What is the most helpful item you bring from home?
What do you bring that you wish you would have left at home?
What type of packer are you - do you try to bring smaller/fewer bags or are you more concerned with convenience?
What's your best packing tip?
What's your biggest headache?
Here's my situation today:
Helpful items that take up too much space but we need them: soft-sided cooler, water jug and drink cups for the beach (similar to yeti but not brand name)
I usually bring too many clothes.
My husband would take a bookbag of stuff and be perfectly happy. I on the other hand want to pack every item that we may possibly want to have during our trip.
My packing tip: split up your clothes 1/2 his, 1/2 hers (please use the appropriate pronouns for your situation, these are ours) in each bag in case one goes missing.
My biggest headache is snorkel gear. Our fins take up so much space, we have a full size rolling duffle with shorty wet suits, fins, masks, etc.
I also do not like packing in phases, I like to have everything laid out and get it all done so I know I got everything and I don't have to worry about adding things in later. My plan was to pack Wednesday. My husband wanted to start today to prove to me we could make do with 1 checked bag and one carry on. I'm not convinced - mainly because of the snorkel stuff and liquids.
So what's your trip prep like?