Of all that I’ve run across, there has been one piece of traveling advice that stands out in my mind the most.
When you’re packing, pack what you think you’ll need. . . then remove half of that.
It can probably be attributed to Rick Steves. That dude knows any and everything about traveling. But it’s so true. Who doesn’t overpack? Even for a quick weekend trip it’s so easy to try to anticipate every situation that might come up and pack to the hilt for each. I’ve learned that 99.9% of the time, every situation does NOT come up and even if one or two of the situations do happen what you were already planning on wearing would probably suffice.
So, good. Got it. For the clothing…and maybe shoes. I don’t know that I’ll ever stop overpacking shoes. But what about all the HBA stuff? I have travel sizes of most things that I use, but now that I’m actually trying to take care of my hair and my skin–I have a lot of crap. It’s like I’m getting older or something. If I don’t continue to use all these magic potions on my trips all of my hair will fall out, my face will fall off and what’s left will be a wrinkly, pimply mess. What’s the point in packing light if I can’t make my one outfit work 27 different ways by making my hair and face cuter and more presentable? Plus, there are an overabundance of pictures taken on trips. You can’t look like a teenage hag for posterity.
For starters I’m willing to leave behind the three different nail polishes and polish remover. Jeez, just typing that makes it sound so ridiculous. But, listen to me first before you judge: I’ve got one color on my fingernails and a French manicure on my toes. Three different colors. I guess I can go colorless on my fingernails and just pray that my toes stay looking decent enough.
But what about everything else?
What do you do when packing for a trip? Do you skimp on your HBA products and do without? Do you take everything you’re used to working with and just downsize to smaller packaging?
Not So SAHM 
Are you flying somewhere? Because I can say, unequivocally having just gotten back, that plane travel is a huge PITA. I took everything I normally use and downsized but I still got in a very loud disagreement with TSA over an awesome souvenier bouncy ball that they refused entry to because it had liquid in it. I guess they thought I could hack it open with a plastic knife and spill the glitter everywhere, scaring other passengers. I didn’t take any nail stuff – I figured if worse came to worse I could spring for a pedicure. I also never take a hair dryer.
I definitely do without some of my routine. I don’t really care. I have my toiletries permanently packed, and just keep it stocked.