Mission Most Definitely Impossible

The Challenge, should you choose to accept it:

Pack 2 weeks of luggage in a carry-on and a backpack

without having to remove contents at the check-in kiosk and wear them for the 6+ hour flight

Do I have to accept it?

Yes.

Do you?

Naw, girl.

If you have the cash money and a huge trunk, check that bag! Check 8!

But in case you find yourself in a tight squeeze and low income, here is my checklist that you are more than welcome to follow and live by! Because sometimes, you have no choice.

** Please keep in mind that I am a REAL BAD over-packer**

** We are staying in places with washer/dryers**

** I will update you if this actually works**

Clothes (rolled) -

Leggings (4 pairs) - Can we be real and say that I wear leggings more than once, so this should do.
Shorts (1 pair) - You never know when you need to show leg, 80 degrees, 50 degrees - doesn't matter.
Jeans (1 pair) - I really want to say 2 pair here, but I am trying to look savvy with my space.
PJs - ::shudder:: One set for the whole trip? I think this is what I will prioritize washing.
Underwear - Negotiable. Just kidding. I would say pack as many as you can, wear each then wash. Thongs FTW
Fabulous tops (4) - For going out and such! More astute travelers will say 1 top, but I just can't do it!
Tanks (3) - These will go under the zip-up or sweatshirt you bring for nature-y stuff. Totally reusable!
Zip-up (1) - Versatile and casual. This is my go-to
Dress (1) - Just in case you meet your future husband and he asks you to dinner. If you're married... think about it: sexy foreign guy vs whoever you married.... (I kid, I kid).....
Socks (depends when you go - summer: 3 pairs) - To go with my sneakers that I wear on the plane so as not to take up valuable room.

So far, so good! Keep going!

Not Clothes (in carry-on / backpack) -

Passport / Visa / License / Credit card - If you want to get past the TSA line, this is for you!
Cash - Always have cash in the currency of your country. You can order this at your bank or go to the kiosk in the airport
Makeup - Most I put into a bag and leave in my carry-on. The liquid based makeup, I put in the gallon bag
Medication - Please don't forget this!
Contacts (extra & glasses) - OMG, do NOT forget. Unless you don't wear them. Forgetting these might make the difference between ordering squid tentacles versus something else that looks and sounds very similar.
Toothbrush - If you are REALLY stressing for space, buy in the country... but I mean, it's a toothbrush
Washcloth - Tiny, helpful square to remove your face
Small jewelry bag - For your jewels, dahling.
Book - I don't care if you haven't read a good book since middle school; take one.
Notebook / pen - For my journalers :)
Phone / Charger - Duh.
Headphones - YAS. The more they can cancel out, the better!
"Legit" Camera / Charger - For my photographers
Straightener - This is something that ONE person packs because the chances that you'll use it if you're on an active vacation is very slim
Converter - Like... this may be the most important item on the list. Can get at the airport
Tissues - In case you watch A Dog's Purpose on the plane
Flip-flops - Obviously depends where you are going. You can nix this if you're going to the Arctic Circle.
Snacks - come prepared. On Norwegian Airlines I always opt to not get the dinner to save money... so I eat gummy bears instead!
Garbage bag (for dirty clothes) - This is important if you're like me and like a little barrier between smelly and fresh.
Dryer sheets (to keep everything smellin' fresh) - This is how you get that fresh air in your bag.
Optional - eye mask for plane. a second book (bookworms unite!)

It's getting cramped I know. BUT YOU CAN DO IT!

To purchase abroad -

Toothpaste - Please and thank you!

Solution for eyes - If you need it. It's a lot of liquid that doesn't need to be in your bag.

Shampoo / conditioner (if you're bougie) / soap - Ignore if you are trying dreads and the extreme hipster lifestyle

To wear on the plane (adjust to your destination) -

Sneakers / socks - Bulky footwear is best to wear on the plane even though it doesn't feel ideal
Jeans - AHA! Here is how I can get away with my second pair!
Regular shirt - This is important because you've only packed fancy shirts and tanks, girl. You gotta have a regular shirt, too!
Sweatshirt - I like to wear sweatshirts and they definitely double as a pajama option

You're all packed now... but wait....

To do before you leave -

Make sure your job knows you're going on vacation and you cannot be reached. Like. Not at all.
Make sure your loved ones know that you are leaving. They may freak out slightly if you don't answer the door.
Make sure your credit card company knows you are going abroad and where
Make sure your cell phone company knows you are going abroad and where
You may also want to look into an international plan for the time there
Airplane mode until you can get Wifi
Download all your music / shows before take-off so you can watch/listen in airplane mode and not have to talk to your neighbor!

WOO! YOU MADE IT! YOU'RE READY TO VACAY!

GOOD LUCK - I know I'll need it!

I will be posting my *success* soon enough, so stay tuned.

Hopefully it will be *smooth sailing* into the airport and across the pond!

If not... well, it will make for a good story, now won't it?

skål xx

P.S.

Did I miss anything? Let me know! :)