What I Packed. As always, my husband and I took carryon luggage only for our almost-three-week trip to London and South Africa. I also had a large shoulder bag in which I stashed my smaller crossbody bag, and he took a backpack. Everywhere we went, the luggage porter would look at us and say That’s it? That’s all you have? Yes! I like not hauling large suitcases around, which is good, as it would have been really impractical for taking the Tube in London, what with all the stairs and escalators. I feel footloose and fancy-free, zipping around with only a small carryon. I like not having to wait at baggage claim, and I especially like not having a massive case of anxiety about lost luggage. I am not an anxious person generally, but as soon as my bag is out of sight I assume someone has lost it, or it is somehow being destroyed and I will never see my clothing and curling iron again. So carryon works for us in all respects.
Clothing-wise, including what I wore on the plane, I took three pairs of pants (moss green, beige, black), three black tanks, three black tees, and three long-sleeved UV protectant shirts in cream and moss green. I also packed two long floaty skirts, a bathing suit and cover up, a hat, shortie pajamas, two light scarves, socks, and underwear. I took one nice top to pair with the black pants for the theatre, where we saw a performance of Hamilton. For footwear, I wore cute Skechers walking shoes and I packed a pair of sandals. Also, because I’m the hottest bitch in this place, bringing sexy back, etcetera, I wore my beige, full-length, medical grade compression hose on the plane and packed two pairs of compression calf sleeves. We used the complimentary laundry service that each of the lodges offered, and I also did some sink laundry while we were in London.
What I Overpacked. As always, I packed way, way, way more underwear and socks than I could possibly use. I am okay with that, though, and I will not change my ways. What if for some reason I COULDN’T do laundry? THEN WHAT? I’m not going to wear unwashed panties or socks, thank you very much. I also took far too much sunscreen: two sunscreen sticks, face serum sunscreen, and two 60 mL tubes of Neutrogena sheer. As it turned out, I could have made do with only my face serum sunscreen, as I wore my long-sleeve tops on all the safaris, and I found that the bottle was more than enough for the few times I needed to lube up my shoulders and arms in London.
A few people spoke to me fearfully about malaria, but June is a very low risk season in South Africa. Still, I packed two small bottles of some kind of hippie insect repellant, and didn’t use any because a) it was too cold at night for mosquitoes to live, and b) even if it was mosquito season, each lodge provided an enormous bottle of bug spray in each room which would probably have worked much better than the plant-based essential oil woowoo I brought. In retrospect, I would have brought none at all and saved the space in my little liquids bag.
What I Didn’t Use. It has to be pretty hot before I will submerge myself in an unheated swimming pool, and the temperatures never got above 26 C, so my bathing suit and cover up went unused. I also rarely wore my hat, not because it wasn’t sunny – it was! – but because the safari vehicles can move pretty fast and even with the chin strap the hat wasn’t comfortable to wear, what with the broad brim flapping around. I don’t regret taking them though; I like the option for both swimming and hat-wearing.
I also didn’t use my light scarves; it was too hot in London, and it was too casual on safari to wear them. Neither scarf takes up much room so it isn’t much of a regret on this front either.
What I Should Have Packed. For years I had a 35-40 day menstrual cycle, followed by years of a 21-25 day cycle. In the last six months, it has stretched out again, and my last period before our trip was a 52 day cycle, which started only two weeks before we left. I’m in the clear! I thought happily, but then, wary of my own cheerful prediction, I added a few pantyliners to my toiletries case.
I was right to be wary. The very first day in London, I got my period – surprise! – which was lucky, since there are Boots pharmacies everywhere you turn. If that had happened in the middle of the bush, I would have been fucked. I mean, not literally, since I had my period, and I’m old-fashioned that way. But I did think of the scenario in which I would be free-bleeding in the wild, attracting predators and the hatred of my fellow safari-goers.
The moral of the story? If you have a uterus, even if you think that uterus is closing up shop, PACK PERIOD SUPPLIES.
