8-3-2025 MY INSPO: an ideal packing list

i travel quite often. at least once a year to europe, and almost every three months at least once out of the state. i have a list of items that i always have to pack, the necessities one may forget, like toothbrush or chargers. over the month, i've made it more extensive - this happens from learning from past travel mistakes.

about a year ago i read joan didion's book  the white album, and in it was her packing formula during the time she was reporting:

her list encouraged me to always keep a list "to-go" for when i travel. now, i personally don't need a typewriter, but this is a very simple and convenient travel list. i need to add bourbon into my list, though!

here's my own list, in case you need some ideas for your next trip:

this is the most recent and updated list, but i added after vermont: "2 change of clothes - opposite szn". for both vermont and niagara falls i was found in a predicament where i brought warm weather clothes and very limited pieces for colder weather. i ended up scrambling, luckily i always bring one item (at least), but was still uncomfortable. i'd recommend two jackets as well, one lighter and one heftier, as neutral as possible to dress up or down, like a cardigan. 

tote bags are great for road trips, and came in clutch when sib and i traveled to pittsburgh. stocking up the car with necessities is so convenient. umbrella/raincoat: sib and i went to nyc for thanksgiving last year, and in our hotel we had an umbrella, but were absolutely soaked during the parade. i was determined to find us cheap raincoats. now i make sure they're in my packing list. i always carry a capsule full of ibuprofen and dramamine, and would add allergy items: nose spray, claritin, eye drops. 

when it comes to figuring out my looks, it depends on the itinerary and location. a couple years ago we did a road trip to toronto for a croatian soccer tournament. i knew each day what to wear, and i did some gwyneth paltrow referencing for looks. and i had a good mix of casual daytime looks beside the fields, and social event looks (even did a full green look based off of her great expectations look). i enjoy referencing a lot for certain events and traveling, but not in the sense of buying the exact fits, just a good inspiration for the vibe i want to channel. this usually happens depending on what my current obsessions are. for my nyc thanksgiving trip, i referenced a lot of looks from 2010s off duty model, olsens, and kate moss in the 2010s. fur and leather, chunky boots and skinny pants. for pittsburgh, if you remember from my entries, i was stealing edie sedgwick's looks.

there's some trips i cannot use references for packing, such as my vermont trip or croatia trips. i have my other wardrobe there and i go with simpler items - only essentials, as i often pack first for mom and dad's gifts and necessities, then anything left for myself. otherwise, i'm borrowing my mom's stuff, shopping there, and building my closet 2.0. for vermont too, i was unaware of any specific itineraries, and knew there would be minimal need for a going out look, and mostly stuff convenient for hiking, walking, and covering up. so i mainly packed a ton of bikinis. 

i recommend using indyx as a packing tool, as i will often have a good preview without messing my closet up, then the day before i can simply go through my closet looking for specific items. i'm able to make last minute changes without freaking out, and i am always content with what i packed, not thinking twice. i always pack double for the amount of days i'm out and about. so if i was in vermont for 5 days, i need to make sure i have 10 looks ready.

i always create a playlist for my trip, and remember to download them even if i'm not flying - in case of bad service. i've got a couple different nyc vibe playlists, florida ones, and regular road trip and travel playlists.

for flying, i like wearing breathable clothes but still prefer to be chic, and if needed, i will sometimes be fancy and add an eye mask to sleep better. duffle bags are great for driving, roller bags essential for flights. i wear my jewelry that i plan on taking, and nothing more. makeup must be minimal - eyebrow gel and mascara, and potentially eyeliner, bronzer, lip combo, and blush and concealer. i keep my beauty bag stocked year-round and never take out my travel size items. if i know something is almost empty, i immediately add an extra item. mini perfumes are stocked in each purse and bag.

i've learned too just purchase my drinks and snacks at airports and gas stations. i've often forgotten snacks i initially got, or i don't even feel like eating them - and i end up buying stuff anyways.  when i travel, i try my best to go thrifting or vintage shopping at the location i'm at. this was a tradition i started when i visited las vegas years prior around my birthday. i ended up consigning a red evening dress. it's better than souvenir shopping.