I still remember the excitement of going to visit my cousins when I was younger. Usually going to San Juan meant an overnight trip, so my mom got to pack the bags and make sure we had everything we could possibly need without taking the kitchen sink.
Although there was this one time we did have to take the kitchen sink, because my uncle was going to use it in his work shed. But that’s another story.
You may think that packing a bag or a suitcase requires no skill, but you would be wrong. You aren’t using Mary Poppins’ carpetbag, which means you have a finite amount of space to use so you have to pack accordingly. However, there are some things one should never do without when doing an overnighter.
Never Leave Home Without It
#5– Toiletries
Specifically, toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant. You can do without everything else, but these are non-negotiable.
#4– Extra socks
No one likes sweaty feet.
#3– Pain medication
Better safe than tripping on someone else’s meds.
#2– Sweater or light jacket
I don’t know of anyone that has been able to predict the weather correctly. Ever.
#1– Reading material
Just because you are visiting someone, doesn’t mean you have to be a Chatty Cathy. And nothing works as a shield better than reading some deep literature, like Zen, and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Tried and true.
And with that, I’m off to get medicated against the pollen count, put on an extra pair of socks so my toes don’t break off from frostbite, and hope to Hades I don’t need to clean the mouse cage. Have a good one! 🙂
January 23rd, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Extra undies, too.. Got stuck overnight in Charlotte, NC one time, and it was much more bearable with fresh undies and socks.
January 23rd, 2014 at 11:26 AM
I should have included that with the socks 😀
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:00 PM
You might not have room for a complete spare outfit, but those will fit somewhere.
January 23rd, 2014 at 7:37 PM
Lesson learned during many years waiting in military airports for my family to get called for MAC flights (and later on, my own self): ALWAYS pack a change of clothes. At least one. Toothbrushes can be bought at the mini-mart if necessary, or worst case scenario simply gargling can help more than you think. But those skivvies just don’t naturally get cleaner on their own.
January 23rd, 2014 at 6:36 PM
Always extra undies. For unexpected attacks of the giggles while in between bathroom stops…
January 24th, 2014 at 8:14 AM
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
January 23rd, 2014 at 11:29 AM
If person you are going to visit is a cheap bugger, you have to be sure to take your own beer, too. Why I remember this one time … oh, wait … that was a different time.
January 23rd, 2014 at 11:31 AM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
*packs cooler*
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:13 PM
Right before you leave lay out all your money and clothes on the bed then leave half the clothes and take double the money.
January 23rd, 2014 at 3:17 PM
Works only if you’re single 😀
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:43 PM
Since I travel for bidness, I’ll just say that’s a pretty good list. 😉
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:07 PM
Glad to be of service, or rather be validated 😀
January 23rd, 2014 at 5:30 PM
Validated!
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:21 PM
without relevance or comment.
http://www.wbtw.com/story/24314980/sc-woman-stabs-husband-with-ceremaic-squirrell-police-say
January 23rd, 2014 at 3:18 PM
What is this I don’t even….
January 23rd, 2014 at 5:51 PM
I take it, then, that this is not her photo.

BTW, the site is definitely NSFW.
January 24th, 2014 at 8:15 AM
Wife of the year, indeed 😀
January 23rd, 2014 at 2:24 PM
In these modern times you would be remiss if you didnt include a phone charger….and a gun….
January 23rd, 2014 at 3:19 PM
Indeed 😉
January 23rd, 2014 at 2:27 PM
@ hilljohnny
Her machete must have been in the other room
January 23rd, 2014 at 3:19 PM
Just what are you implying here? Hm??? 😀
January 23rd, 2014 at 3:12 PM
I plan my packing according to the number of days I will be there plus one of everything. I also buy whatever I forget.
January 23rd, 2014 at 3:20 PM
You are definitely not the accidental tourist 😀
January 23rd, 2014 at 7:39 PM
+1 on the one extra. Sucks to get caught in an unexpected rainstorm (or clueless cabbie blitzing through a puddle as you walk down the sidewalk).
January 24th, 2014 at 8:16 AM
Yeah, rain certainly changes the equation on packing light 🙂
January 23rd, 2014 at 5:47 PM
OT, but I have it on good authority that I am an evil, evil person. Not just evil, but evil, evil! I made a dish of cinnamon rolls topped with sour cream frosting. Can y’all hear them there in my kitchen singing their siren song, “eat me, eat me”? Buwahahahahaha
January 24th, 2014 at 8:17 AM
Pure evul, but with a “u” because you’re a nice guy who shares. Right?? 😉
January 24th, 2014 at 6:30 AM
Nice list, Aggie. Especially the pain meds. I won’t even leave for work without those.
January 24th, 2014 at 8:18 AM
True, I have a travel case in all the vehicles, and keep one in my favorite purses, and every cosmetic travel bag has one.
Call me paranoid, but at least I’ll be pain-free 😀
January 24th, 2014 at 10:21 AM
I wear contact lenses, so I pack two extra pair (not just one). 😉
January 24th, 2014 at 10:57 AM
HA!! Good point 😀