Ready, set, GO! The five minute packing challenge
Let’s play a frivolous hypothetical scenario game.
It’s Friday evening. You’re relaxing at home, a glass of chilled wine in hand, perusing the TV guide to select the evening’s viewing. Suddenly there is a pounding at the front door, and you hear the voice of your best friend. Now, this is somewhat surprising, as you’ve had a text from her just ten minutes ago telling you (gloating!) that that she and her partner are about to get into the taxi on their way to the airport, where they’ll be boarding a flight en route to spending two weeks in New York. So, why is she now banging at your front door?
You answer the door, and find out that yes, they were about to get into the taxi…when they got a call from her partner’s work. He’s needed back in the office to work on a deal, which is likely to take the whole two weeks.
Here’s the exciting bit. Your friend is going to go to New York anyway…and wants you to come with her. (Let’s ignore technicalities like non-transferable air tickets and US ESTA visa waivers requiring 72 hours to process, shall we? I did say this is a frivolous game…just go with me.)
But here’s the catch. She’s now cutting it fine to get to the airport before check-in closing time. If you’re coming, you have to decide NOW, and you have just five minutes to pack.
Can it be done?
Challenge accepted.
I gave The Impossible Princess a stopwatch, and she set me off from the front door. I was already wearing jeans, a long-sleeved top, and shoes that would be suitable for walking. In five minutes, I managed to grab and pack into a wheelie carry-on bag (except for the handbag which I would sling over my shoulder) the following:
Handbag
Containing purse (with small amount of Australian cash and a number of credit cards), compact camera which lives permanently in my handbag, sunglasses, reading glasses, a lipstick, tissues and assorted pens.
Phone
My whole life is contained in my iPhone – contact lists, diary, email, Facebook, internet links. It’s a camera, a computer, and an actual (gasp!) phone to make and receive calls. I don’t activate international data roaming overseas, but generally rely on wi-fi in hotels or cafes to access data if I need to.
Passport
Obviously, the essential item. And, realistically I could have stopped at this point. With passport, phone and credit cards I could deal with all the other requirements once I got there. But I don’t like to spend money unnecessarily, so with more than four minutes still to spare, I pushed on.
Cosmetics bag
Containing: mini-toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant (with a lockable top), comb. Possibly I could have stopped there…but I also added: mini shampoo and conditioner, BB cream, mascara, eyeliner, blush/eyeshadow compact and a lipgloss. I’m assuming my suitcase is going to be carry-on luggage, which means the liquid or gel of these items can be no larger than 100mls each and must be stored in a clear, sealable plastic bag – I keep a ziplock bag in the bathroom for exactly that purpose. I would have liked to have taken my moisturizer too, but it was in too large a container. I’ll buy a small one at the airport.
Hand sanitizer
I’m a bit manic about hand sanitizer when we travel. With so many people and their germs passing through confined spaces, it makes sense to sanitize hands frequently. I do a great Lady Macbeth impersonation. This also needs to go into the ziplock bag.
Clothing
I tossed in: several sets of underwear and singlet tops, a pair of leggings, 3 x t-shirt tops, a cardigan, a denim jacket, a pair of grey linen pants and 3 x silk tops. Silk tops are the perfect travel item, as they can be worn with jeans and denim jacket for a casual look, or the linen pants for something a bit dressier. Plus they are very light and can be rinsed out in a hotel sink, and hung to dry overnight.
Pyjamas
I’m a bit obsessed with airline pyjamas, and while I never fly in the pointy end myself, a number of friends who do, thoughtfully bring me back pairs of the business or first class PJs. I’m hoping my best friend has business class airline tickets, so I can add to the collection…but I suspect we’ll be in the economy cabin, so I’ve thrown in my favourite Qantas ones in case I don’t pick up a pair on the flight.
Swimsuit
You just never know when you’re going to need your bathers (cossie, trunks, swimmers) and buying a new pair under pressure in a foreign city is a process fraught with danger. Best to take your own.
Ballet flats
A pair of black ballet flats can be dressed up or down. Easy to walk in, but dressy enough to wear to nice restaurants.
Rain jacket
It’s not the most fashionable item in my wardrobe, but the black rain jacket serves a number of purposes – as wind breaker, as an extra layer if it’s chilly, and quite literally as a rain jacket.
Scarf
I have a large grey marle cotton scarf which is invaluable for traveling. It can be worn as a scarf…or doubles as a small blanket if the plane blanket is just not enough to adequately cover the extremities.
Chargers
One for the iPhone and one for the camera battery.
What I forgot:
Socks. Noise cancelling headphones. US adapter for the chargers. A warm jacket that could go over other clothes.
What else should I have packed?
