I am heading out soon for a one week trip of my own, and the mild AND sort of fun anxiety around packing has started. What can I just NOT leave behind? For sure, for me this time, a Migis Mug! Other than that, thought I’d seek out the input of others.
Dad’s suitcase
This is my dad’s trusty old Samsonite. I enjoy having some of his things around and thinking of childhood trips. ”Mary Ginia, don’t forget your bathing cap!” Now that is an item I no longer pack (hats off to you, Sandy Barnet!) but reminds me of the excitement of car travel, up Route 301 before interstate days. Remember the days of suitcases without wheels?
A couple of people I queried this week mentioned socks, for air travel. Yes! For warm, comfortable feet when trying to curl up for a snooze on on a plane, or to have nice clean ones on arrival, that is a plus. And I would always take a sweater to Maine; you’ll want to stay out late under the stars, or near our Thursday bonfire.
I know families who limit each member to one carryon per trip. Wow! They don’t want that much to cart around, and they don’t want to deal with baggage claim or, worse, any possibility of stray luggage. I admire these folks but I’m afraid I’ll never be one of them. Our family does well if each person has a suitcase and a backpack, the backpack for quick grabs and amusement items, suitcase for the remainder. That backpack should also hold essentials (prescription medications, for example) in case you arrive at Migis before your luggage does. And me? I would have my bathing suit in there, to run right into Sebago Lake at the first opportunity!
more vintage suitcases
The Migis family vacation has certain minimum daily requirements, wouldn’t you say? Tennis rackets (although loaners are available), bathing suits, strollers (for some), cameras, sandals…oh, don’t you love thinking of those things now?
tennis time
A couple of folks counseled not to pack things “because they might come in handy”. The more they have, the more they lose track of, and usually the destination is not so remote that they can’t be easily replaced. So, keep it simple. Many have extolled the wonders and multiple uses of various sizes of Ziplock bags, starting at the airport. They are great for toiletries, wipes, soiled laundry, jewelry, snacks……and fishing licenses!
ready for July 4
We have guests, too, who enjoy a bit of home decorating or remodeling while enjoying their home away from home here. Who knows who these folks are, who pack Stars and Stripes for everyone every year?
jackets after 5
And, of course, jackets for gentlemen after five o’clock. At cocktails and in the dining room!
Nowadays, even when we go to ‘steal away to rest’ at Migis, we have our gadgets. We can tell you, the most often left-behind items after checkout are chargers. So many, such a plethora of types, so few universal. So, if you want your Kindle, or your iThing, remember those chargers. If you forget, be reassured that Joan’s ever changing selection of books here will keep you engrossed.
Tino’s gadgets
I keep reading about rolling your clothing, too, instead of folding it, for fewer wrinkles. What do you think about this? However! There’s always an iron and ironing board in your cottage or room at Migis Lodge. Jesse, always a great traveller, likes a special pocketed shirt when he travels, so his passport and vital documents are right there, safe front and center. And how about a jumprope? The most portable fitness center ever.
Many advise having a special trip only bag for children, with treasures and activity items and treats (chewing gum for flying?) in various pockets that emerge gradually through a long travel day. So much fun for them to anticipate! And how about a map of the destination? I love maps, and a sense of context for the child.
Many of us fold and pack a zippered shopping bag, always handy for souvenirs and the extras we didn’t expect to bring home.
Robyn focuses on a good sized handbag, and never goes anywhere without her lipstick. My biggest challenge is shoes. Which to bring? Please, can you all help?
summer shoes
Do tell us about your packing fun, and packing challenges. Post a comment to our Facebook page! And we hope your most favored packing is when you are coming to us on Sebago Lake. Have you confirmed 2013 yet? 207-655-4524.
Mary
thanks to
www.psychologytoday.com/blog/”Packing for a week-long trip in 15 minutes”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/business/06PACK.html?_r=0
http://tinotopia.com/gadget-bag.htm