Team Trolley
It’s been a few years now since I did it for the very first time. My colleague, with whom I was going on a trip for a few days, was already a pro by then. She thought it was time for me to finally say goodbye to my large suitcase for short trips.
"No way! I’m taking my suitcase with me!"
I exclaimed immediately. But the idea of walking straight from the plane to the bus or taxi sounded very appealing. "Okay, I’m going to try it," I continued. But at the same time, I thought, "How? How am I going to fit all my clothes, shoes, and towel into that small suitcase?"
I did it!
After staring at my small suitcase for a while, I really had to start packing. In the end, after having to make some choices, I managed to make everything fit. I still remember how proud I was that I had crammed so much into my carry-on.
What do you take with you?
Now, with each trip, I wonder what on earth I used to bring in that big beast of a suitcase. I do remember. I wanted to have a flashy outfit for every evening. A different dress for each beach visit. And don’t ask me why, but whenever I went on vacation, I had to bring a full bottle of shampoo, a new shower gel, and a large bottle of conditioner.
All those years, I would come home again with half a suitcase full of clean clothes and all the shower bottles almost completely full. Only to pack just as much for the next trip.
Never again!
After that one trip, I was completely converted. Nowadays, I use the same beach outfit for an entire weekend and have traded my enormous bath towel for a modest hammam towel. My small toiletry bag is filled with mini bottles and jars that I can fill with creams, shower gel and shampoo. I even bring a tiny mascara!
The less, the better
It's almost a pity that I love to take photos, so I have to lug my camera everywhere. Because it’s so nice not to have so many things with you and good to know that you actually need very little. Moreover, packing when it's time to go home is a breeze. More time to do fun things!
A small downside
If I have to mention a disadvantage, it’s that you need to be one of the first in line to board. Because if everyone brings a carry-on and you’re at the back of the line, there’s a chance that your mini-suitcase will still have to go in the hold. And you don’t want that!
So I’m always ready more than an hour before the gate opens to see where the line exactly starts to form. Or, if I really can’t afford to waste any time, I book priority. That way, I’m guaranteed to keep my stuff with me.
Do you still take a large suitcase for a few nights away?