Seven kilos of ‘essentials’

I know many people do it. In fact, I have even done it once-for a weekend. But, this time I am going for two weeks. How am I going to manage to pack all I personally need into a small bag that cannot weigh more than 7 kgs? 

My husband and I head off on a two-week medical mission trip to a Philippines island.  The airline has graciously given the group 30 kg luggage allowance each to carry medical equipment and supplies.  We have used every bit of that with exactly that.  7 kilos and a handbag are all I have remaining to pack this woman’s ‘essentials’ for the next fourteen days.

I googled how people do it and all I can do is admire them.  One lass talked about taking white t-shirts, denim shorts and bikinis for her clothing.  The t-shirt bit was not so hard to understand and I too have whittled down my pants to just four pair.  The organisation we are travelling with recommended further modesty for swimming, so definitely no bikinis. In addition to my usual togs, I have also had to pack swim shorts and a ‘rashie’.  I would have preferred my lovely swim towel, but that was left behind and in its place;  the most minuscule travel towel I own, as I have already used up a swag of allowance just so I can have a swim.   

When it comes to essentials, it’s a curious process working out priorities and eliminations.  It took me the best part of the day and lots of talking to myself to sort out what I really needed. I decided I could do without an extra pair of shoes but would prefer to be able to blow-dry my hair.  After paring most toiletries down to travel containers, I even contemplated leaving the toiletry bag behind.  I did leave the suitcase behind! That cute little hard case I bought in China weighs 3 kgs!!  As much as I like the ease of wheeling my carry-on luggage, I preferred to pack a few extra ‘essentials’ and carry my belongings in a 1 kg soft bag over my shoulder. 

Bit, by bit, I made it all fit and I am confident I will manage.  There are a few items still essential but I can purchase those when I arrive and use them during my stay.  Who knows, perhaps this time I will in fact use every item I have packed and miss nothing that I left behind. (Except my dog. He had to stay.)