Women walk around with big bags that are so big that they make me wonder what they keep in there.
I am a fan of small shoulder bags, ones that fit no more than your phone, wallet, keys and cough drops (yes, because it’s flu season).
On the other hand, big bags have helped me survive long trips away from home. They have infinite space to pack anything you can think of, in case you are kidnapped and dropped on an island to fend for yourself.
Big bags are for worst-case scenarios.
I’ve always over-packed, but I can’t say I’ve regretted all that I’ve taken.
I tend to pack reasonably, though some of my choices may seem unnecessary or ridiculous.
Here is a list of things, in addition to the basics, that I have packed before in my handy dandy big-bag:
- Water bottle. This is one of the main reasons I carry a large bag. It is important to keep a water bottle to keep your cool during any situation.
- Pen. You never know when you need to jot information down or create a to-do list.
- Notepad. Again, for my to-do list. Or for that moment when I decide I should brainstorm for my paper.
- Hair brush. You never know when the wind blows too strongly in the opposite direction.
- Hand sanitizer. Hygiene is important.
- Umbrella. It’s a pain to carry around, but a blessing when it’s rainy.
- Mini-purse. In case I need to give off a more casual, less put-together look. Also, maybe of the laziness of transferring items from one bag to another.
- Tweezers. If I have free time, I can pluck a hair or two when no one is looking. Secretive much.
- Mirror. Of course.
- Mints. They always come in handy after a large meal.
- Vitamins. It just happens that every time I think to take them, I don’t have a meal to take them with. So I take them to-go, just-in-case I remember.
- Medicine. Just in case of an emergency.
- Lip stick.
- Chapstick. Moisture is important. Especially when it’s cold outside.
- Eye liner. Liner smudges often. Always have some to reapply for a sharp look.
- Body mist. Because I was too lazy to waste two seconds to put it on in my room. So I took it with me.
- Nail polish. In case I had down time. To do my nails.
- Concealer. Makeup fades.
- Makeup remover sheets.
- Necklace. To look more accessorized.
- Watch. In case I want to show a more polished look.
- Sunglasses.
- Mirror. To look at myself.
- Hairspray.
- Pre-packaged food. A bag of chips and a candy bar. Or swiss cake rolls. Who can resist.
- Free Food. Extra food that I have.
- Forks.
- Napkins. Usually always from Chipotle.
- Sun tan lotion. Always be ready for the wrath of the sun.
- Scissors.
- Tea bags. One cup of tea opens everyone’s hearts up to share their feelings.
- Cookie/brownie mix. You never know when you’re at a friend’s house and you have down time.
- Shirt. In case your current top isn’t good enough to where you’re about to go.
- Retainer. My teeth are always shifting, as much time with a reta
- Belt. In case your pants are more loose than you expected.
- Ipod. For music, obviously.
- Phone charger. I’m always running out of battery.
- Flashlight. To see in the dark.
- Flats. To protect your poor feet from heels.
- Earbuds.
- Bug repellent.
