An Island Girl’s Guide to Packing Light for DC in the Spring

It has been 5 grueling months since the last time I was off island (short day trips to neighboring islands not included). The day I have been looking forward to for what seems to be forever is finally here. This island girl is leaving on a jet plane. Destination: Washington DC.

It is a known fact that I dress better when abroad and so packing is the highlight of my pre-travel routine. But since I am also traveling by myself with no husband to drag my heavy suitcases for me, I decided as a courtesy to my poor back to pack light or as light as I can.

In my suitcase:

• 4 t-shirts
• 2 dress shirt
• 3 long sleeves
• 2 tank tops
• 1 dress
• 2 leggings
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of comfy harem pants (Sooooo comfortable to travel in)
• 16 panties (Rule of thumb: 2 x the days you will be away which in my case is 8)
• 2 bras and 3 sports bras
• 6 pairs of socks
• 3 scarves
• 1 pair of sneakers for exploring, working out and hiking
• 1 pair of boots
• 1 pair of Converse sneakers
• 1 denim jacket
• 1 leather jacket
• 1 long cardigan
• Enough tampons, pantyliners and pads jus because you never know. Aunt Flo can be a sneaky little bitch sometimes.
• Gifts for the friends I’m visiting

Hair and skin products:

• 1 leave in conditioner to moisturize my hair in the DC weather. My hair becomes quite unruly in chilly weather and some type of moisturizer is a must.
• 1 small bottle of non-sulfate shampoo
• 1 small tube of conditioner
• 1 comb
• 1 brush
• 1 untangling brush
• 1 small tube of body lotion
• 1 pack of make up remover towelettes

In my backpack:

• Laptop for blogging of course and business although I intend not to do much of the latter.
• Tablet. My i-Pad is my entertainment system on planes. I got my favorite books downloaded here and at least two girly movies.
• My phone of course. What will I do without my travel apps?
• Selfie stick (I hate the damn thing but have learned that they are a necessary evil for bloggers)
• My Camera
• 1 trashy magazine for during lift off and descend
• Expandable custom jewelry and make up travel bag (Always pack your jewelry in your hand luggage).
• Chargers
• My passport
• A pashmina. This damn thing is just so versatile. You can wear it anyway or with anything.
• A pen
• My emergency pouch

In my emergency pouch:

• My toothbrush
• My deodorant
• 1 nail clipper
• 1 tweezer
• 1 razor
• 1 small tube of toothpaste
• My sleeping mask
• 1 tiny perfume sample
• 1 pair of underwear in case you get delayed or your flight is canceled
• Birth control pills
• Pain medications (Unfortunately my endometriosis travels with me wherever I go)
• Lip balm
• Heartburn chewables
• lipstick
• Eye drops
• 1 Tampon
• 1 pantyliner
• Anti diarrhea pills and stool softeners (You eat different when abroad and these pills can come in handy)

What is in your suitcase and where are you off to next?

Happy Travels.

<3 TTIG