With my chosen career, I’m on the road at least fifty percent of the time. This spring, I spent several days in the delightful Salt Lake City and Park City for a conference which, as you might presume, also included a smidge of merriment. On the return flight, I was contemplating what to share next in Big Suitcase Girl, and then it came to me. My love affair with my ever-useful tiny bags which I pack in my BIG suitcase. They are the perfect complement to one another.
My impressive inventory of tiny bags stems primarily from the often-used hook of a “gift with purchase” compliments of beauty enthusiasts found behind make-up counters in department stores across the country. Not only do these small toiletry bags from the various beauty brands I favor contain travel-sized tubes of face wash, lotions, lipsticks, and other delights, they are often smartly and colorfully designed. Once in my possession, they become miniature traveling versions of everything I use each day at home. One bag contains my daily vitamins and pills, and other OTC meds; another includes hair products and gadgets galore; the next tiny bag stores a selection of perfumes, deodorant, lotions, and potions; and yet another carries my makeup, cotton balls, and lipsticks and glosses; and of course, last up in the roll call is the tiny bag containing air fresheners, nail files, lint rollers, and a little whatnot to round out the lineup. There are at least two tiny bags, however, that ride shotgun in my carry-on bag. One stores my travel jewelry and other lovelies; and the other is my trusty snack bag. Because I never know when I might need a protein boost from the dependable sleeve of peanut butter crackers or a tasty nibble of something sweet late at night. The beauty of the tiny bag system is that I have replicated what’s found and utilized at home with duplicate products stowed in the globetrotting carryalls. In between trips, I reload what’s running low and am set for my next destination.
Over the years, I’ve been mocked repeatedly by friends for my rather considerable collection and use of my beloved tiny bags. With full transparency, I share with you that I so appreciate and am quite fond of these little jewels because, being the neatnik that I am, I can keep my sometimes travel-sized necessities sorted and easily at hand. And, of course, they are always safely stowed in my checked BIG suitcase and never at risk of setting off bells and whistles in the TSA pre-check line and occasional body cavity search we’ve all grown to adore. (More on this topic in a future post.)
Okay, back to my favorite subject: the darling tiny bags. They perfectly represent a method of organization consistent with one of my life mottos… “there’s a place for everything and everything is in its place”. Some may consider my ‘affliction’ to be exhausting and borderline OCD. Well, I say to those armchair shrinks: because of this attribute, I always know where everything is in my house and office, and suitcase for that matter. And, while you’re at it, Dr. Freud, if you pick it up, be a dear and put that sh*t back where you found it. Now, once more with feeling; back to the tiny bags…why make an emergency trip to Duane Reade, Walgreens, or CVS when you can pack accordingly, and travel prepared for every situation and unexpected need? It goes without saying, but I’ll allow you, dear readers, to take one guess who everyone comes running to when they’ve failed to pack or run out of something or “just need a Band-Aid or Tylenol”? Your gal with the treasure trove of tiny bags. At this point in the story, it’s not essential or helpful that I name names. You people know who you are, and you’re welcome that I’m always bailing you out during your travel crisis du jour.
This brings us to this entry’s installment of what I like to call: Cautionary Tales and Helpful Suggestions from the Road. Please take a page from my well-worn and sometimes ignored travel playbook.
If possible, don’t pack in a rush. Take your time, make lists, consider your meetings, functions, and any random activities you may (or may not) want to do. And now for what I’ll loosely call a “pro tip”: I learned the hard way several years ago, ALWAYS carry with you a portable phone charger. That magical little brick can save your bacon if you’re unexpectedly stuck on the tarmac at DFW in a small regional jet with no outlets at the seats.
If you’ve returned for this entry after reading the first, welcome back! I’m hopeful you’re in it for the long haul because I most certainly plan on sticking around. Thanks for reading my musings and for the encouragement you’ve so kindly offered thus far. Feel free to share your thoughts, suggested topics, and helpful feedback on my style, substance, and/or grammar (except for urging me to not use Oxford commas – I’m a devotee). There’s much more rolling around in my noggin’ on business and personal travel that I’m planning to share and having you along for the ride is pure joy.
Here’s hoping Big Suitcase Girl will continue to offer insight, suggestions, highlights (and a smattering of lowlights), along with a little levity around the big world of travel, no matter the size of suitcase you choose to bring.
Oh and the Oxford Comma is a must!
As I read your blog, it clicks for me why we’re friends! I too am a fan of little bags! I’m on a trip right now with 7 little bags! And you are correct! Everyone (especially my husband comes to me for items they’ve forgotten)!