Memo to self: Just because you're going on a driving vacation doesn't mean you have to pack everything you own.
Why is it that when we drive somewhere rather than fly I find myself packing at least twice as much as stuff--clothes, shoes, toiletries, even books--as I would if I were flying?
Normally I am a master packer. I can go away for a week on business and take only one small roll-aboard carry on suitcase. Even the trip to northern Michigan to play in the snow required just one slightly larger roll aboard bag, although rolling those bulky snow pants small enough to fit into the bag was no easy feat.
There's no real trick to packing light. It's all in the coordination.
First, figure out the basic color. For me, that means black if it's a winter or business trip, denim blue or khaki if it's summer or fun. Then add accents--funky jewelry (wear it on the plane so it doesn't take up precious space in your bag), a colorful wrap that also can serve as a blanket on a chilly airplane and bathing suit cover-up at the pool, long- and short-sleeved shirts, a turtle neck if you're headed somewhere cold, a fleece jacket (wear this on the plane, too), a lightweight rain poncho and just one extra pair of shoes. Yes, just one extra pair. Wear the heavy ones on the plane and stow the flip-flops in the bag.
But tell me I'm driving somewhere in that big ol' SUV with all that storage space and the next thing you know, I've packed two suitcases, taken everything from the bathroom and tossed in my favorite pillow.
Why?!?! I still have to carry it all into the hotel once we arrive.
Not this time. I'm headed off on a spring break driving trip from Chicago to St. Louis. I've promised myself I will pack as though I'm flying, which means just one not-too-heavy suitcase.
Gotta go now. I need to dig through the pile of clothes on my bed and figure out which pieces I really need.