The Unexpected Star of the Show. The importance of wearing neutral safari colours – dark or moss greens, shades of beige and khaki – were drilled into us before we left Canada. No bright colours! Avoid black! For the love of god, no animal prints! In one of the lodges I did see a woman in leopard print pants who also had a small baby in a front-carrier with a pink and blue blanket, and again, I am not generally an anxious person BUT COME ON. Anyway. I unearthed a rarely worn dark green fleece jacket, which features a windproof vest and hood, from my closet. This was a pandemic purchase and one I have frequently regretted. The jacket was impractical for cold, windy Calgary walks, and it is too warm for Kelowna walks. I hate wearing layers that have hoods, and I kind of hated the colour as well. Why I didn’t donate it years ago, I have no idea.
I’m glad I didn’t, because it was absolutely perfect for safari! It was a nice layer to have on cold morning and evening drives, and the colour was more than acceptable. I shall NEVER donate it, in case I ever get the opportunity to go on safari again.
Happy Friday, friends! xo
There was a time when I would have been astonished at someone going on a three-week trip with only a carryon, but now that Elisabeth and her family went to Europe for over THREE MONTHS with carryons, I’m on board. (Weird question- why couldn’t you wear black on the safari? I get the light colors and animal prints, but black seems neutral.)
Anyway, glad you got your period in London rather than in the middle of a safari. I can see how that would not have been ideal!
It’s not a weird question at all because I wondered too! Black is allowed but not encouraged as it attracts bugs. That said, we did have black raincoats, but I think that the bugs were not an issue when it was cold enough to put on that layer.
You are so cool, going carryon only! I love knowing everything you packed – I’m so nosy that way, so this was fun to read. I also love reading about your safari experiences. What an amazing adventure! I’m really hoping you’ll write even more about it: Who were the people in your group? What did you eat? How were the accomodations? Why did they say not to wear black? And also, did you learn anything cool at Peloton? I just want to meet for coffee and have a conversation for hours!
Oh thanks Michelle! I would love to sit and have coffee with you, we’d never stop talking! I am going to talk about all your questions – the people on the safaris with us were absolutely lovely. And you know it can be a total crap shoot – you never know! We lucked out all three times! No black because black attracts bugs! Who knew! The Peloton studio was so neat! They sold little bracelets that had some of the popular instructor sayings on them. If there had been a “yes to you” I would have bought it immediately! But most of the sayings were from instructors who aren’t my favourite (this ain’t day care) so I didn’t buy one.
I will be flying in mid-July to join Beth, who’s been staying with her mom. It’s a one-way ticket. I don’t know when I’m coming back. I am finding the idea of packing for an unspecified time span completely baffling, though I don’t have to do it for a while. I keep telling myself, they have stores in Wheeling. Anything I forget or don’t anticipate needing, I can buy. I am not going to the bush. So you will be my packing inspiration.
Steph, that is literally my mantra: there are stores there, I can buy what I need if I need it. Except, apparently, on safari. But yes! I remember being worried about not packing enough sunscreen for a trip and one of my friends said “You know, they have sunscreen in Maui.” Totally straight faced! But it’s true, you can go leaner than you might normally when packing because if you need something you can get it there. Also, I saw your comment on Swistle’s blog about why you’re going and how Beth is there…for an unspecified time, and I am SO sorry. I hope things get sorted out with that.
I read this with avidity, if that is the word I want, leaning forward in my seat. I am a terrible overpacker, and can’t seem to change—but I always regret my ways when I am hauling my giant suitcase up, say, three flights of stairs, or on the subway. I feel like having a Good Packing List (as you have provided) COULD change me. Maybe if nothing else I could bring a SMALLER checked bag.
Swistle, I used to be the same way! I used to way overpack! But I find that I actually don’t miss what I don’t have. So I get kind of brutal about cutting things out of the suitcase. It took a few trips but now I think I’ve gotten pretty smooth at figuring out what to pack! It feels good to not be weighed down by a lot of luggage.
You are the Light Luggage Queen. I do the same thing when I pack: one colour palette and way more undies than I really need.
That photo of the dozy leopard makes me want to cuddle it even though it’s obviously a wild animal. I still cannot get over how blase the animals are with safari vehicles and people RIGHT THERE.
Nance, ME TOO. I couldn’t believe it. I guess because it is a protected game reserve, animals grow up with safari vehicles around and they are not viewed as threats or competition in any way. Now, there were rules about not getting out of the vehicle and not standing up in the vehicle, because that changes the shape of the vehicle and can alarm the animals. But it’s really incredible!
