Convince this notorious over packer that it’s ok to pack light this time!

[Anonymous]

Help!

We are taking a five-day weekend to an all-inclusive. Our goal is to relax and just go with the flow; we have no real plans. So much so that we’ve even opted out of making “fancy” dinner reservations and will instead eat at the casual market/buffet-type restaurants every night.

I see no reason at all that I will need to wear anything other than pajamas, a bathing suit (with cover), a casual top with shorts, and the same pair of sandals with everything.

I don’t need a bunch of special toiletries when my hair and body will be covered in pool and saltwater and sunscreen the whole time.

But my mind keeps YELLING at me: What if your sandals break? Better pack a backup. And maybe you only need flip flops for the pool!

What if your clothes rip/stain/whatever? Better have two days backup!

Etc etc.

So please, help! I don’t want to panic pack all of that crap!

[Anonymous]

2 swimsuits, 1 cover up, 3 day outfits that can also be worn to bed- including a dress in case you change your mind about dinner. 2 pairs shoes.

[Anonymous]

You can do this! Some of my favorite items were purchased at hotel or resort gift shops!

You can always buy there.

Last year, this over packer and reluctant traveler went on a spontaneous mother- daughter trip to the Bahamas. By the second d day, both my bathing suit and cover up looked worn and positively depressing (dark colored) so I visited the hotel gift shop and bought replacements.

[Anonymous]

I would bring flip flops for the pool and wear sneakers. If your clothes rip or stain? Do they normally??? I mean, so wear a shirt with a stain. It won’t kill you.

[Anonymous]

You don't need backup sandals.

[Anonymous]

I mean, okay, but all of this stuff is so small, I would just bring what you want but not go over a carry on suitcase.

[Anonymous]

For context, I've never been to an all inclusive resort, but I am a minimalist packer.

Personally, I'd want a pair of sneakers. Flip flops/most sandals aren't supportive enough for me to walk any distance in, and if your resort is large or you just like walking to get fresh air and exercise, you might need sneakers. I love being on vacation and waking up early, going for a walk, and enjoying the serenity before everyone else is out and about.

I'd also pack a light sun dress--I just find them easier to "throw on" than shorts and a t shirt.

[Anonymous]

Only you know yourself. When you’ve come back from other trips, how much clothing has gone unworn? I’m sure a lot. So trust that pattern and just take what you need. You don’t need to overpack.

Your flip flops won’t break.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2 swimsuits, 1 cover up, 3 day outfits that can also be worn to bed- including a dress in case you change your mind about dinner. 2 pairs shoes.

You wear a dress to bed? Isn’t that a nightgown?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:2 swimsuits, 1 cover up, 3 day outfits that can also be worn to bed- including a dress in case you change your mind about dinner. 2 pairs shoes.

You wear a dress to bed? Isn’t that a nightgown?

Different poster than the one you quoted here.

I've seen people do that in packing lists before--they bring one dress to use as a swimsuit cover up/casual dress/nightgown.
Personally, I think that's gross. A swimsuit coverup is going to get chlorine or salt water, sunscreen, and sweat on it. I don't want to put that on and hop in bed!
But, fwiw, I'm the poster on a different thread from about a week ago that thinks it's gross to put winter coats on a bed when you're hosting a large gathering.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:2 swimsuits, 1 cover up, 3 day outfits that can also be worn to bed- including a dress in case you change your mind about dinner. 2 pairs shoes.

You wear a dress to bed? Isn’t that a nightgown?

Different poster than the one you quoted here.

I've seen people do that in packing lists before--they bring one dress to use as a swimsuit cover up/casual dress/nightgown.
Personally, I think that's gross. A swimsuit coverup is going to get chlorine or salt water, sunscreen, and sweat on it. I don't want to put that on and hop in bed!
But, fwiw, I'm the poster on a different thread from about a week ago that thinks it's gross to put winter coats on a bed when you're hosting a large gathering.

I think that's gross as well.

[Anonymous]

Pack extra underwear and socks. Wear sneakers and bring flip flops or sandals. Pair of shirts, 2shirts, one dress, one coverup, leggins in case its cool in the hotel and sweatshirt to sleep in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:2 swimsuits, 1 cover up, 3 day outfits that can also be worn to bed- including a dress in case you change your mind about dinner. 2 pairs shoes.

You wear a dress to bed? Isn’t that a nightgown?

Different poster than the one you quoted here.

I've seen people do that in packing lists before--they bring one dress to use as a swimsuit cover up/casual dress/nightgown.
Personally, I think that's gross. A swimsuit coverup is going to get chlorine or salt water, sunscreen, and sweat on it. I don't want to put that on and hop in bed!
But, fwiw, I'm the poster on a different thread from about a week ago that thinks it's gross to put winter coats on a bed when you're hosting a large gathering.

I think that's gross as well.

I never thought that it was gross but now I think it is.

[Anonymous]

2 pairs of shorts
4 tshirts
1 easy dress
1 coverup
2 swim suits
1 flip flops
1 flats with support
Nighgown 1
1 light soft pants
1 shawl or comfy cardigan

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone! I plan to wear sneakers on the plane and then rewear my travel clothes when we depart. I’m not too worried about extra sandals since, in a pinch, I can wear the sneakers.

My main hang up is that it just feels so weird to only pack a couple outfits with the intention of rewearing them, and I don’t know why.