Planning the trip of a lifetime

If you've read my first blog entry you'll have learned that the United States of America has been a life-long travel dream. I've been to Hawaii, but now it's time to venture to the mainland.

Ideally I'd love to travel from east coast to west, traversing through the southern most states. But where to start? This will be my first overseas trip travelling solo, where I'm not being chauffeured around by a local guide. Essentially out in the big world, all on my own.

The annual Travel Expo was held here in Melbourne last weekend, and I went in with the idea that I'd like to head over during August. While the airlines offered some tempting deals (with Air NZ being the most competitive) I found I wasn't quite in a position to lock in the dates just yet.

The "perfect road trip", care of Shareably.net

I looked at the group tour offers too - from companies such as Contiki and Top Deck. But they don't seem to offer the kind of experience I'm hoping for. I think my desire to see so many places across such a wide area (coupled with my total disinterest in lapping the streets of Vegas in a limousine strapped with other 30-somethings, drinking copious amounts of alcohol) have driven me towards mapping out my own adventure.

So tonight I'm spending my time ripping out pictures and studying itineraries from the travel brochures I picked up to try and narrow down the places I'd like to visit.

From there I hope to plot everything out on a map (a great way to learn all about geography, kids ;)).

I guess the next step after this is to then explore on a level deeper, researching local tour operators, hotels, the most economical ways to get from A to B, and most importantly - how much is this whole thing gonna cost me?!

Anyone else have experience in plotting their first solo trip overseas? What are you tips?

Shopping for souvenirs when travelling

I find the idea of souvenirs very exciting. There's so many avenues to gift-giving and act as keepsake with fond reminders of your holiday, including food, trinkets and clothing...

I tend to go for a mix of traditional and unusual items. On my last overseas trip, (Hawaii) I bough some local seasoning from Kauai, a 1940s paper doll book from Pearl Harbor, coconut soap, kitsch dashboard hula dolls, key rings and tee shirts from the destinations I spent significant and memorable time in (Jurassic World for Kualoa Ranch pictured). The quirkiest item I brought back was the hula girl outfit: coconut bra, grass skirt and lei - complete with dance instructions! (this one I'm keeping for myself, haha).

In Wales I bought a locally handcrafted puzzle of the Welsh Dragon in Cardiff and a couple of white knights from Chepstow Castle, while in New Zealand I bought a beautiful paua shell bracelet sold in Christchurch.

Various fridge magnets I've collected on my travels

What I tend to collect for myself is fridge magnets, particularly if they're locally made. Take the carved tiki in the picture for example, made in Rotorua from kauri and inlayed with paua shell.

I also make an effort to send post cards from everywhere I travel. These usually go out to family and close friends... even if I'm travelling interstate for work (I tend to go to some very pretty places).

Cards and postcards from Qatar, Wales and Hawaii

What souvenirs do you prefer to buy and do you collect anything like postcards or magnets from your travels?

The definitive packing list

Working in events means I travel a lot and over the years I've somewhat refined my packing list, infamously known as the "definitive" list.

I'm the first to admit I overpack.  I need to look my best while away and wouldn't dare say that I pack light... and though it's not perfect, this list works for me. So what are my necessities? 

CARRY ON

A selection of my packing essentials

A good book, pashmina shawl, phone and laptop chargers, wallet, phone, a USB, recharge stick, and sunnies. If travelling O.S. I make sure I have all my travel docs and passport, travel adaptor/s, neck pillow, pen and paper, and a travel blanket.

I also bring a clear plastic bag with "medical" items, including: Chewing gum, nasal spray, tissues, pressure relief earplugs for flying, compression stockings, wet wipes, travel toothbrush and paste, deodorant, hand sanitiser, lip balm, mini moisturiser, sunscreen, and a travel mirror.

Laptop Bag, picture care of Samsonite

Also with me at all times is my laptop. Unfortunately I've learned the hard way that carrying it separately can resulting in a lot of accidental drops. I will be buying something like the picture to the left - a case that slips over the handle of your suitcase and stays put.

Some people recommend you pack a change of clothing and underwear in case your luggage goes missing. Not a bad idea if you have the space, but my philosophy is you can always buy it at your destination if you have to.

CHECKED IN LUGGAGE

Anything I don't need goes into the suitcase.  This includes:

Toiletries 

Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, ear buds, dental floss, tweezers, safety razors, lint roller, hair brush and deodorant. Ladies: I also include make up, a hair curler/ straightener and feminine products.

Clothing

For me, this is always the toughest part of the packing process. I generally start by split this into two categories: day wear and evening wear. I then break these down into consecutive days, so as to not overpack.

Day wear:

Consists of comfy basics, like jeans and tee shirts, dresses and lazy items (such as tracksuits and singlets).

Evening wear:

Something a little dressier - generally a dress with heels. 

When it comes to shoes it can really weigh you down, literally. I try and pair several day wear combinations to one pair of shoes, and several evening items to one pair of shoes. Not always an easy task (I usually average 5-6 pairs of shoes for a 2-week trip - much needed improvement here).

The basics:

Obviously you'll also need to pack enough underwear, socks and pyjamas.

Accessories:

Once the outfits are sorted, then comes the accessories - hats, belts, jewellery, stockings, jackets...

I try to wear the heaviest clothing items on the flight to save on baggage, just in case I buy additional items while I'm away. These days, for a 2-week interstate trip, I'm averaging about 15 kilos (or 33 pounds) in checked in luggage.

Incidentals

If you're holidaying, you might want to take a camera. I've travelled with intent to use my digital Canon or just the ease of an iPhone. Both options have their positives - personal preference wins here.

There's usually a handbag and/ or shoulder sling I'll throw in, so I'm prepared for any occasion.

Pierre Cardin Hard Shell Suitcase

THE PACKING PROCESS

I really don't have a refined process when it comes to packing a suitcase. Some of my friends swear by the "cell" system (pods of packages segregated into like-for-like items). Others roll their clothing into tight sausages... I tend to lie everything as flat as possible, and pile it up. I'll keep handy items within easy reach by housing them in the internal mesh pouches, while shoes and other bulky items are kept within the inner zip/ clip-up compartment.

Domestically I'll travel with the biggest case I can use (I love my super-light Pierre Cardin hard shell case on multi-directional wheels). If I'm travelling O.S. I'll add a smaller hard shell case to my carry on.

I prefer to use cases that come inclusive with a TSA lock, but I also like to use a padlock with a key (because I'm not good with remembering codes).

And that, my friends, is my definitive packing list. I hope you've found it useful. What essentials do you like to include when you're packing for travel?