It’s not easy to fit big-city-outfits and safari gear into ONE carry-on, but this worked out really well. And YAY for the fleece jacket redemption!
I read “bathing suit” and I thought wow, Nicole is into cold-water swimming, haha! Although admittedly, you did have warmer temperatures in Mpumalanga than we have in the Western Cape, where winters are cool and wet.
Hope springs eternal, Catrina, and although I did know the forecast I thought “well, just in case!” I mean, it takes up so little space and what if it was freakishly hot one day!
I will never understand you carryon only people, but I respect the game.
ALSO!! Yes to “I hate wearing layers that have hoods”!! Why don’t more people talk about this. I DO NOT WANT YOUR HOODIE. I want a zip-up sweatshirt with no hood so I can comfortably wear it under a jacket. WHY IS THIS NOT MORE COMMON?
Engie, you and me both. I can never understand it. The thought of having a hood on under a coat. My shoulders just crept up to my ears thinking about it. I like a hood ON a coat. But I don’t want to wear a second hood under a coat!
YAY FOR A PACKING POST!!! My favorite, and today is a double with you and Kae!
Long sleeved UV shirts FTW!!! I only have one but it’s been a travel MVP. Sunscreen feels gross, and I often get burned anyway, which makes me less keen to put it on even though I know I should.
Grr to breaking the 52 day cycle! Seriously, how much longer do we have to do this????
It’s like my body is helpfully reminding me of my fertile days. “I’m still here!” – Aunt Flo
I loved those UV shirts! And it was super sunny but not warm so they were perfect!
“Free bleeding in the wild”! Hhhhhhh! This takes the internet cake. Love that pic of the leopard and I can confirm, London is also very hot and muggy this week!
I found that London isn’t super-well set up for hot temperatures – it seemed like air conditioning in public places isn’t very common. Which makes sense! I was so happy to be there during the heat wave, it made touring so nice – no rain!
Ok I actually love the green fleece!! You can send it my way if you’re done with it. 😅 You’re soooooo smart to just basically wear black. I mean, I know that’s your norm, but still. It just HAS to make the packing easier. I feel like I do better with minimal packing if it’s a trip like that where much of the focus is a specific purpose. Like I think I would have lower expectations for a safari, because I’d feel the main goal would be to be practical. That would help give some “structure” to my packing. That said, I did a pretty good job of packing for our Zion/Vegas trip, I think- on the plane there now! 🙂
Kae, that was the trick – I felt like London needed nicer clothes than the safari, so I had to really figure out what to take and how to mix things. It worked! I hope you’re having a great trip! Zion is a place that we want to go to one day, so I will be very interested in your thoughts!
I never considered there might be restrictions on what to wear (or more to the point, what not to wear) on a safari. Huh. I’m the idiot who would have shown up with black jeans and a zebra-striped shirt.
(Why is black a no-no?)
I just had a visual of that outfit and it made me smile! Black apparently attracts bugs so is discouraged. That said, it was winter so bugs weren’t a huge problem, but still – I am a rule-follower!
We are a carry-on only family. The only thing I hate about it is schlepping it through the airport, but aside from that it’s amazing.
I have been wearing the same 3-4 pairs of pants and 3-4 shirts on rotation for 3-4 months and… it’s been fine! I am clearly not a fashionista. I guess those few items have become my wardrobe???
That said, I wore a dress today for the first time. I brought a few things I haven’t worn at all! I think it is literally unavoidable not to bring a few things that don’t end up being needed.
Elisabeth, I think you’re right. The key is to not have a LOT of things that go unused, I think. But then, sometimes you don’t know.
I feel like I was building muscle, heaving my carryon into the upper compartment. I did wonder how people would do it if they couldn’t lift it above their heads. Maybe the flight attendants help?
It’s funny, when I’m home I rarely repeat the same shirt in a two-week cycle, but travelling I’m like, meh. So I totally get it!
I love reading packing list — this was just my cuppa! Years ago, I was of the heavy-big-suitcase crowd. No more. Our three-and-a-half week trip to England a couple years ago was with a carry-on and underseat bag and I packed much like you… black bottoms with tops. Handy tip for underwear if caught short — keep those flat panty liner minipads after you “finish your menstrual journey” and use them as panty liners for your undies. You can get an extra day out of a pair if needed. I never knew there were dress guidelines for safari.
