’ve booked flats as it’s cheaper than hotels for all 4. Husband has done none of the prep, but he’s responsible for our activities once we’re there. Pretty sure the house isn’t going to be as clean as I want to leave it for the house sitter, but oh well. </p>
<p>Disneyland & Disney World is a breeze! Hawaii is my favorite. We always keep a bag packed with fins, snorkel gear and suntan lotion.</p>