Packing for Bali

Packing for this trip has been easy and challenging in it's own right.  Usually when I pack, we are going to be gone for 2-3 weeks.  This time, though, it's just 7 days and it's a girls trip!  So this time packing is totally different.  We won't be touring around, maybe rice terraces one day, but otherwise, sunbathing is what we shall be doing.  To make packing easier, I use packing cubes.  These cubes will fit all of my clothes.  I have 2 different sets.  One is from Eagle Creek and the other is a local one.  I like both sets but the local one is expandable.  So, I'm using the expandable ones for this trip.  I will be using the smallest cube from the Eagle Creek set for all my cords and chargers.  Another option for these kinds of cubes is Flight 001.

A few tips for packing with the cubes.  I always pack what I will need first last.  So, in the top of my biggest cube are my pajamas.  At the bottom I packed the raincoat.  I put the rice terrace outfit on top of the raincoat because I'm not sure when I will be using them.  To get as much room as possible, I roll almost everything.  The raincoat is flat as well as the tanks.  For the dresses, I fold them in half and then roll them.  Rolling helps maximize space as well as keeps the wrinkles at bay.  I try to only buy wrinkle resistant materials because we travel so much.

Most sites I read suggested packing 2 bathing suits, that way one is always dry.  I am, however, packing three.  All my tops and bottoms can coordinate with each other, so it is actually equal to 9 different suits.  I bought 7 new suits at the end of the season for a total of a little less than $40.  They were purchased from Athleta and Victoria's Secret.  Also, don't forget the cover up.  I'm packing two.  I purchased one cover up here in Manila and one in Thailand.  The local one was made by a design school student.  The one from Thailand was purchased at the Chiang Rai night bazaar.  Don't forget the sunscreen either!  Bali is super close to the equator.  I will be wearing 30 all day.  If I haven't been in the sun for awhile, I do the first day with 50.  3 sets of gym clothes to include 3 running shorts, 3 workout tops with built in bras (to reduce items needed in suitcase), 3 pairs of socks, and running shoes for running.  1 pair of yoga pants that can also be worn with any of the workout tops for a morning of beach yoga.

Cover up and sandals made locally

Cover up made in Thailand

Packing cube that is expandable.  This is a medium sized one and holds my workout clothes, bathing suits, and cover ups. 

Sundresses galore!  I have packed 5 sundresses, one being a maxi.  All except two of my sundresses is from Gumption Gals (stay tuned for a post all about Gumption Gals and a close up of all the fabulous clothes I've purchased from them).  Plus a pair of palazzo pants (also from Gumption Gals).  They are super light weight and will be perfect for a night out in Bali.  A couple of t shirts and 4 bra tanks.  A pair of hiking pants, a bra tank, and a light weight cotton button up long sleeved shirt will be what I wear if we go to see the rice terraces.  A rain coat because you never know when you might need one in Southeast Asia.

Rice terrace outfit

Rain coat

Bra tanks

2 dresses on left are from Gumption Gals.  Black was from the Loft.

Maxi from Gumption Gals

Palazzo pants from Gumption Gals, black tank from Target

Strappy black tank and anchor dress from Old Navy

Another locally made t shirt

1 long sleeved, long pants pajama set with 2 tank tops for lounging and bed time.  I get cold easily and always pack long sleeves and pants.  I won't probably sleep in them and that is what the tank tops are for.

9 pair of panties.  I always, always, always carry extra underwear.  You never know what might happen while traveling.  3 bras, all of neutral color with one being strapless.

This little cube is awesome.  It has 3 dividers but I only am using one for this trip to separate panties from socks.  This is also a great size for all your electronic cords.

Flip flops- 2 leather, 1 pair of Havaianas for the beach and 1 pair of nice leather sandals with straps around the ankle (this are also made and designed locally by  a design school student).  I will use my running shoes if we go see the rice terraces.  They are my old pair and it's okay if they get messed up.

This fits all my flip flops nicely and I don't worry about them messing up anything else in my suitcase.

Hygiene products, to include all the usuals, plus baby wipes and small packs of kleenex because most places don't supply toilet tissue.  For my hygiene/ make up products I use a Thirty One make up bag.  I also pack a million medicines because you never know what might happen.  Before we travel anywhere I get several prescriptions filled.  I always have an anti nausea medicine, anti diarrhea, a z-pack, cipro (for tummy troubles), pain medicine of some sort, diflucan, tums, melatonin, cold medicine, cough drops, midol, anti  itch cream, neosporin, and bandaids.  I pack all these medicines into a pouf from Stella & Dot.  A few pieces of jewelry- a watch, stud earrings (because that's all I wear), and bracelets.  I do not travel with my wedding ring set.  Usually my fingers are too swollen from the heat to wear them and then I worry about them sitting in my room waiting to get stolen.  There is are little see through zipper spots in my Thirty One make up bag for my jewelry.

Hygiene/make up bag closed

Open shot.  The pockets up top all have zipper openings and it has a place to hang the bag.

Pouf

Sleepy eyes because I never travel with out her.  When we lived in Germany, Sleepy eyes 1 went to Paris with us, but decided she liked Paris better.  Who can blame her.  I'm super sensitive to any light in the bedroom.  The stupid green light or red light that is really only the size of a pin head, will manage to keep me up all night long.

Sleepy eyes

Last but not least, my travel yoga mat.  Plane rides always make me stiff as does carrying around heavy suitcases.  So, it is nice to have a clean place to stretch my sore and tired muscles.

Here is how my suitcase looks all packed up.  Everything fits nicely and there is room to spare.  This space will be for my beach bag.  The beach bag will in turn be used to house souvenirs for the trip home.

 

The packing isn't complete until you pick out your traveling outfit.  I will be wearing a pair of boyfriend khakis from Old Navy, my locally made sandals, a locally made sleeveless t shirt and a silk scarf from Thailand.  I never travel without a scarf.  They can be used for so many things.

I'm currently obsessed with pineapple prints

All that is left to do now is get on the plane.  I can't wait to experience Bali with my girlfriends.  Until next time.