On another note, thanks for coming by my place. And yes, you can still GET nylons, but they used to be everywhere. It seems no one wears them anymore, though if I had to wear dress shoes, I would (or the knee sock kind, which is what I got because my dress was long.) I was shocked, though, when the kid in customer service had no idea what I was talking about! The drug stores around here stopped carrying them and I finally got them (of all places) at the grocery store. So, you’re good for now, but if you think you might need some someday, I’d say get ’em now, tuck them away!
That’s a good tip, both on the panty liners and the pantyhose! I didn’t realize they were so scarce now, but then, I haven’t exactly had need of them either!
You always look so stylish and pulled together in your photos! It goes to show you don’t need a ton of options. I am a carry-on only girlie, too. It’s not too hard to do if you pack things that coordinate. But yes, I always overpack undies too. They take up so little room. And I am a person that wears day and night undies!
But boo about good ol’ Flo crashing your vacation. That SUCKS! I am glad it happened in London where you could buy supplies. But what a drag!
I am mystified by the person who went on a safari with a baby. Like life with a baby is wild enough as is. Then again I am not keen to travel with small children and especially not with a baby!
Lisa, me too, I like to change them out day and night!
I thought that too, about the baby. But then I think that about people travelling to exotic destinations with children. It seems so wild to me! We did kid-vacations for so many years, and now it’s time for the non-kid-vacations!
I am so thoroughy impressed by everyone – YOU – you can go on a three week trip with a carry-on. My biggest obstacle is shoes (since I always bring running shoes + clothes) and because I need options 🙂 (ok, I WANT options).
I really, really want to be a carry-on girl but my biggest problem is that I always end up taking stuff – both ways – that I cannot take in carry-on. GAH!
Also YES to always taking period supplies (at least for now).
Oh yes, the shoes issue is a tricky one! But I just wore my heavier shoes and packed sandals and it was fine. If I was running it might be a different story! And yes, it’s a trick if you’re bringing things back too!
WHY WOULD YOU GET YOUR PERIOD AT THIS POINT IN TIME??? WHYYYYY. I am so sorry it had to happen, but at least it happened in London. My period is projected to start the day before I leave for a girls weekend. Great.
I want to be a carry-on only person, but I am destined to be an overpacker. I just like having options! I’ve yet to lose anything from baggage claim, but I suspect the first time I do, I would find a way to become a carry-on only person!
Stephany, I often wonder why I am getting my period at all. A friend said maybe it was my body’s way of reminding me I’m still youthful. That’s one way to look at it!
Fascinating read. I learned something new today, which is always a good thing.
I’m so impressed by your minimalist packing skill Nicole. I am minimalist when traveling for work but when traveling with the girls, i tend to over pack. I also need to pack at least two running outfits so that always take up space. What about food? being vegan makes traveling challenging. what do you bring with you when traveling? how do you manage getting food while traveling?
Coco, I didn’t find food to be an issue at all – I didn’t pack any and I didn’t have trouble eating either. Then again, I am not a strict vegan. If there is egg in a baked good, I am still going to eat it. I do still eat a little dairy. But I found there were tons of vegan and vegetarian options, especially in London!
I do not understand people who still check bags… I went to France for a month last year, with two kids and we had one carry-on and one hand luggage. Oh and a small backpack/daypack. We were wearing same things over and over and over but who cares? We did laundry pretty much every other day. We bought some stuff, too as one sometimes does. For Italy, where we are dealing with Venice that is humid and the Dolomites that are cool and mountainous, I am still doing a carry-on only. I will wash in the sink if I have to but I am NOT lugging the suitcases around.
I travel carry-on only too, mainly for the ease of getting on and off trains and not having to worry about needing accommodation with a lift to get huge luggage up. It is so much easier and I pack the same things over and over with a few tweaks here and there. Since getting the Mirena and everything settling down, I do not need to think about period products anymore. If I weren’t getting a migraine cluster like clockwork every four weeks this year, with a mid-cycle one thrown in, I would have thought I was almost done and just had to wait out for the 12 month mark. I mean, why is my body still going with this?
One of the women in my writing group told me my body is telling me that I am still youthful, which is…a nice way to look at it, I guess. No period products is a huge upside to a Mirena!
Once you go carryon, you can never go back!
