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« on: Jul 17, 2008, 10:30 pm »
I did 3 TYA tours, and I took 3 bags, well 4. Kinda. (This does not include the SM kit or the bag of "things to do" I put in the van.)
I had a backpack bag like what you would take backpacking through Europe that had my clothes, toiletries, shoes, etc. Attached to that was the matching day bag that held my purse (for day outings or going out), extra toiletries (which could easily have been brought on the road, but I'm crazy, so I bring (small) extras), chargers, workout DVds, etc. Then I had a small (could be carryon on a plane) rolling suitcase that could become a backpack, and that had my printer, office supplies, extra books, hole punch, etc. My last bag was a backpack that could zip onto the rolling suitcase, and it had my laptop, show binders, the stuff I used on a daily basis at work. Finally, I took a yoga mat. Now, transporting all of this to the hotel room usually took two trips, but if I zipped the backpack onto the rolling bag, it could have taken one. Also, if it was a one night stay and I didn't need my printer, I didn't bring the rolling bag in. This was definitely a van tour though, not a plane tour. I couldn't have taken all of that on a plane.
Clothing wise, I rolled everything. I had a separate section for underwear, and a plastic bag I put dirty socks and underwear in. Dirty t-shirts, pants, etc. got put back into the main compartment because they weren't that dirty, and I knew I could wear them again before doing laundry. I brought enough underwear/socks for 12-14 days. Usually I take 3-4 pairs of shoes: running shoes for exercise, work shoes, flip flops, and a pair of dress shoes in case I want to go out. It's usually 2 pairs of pants - one for work, one for days off/going out, 2 sweatshirts/hoodies, 4 short sleeve t-shirts, 4 long sleeve t-shirts (for layering and different climates), workout pants, pajama pants, and a workout shirt.
It's all about multi-use items, and layering.
I didn't bring soap, a towel or a washcloth because hotels always have supply those. (Yes, I know Hitchhiker says you need a towel. I just couldn't justify the room.)
A scented candle can make a room feel homier.
Don't take your favorite mug on tour. I broke 3 mugs. The same probly goes for favorite anything. If you love it, but can live without it, don't take it. Clothing gets washed a lot and worn out, or stained, or whatnot. Other things can get lost or mangled or borrowed or...