Travel Series: Pack With Me

Weekend Roadtrip Edtion

I recently took an unplanned road trip with my family May 14th-17th, we drove to Chicago, IL from Murfreesboro, TN. It's about a 7-hour drive and we drive there so often that it doesn't even seem that long anymore. My family and I are originally from Chicago so it was nice to take a trip back home. Especially with us being in the house for so long, a weekend away was much needed. Of course, we were still being careful with all the COVID- 19 stuff, the city of Chicago is still on lockdown so we drove to another city just to be in the house.

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I'm not sure if anyone else has this problem but I am an over-packer and I just can't help it. I've always been a "just in case" type person and I like to be prepared, especially when I'm going away from home. So I decided to show yall my packing routine for this small weekend trip. In this case, I felt like I didn't overpack, I think I did pretty good. There were a few items I really could have left at home but compared to all the other trips I have packed for, this might be the best one.

Before I start packing I try to write down or plan out what I'm packing. I usually check the weather and do laundry before I start packing just to make sure I have enough of everything. I pack a day or 2 before my trip so I'm not rushing the night before, I'm sure I've done that in the past, and it's just not a good idea.

Outfits

Like I said Chicago is still on lockdown so there was no need for me to pack for outings, I didn't put too much thought into it so I packed mostly comfy clothes.

Clothing:

• 3 shirts,

• 2 light jackets (jean jacket & leather jacket)

• 3 pairs of leggings

Jeans are not my favorite, I'm more into workout leggings and joggers, I just add some spice to my casual outfits so I don't look bummy and it actually looks like I made an effort.

After I figure out outfits, I choose my shoes. I packed 2 pairs of Nike shoes and my Crocs. Choosing my shoes is much easier than choosing an outfit, I sometimes choose my shoes then create outfits from my shoes. It just depends on my mood. Since this was a small trip it was very easy to pack but when it comes to longer trips, its more of a challenge.

Toiletries

Toiletries. I buy a lot of travel-size products because they are ideal for traveling. Some products I use cant be purchase in travel size so I transfer them into compact bottles and containers.

Toiletries:

• a toothbrush/toothpaste set

• face moisturizer

• deodorant

• facial cleanser

• mouthwash

Hair products are also part of toiletries and of course, I have to bring products to do my hair when I travel because everything has to be on point. My hair was naturally styled for this trip so not bringing my hair products was not an option. When my hair is in a protective style I usually just need edge control, edge brush, and ponytail holder. Very simple.

Hair products:

• spray bottle

• ponytail holders

• edge control

• edge brush

• hard bristle brush

• wire hairbrush

• rat tail comb

• eco styler gel

• Cantu Curling Cream

(As you can see my hair list is much longer than the other list.)

Entertainment

Having entertainment is key. You can't just listen to music for the whole trip. I always make sure I have enough electronics to keep me occupied during the ride and once I arrive. I use Netflix to download movies and Audible to listen to books.

Electronics:

• Phone

• Ipad

• Macbook

• Camera

• Polaroid Camera

• Airpods

Once I got home I realized I didn't touch my Macbook and my DSLR Camera. I told you I was an over-packer. I knew I was being extra and bringing stuff I didn't need.

Bags

I bought my small suitcase, a book bag, and a purse. It was important that everything had a place and nothing was left behind. I put my electronics chargers, wallet, facemask, and hand sanitizer in my purse.

I highly recommend planning out what you're going to pack because it helps with keeping items organized.

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