Minimalist packing is somewhat of a “hobby” for me, and I travel everywhere with only a 28 liter backpack that can fit under the seat! My last trip was 7 days, half work trip and half beach vacation, and I brought (including what I was wearing on the plane) 2 pairs of pants, one pair of shorts, 2 t-shirts, one tank top, a cardigan, bathing suit, PJs, and underwear/socks. I wore running shoes on the plane and packed sandals. The only time I have ever taken a carry-on suitcase was when I went to India, and it was half empty so I could bring back gifts. (I also washed my underwear and socks in the sink with detergent I brought.) Like you, I love being able to zip off the plane and have complete freedom!
Wow, Sarah! Just wow! An under-the-seat backpack! I am absolutely in awe. I don’t think I will get there, or at least I’m not there yet, but you are inspiring! (do you use those detergent sheets? They have been life-changing for me!)
I read this post with great interest. I am carryon only (except for 3 months in Mexico- then I need options!!). We are going to Thailand, Cambodia & Mexico for a month later this year and will be taking only our large hiking backpacks). It’s 4 months away but I’m thinking a lot about what to pack. I have saved your posts from that trip to refer back to. Thinking 3-4 outfits that coordinate, definitely a pashmina/shawl and I don’t know what else!
I will give you a recommendation – have a long skirt for the temples in Thailand! The Grand Palace does not allow capri-length pants, I bought a skirt there that goes to my ankles and it is weirdly the coolest temperature-wise thing that I have!
Hello! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. The Safari and pictures are amazing! Equally impressive is your minimal packing list! I’m wondering how you pack books when you’re traveling? Kobo or do you buy them and leave them? Also, hair styling tools, did you bring anything? I feel like I would want my hair straightener for London but then it might just take up space on Safari. Thanks so much!
ANNE HIIIIIII!!!! So great to hear from you. First question: I take a Kobo to save space. I have some purchased books on there as well as library ones. Second, I took my curling iron and a tiny travel hair dryer. Curling iron is a must anywhere (although really not needed on safari, it’s so humid there my hair just went fuzzy), and I will say that for the first 2 1/2 weeks of holiday I regretted taking the hair dryer. After all, every place has them! But then in our last place, the hair dryer didn’t work and although I’m sure they would have replaced it, I was happy to have an excuse to use it. (going forward though, I’m going to do what I usually do and leave it at home).
Oh, how I wish I could be a minimalist packer, but that has yet to be the case.
“Also, because I’m the hottest bitch in this place”—-I CACKLED!
Thanks for making me laugh.
Thank the good lord I no longer have a uterus because that bitch just about ruined every vacation and holiday for most of my adult life. Without fail, I would get my period at the most inopportune time, and I’d be miserable.
I never would have thought about color choices (or animal prints) on safari, so thanks for mentioning that. I mean, I don’t have safari plans right now, but one never knows!
THAT BITCH. Farewell, Suz’s uterus, and don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
The things I’m learning through people who travel. Black attracts bugs?? Wow, no wonder I get eaten alive in the summer. There goes my entire wardrobe…
I cannot believe how well you roll with life sometimes — you really are my life coach. Getting your perimenopause period on your first day in London, I would’ve been like COME ONNN. Fuckin’ universe. (Sorry I said fuckin’ in your comment section. Twice.)
I am with you on clean socks and clean undies. As long as I have clean socks, underwear, and clean-ish hair, I can tackle anything.
FUCK FUCK FUCK you can say anything you like, my friend, you know that! I am unbothered by swearing. The only thing that bothers me is the term “shut up” which I haaaaaaaaate.
I am so glad you chimed in because my zinnias are in bloom – not all, but some – and it made me think of you! xoxoxo
The best part of menopause is not worrying about packing period stuff when traveling! And OMG, the amount of time I spent worrying that I’d get my period while we were on a couples trip without the kids and we’d be so excited for hotel sex! LOL!
Hahaha nothing ruins hotel sex like getting a visit from Aunt Flo!
I am in awe of your ability to a) pack so well, and b) take unexpected challenges in stride while traveling, Nicole. However, I am baffled at the person who took a newborn on…safari? I mean, okay, maybe this is that person’s only chance to do so, but still. Different strokes, different folks, I guess?
Yes, I absolutely don’t get it either. I got the feeling that the woman was South African and was here with family, which partially explains things.