Still being updated, and will continue to be so, probably literally until I'm getting onto the plane. And yes, I'll probably end up wearing most of the clothes instead of packing them.

Because I'm brilliant, I'm most likely going to safety-pin my daypack onto the side of the laptop case, since that dimension's allowed to be up to 12", and it's currently about 4". The only real reason for needing that extra space is that I'm delivering my hosts's lovely new dancing shoes - which are very much non-squishable - to her so that she doesn't have to pay for the extra shipping.

To cut down on items, I'm following the 20/20 rule for anything that adds noticeable bulk - namely, clothes. It's easy as pie (I am told) to find a suitable skirt or dress for dancing and music gigs in a local clothing or thrift shop. Examples of items that are slightly more non-negotiable: electronics (although only because I will be working remotely) and shoes that align with my exacting specifications, as well as a bathing suit: although they're relatively cheap, it can be pretty hard to find one that fits me correctly.

Update: After a discussion with September on how ridiculously easy it is to find clothes, I'm cutting nearly all of the packed wearables.

on my body

jeans

white tee shirt

blue oxford shirt

large golden scarf

grey wool jacket

thick merino socks

leather boots, with freshly-applied coats of neatsfoot oil and leather balm

unmentionables (not pictured)

wishbone necklace

in my pockets

passport

boarding passes (not pictured)

wallet containing ID and cash

phone (not pictured - it's taking the photo!)

phone charger

battery-charging mobile powerstation

contact case, solution, and a spare pair

travel toothbrush, paste, and floss

lip balm

mini notebook and pen

tissues (moved from packed toiletries)

earplugs (moved from 'other' items)

in my bag

electronics

laptop

laptop power supply

tablet

earbuds with microphone

writing, reading, and sketching

personal journals

sketchbook

planner

my beloved 15-year-old Levenger pen case (sadly they don't make the same one anymore, as far as I can tell) and all its innards (update: will be leaving the nicer pens so they don't explode and leak from the pressure changes in flight)

Wind, Sand, and Stars

Anansi Boys

clothes

oatmeal tee shirt (???)

blue tank top

black jersey skirt

exercise shorts

sports bra

thin long johns

thin merino socks (not shown because I was wearing them)

compression shorts (for extra coverage under skirts)

bathing suit

two pairs of extra unmentionables (not shown)

~~squishable sneakers ~~

toiletries

I'm lucky (and/or lazy) enough not to require too many beauty products. My hair is very short and I don't often wear makeup (although I am bringing more than I typically wear, since I'll be playing more music gigs than normal), so I generally just rinse all non-stinky areas with warm water instead of using shampoo or face wash. The soap doubles as laundry detergent, too.

two more spare pairs of contacts

magic bar soap

microfiber towel

deodorant

Gold Bond powder

tiny makeup pouch - face lotion, concealer, pressed powder, mini powder brush, eyeshadow, eyeshadow brush, and mascara

anti-malarial meds (not shown)

tissues (moved to pockets)

other

reusable grocery bag that can be stuffed into its attached pouch

pocket-size Spanish dictionary downloading a dictionary/phrasebook app instead

downloading a dictionary/phrasebook app instead safety pins

earplugs (moved to pockets)

(moved to pockets) extra bootlaces

shoe wax

daypack

the prettiest umbrella

mini flashlight

gorgeous bright red dancing shoes for September, my dear host (I volunteered to bring them along, and ohhh god I hope they fit in the bag!)

everything:

Questions? Comments? Personal experiences? Leave me a note below!

-b