As we get closer to the end of the trip, I start collecting all of the dirty clothes from everyone and putting it into a single suitcase, then put that in a closet. It helps keep the rooms clean and makes packing slightly easier on the last day. Then when we get home that suitcase goes straight to the laundry.

On our last day we find ourselves can’t waiting to get home and get out, no matter how much fun we had.

Anonymous wrote:I have an anxiety disorder.
Also I love to travel on vacation, because I only have rare opportunities to do so.

So I get anxious before leaving, and before returning: I pack, I am not relaxed at all, I don't sleep much.

But I still love the overall experience! If I listened to my anxiety, I would never go anywhere or do anything.

I'm the same. The anxiety almost negates the fun of trips but there's always some peak joy moments that just cancel out the anxiety on the net whole, so I'm able to continue. For now!

Anonymous wrote:A baggu-type bag works just as well as a packing cube. Better, actually, bc it's more versatile in how you can stuff it into a suitcase and it can double as an actual bag that may be useful during the trip. I really don't get why packing cubes are better but I'm open to counter arguments.

Is that like a nylon shopping bag? These are so great and versatile. I always shove a few into luggage pockets and purses. I used one for our laundry on the last trip- we dropped the bag at a laundry delivery and they washed all our clothes and folded back in the bag and dropped at our hotel. Clean clothes distributed and bag repurposed for souvenirs.

A baggu-type bag works just as well as a packing cube. Better, actually, bc it's more versatile in how you can stuff it into a suitcase and it can double as an actual bag that may be useful during the trip. I really don't get why packing cubes are better but I'm open to counter arguments.

Packing cubes - i bring an empty large one to put dirty clothes in as the trip goes on and then eventually move all the clean closes into one and fill the rest with dirty clothes based on how i organize the laundry to make that easier once i get home. I also find the less stuff we pack and the less stuff we buy the less packing there is, so its much less daunting at the end of the trip. I also like a early afternoon flight home so we can wake up, have breakfast, finish packing and get to the airport with plenty of time.

This was so bad for me on our last vacation we came home a day early for an extra $250.

OP I think everyone feels that way. I start thinking about everything I need to do and pack about two days before.

Clearly people have different approaches, but I prefer to leave on the early side. If I have an afternoon flight I'm just waiting to go all day. I also always come back on a Saturday so I have all day Sunday off.

For packing, I use a carry on that can expand. On the way there, I use it as my carry on but on the way home I expand it and check it. That way everything fits. I'm not as concerned about losing my suitcase on the way home since I figure I'll get it eventually.

My only other advice is to vacation for longer periods. For the last two years I've had a two week vacation, so by the end of it I'm ready to go home. I don't feel like as soon as I relax, it's time to leave, the way I do with a week vacation.

^ as for packing, maybe don't stuff as much in your bags before departure, so you have more room to spread out later. Or do what my parents do: buy a new bag onsite!

I have an anxiety disorder.
Also I love to travel on vacation, because I only have rare opportunities to do so.

So I get anxious before leaving, and before returning: I pack, I am not relaxed at all, I don't sleep much.

But I still love the overall experience! If I listened to my anxiety, I would never go anywhere or do anything.

Anonymous wrote:Ok so in addition to the great suggestions here except for Brunch Granny, packing cubes were such a game changer for me.

So easy to pack/unpack. Sometimes I stuff laundry in them, sometimes I can work around my laundry, things I didn't wear are easy to put right back in the suitcase, or I can have a cube for just the last day. I love it.

I agree they work out great. Morning of departure I just have one cube to toss in and my toiletry bag. But I tend to do a little bit of reorganizing or packing each night before bed.

Ok so in addition to the great suggestions here except for Brunch Granny, packing cubes were such a game changer for me.

So easy to pack/unpack. Sometimes I stuff laundry in them, sometimes I can work around my laundry, things I didn't wear are easy to put right back in the suitcase, or I can have a cube for just the last day. I love it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Empty nester and retired. We travel mid week, when things aren't as hectic. We're not trying to cram everything in from Fri to next weeks Sunday. Since we're not going to work anymore, there's no worry about that either.

We paid our dues, now we reap the rewards

What is the purpose of this post?

This sounds like that Brunch Granny poster who likes to post smugly about how perfect her life and life choices are. She’s been on here for years. Sadistic af.

Anonymous wrote:Empty nester and retired. We travel mid week, when things aren't as hectic. We're not trying to cram everything in from Fri to next weeks Sunday. Since we're not going to work anymore, there's no worry about that either.

We paid our dues, now we reap the rewards

What is the purpose of this post?

Empty nester and retired. We travel mid week, when things aren't as hectic. We're not trying to cram everything in from Fri to next weeks Sunday. Since we're not going to work anymore, there's no worry about that either.

We paid our dues, now we reap the rewards