Travel experts have been saying that we all need a packing list before we go on any trips longer than a weekend. But do we really need one? How many of us actually sit down and write out a packing list before we pack? I’ve never done one. I don’t think it’s necessary to write down a list, but mentally we do need to figure out what to pack before we get to the airport with 3 bags each person. Long gone the days of free luggage. If you fly trans Pacific flight going to places like China and Japan, you still get to check in two bags for free on most flights. But I always wonder whether people use all the things they pack.
Unless there’s someone picking you up from the airport, it’s such a hassle to drag your bags in the terminals. Try to see yourself do that after 14 hours of flight. It’s not a funny thing to do. Frequent travelers all know that light packing saves you a lot of trouble. It’s easier just to buy locally if you forget something. I always look at the travelers who drag 3 bags around and wonder whether they’re moving to a different city or just traveling. Packing 5 days of clothes is sufficient for trips that are longer than a week. You can always hand wash your clothes in the hotel if you bring the right kind of materials. So the bottom line is, there’s no need for an actual packing list, but you do need to plan ahead.