sailing on the sea of electric dreams and blue sunsets. michael weißköppel.

You ever go shopping and you just keep putting stuff in the cart then when you get home you throw it into the abyss of your room and call it a day? I’m doing this hip new thing called packing to move and I’m starting to think someone should smite me where I stand and take my credit card away.

Harley Quinn vibes ✨️

As Tokyo Orientation draws nearer, it is tradition for the new round of JETs to begin counting the days, say their goodbyes and most importantly, determine what to haul halfway around the world and how to organize it! Given that I was a new JET myself last year, and Tokyo Orientation memories are still (although hazily) fresh in my mind, I thought I might try my hand at making an organizational packing list.

first of all, you’ll need suitcases. I’m not sure about other countries airlines, but air canada allows 2 checked bags and one carry-on bag. one of your checked bags could be a guitar, or some bagpipes, or a snowboard too! You can easily find weight and size restrictions on the website of the airline you’re taking.

The suitcases you choose, if you’re in the market for an internationally capable/indestructible/easy to travel with pieces should have soft shell casing and four wheels. I bought mine on www.overstock.com, they came with a 5 year warranty and they have lots of pockets inside to organize your items.

Before you arrive in Tokyo, you’ll want to determine which suitcase you will physically take with you to your placement (keep in mind that you might be traveling there by bus, Shinkansen or car) and which you’ll have shipped to your placement from orientation. It is essential to plan this, because accidents unfortunately do happen sometimes and you wouldn’t want to be stranded in a strange new place with no underwear (or important documents. Additionally, you don’t have to bring two large suitcases! If you’re able to pack your life away in one, then that is an amazing feat and I applaud you! Those who can’t part with their complete wardrobe and those who like being well stocked on toothpaste and deodorant, the price of sending your large suitcase from Tokyo to your placement will depend on where it is located. I was placed in Osaka (8 hour drive away) and I believe mine cost about ¥2400.

So, without further ado here is the lists I’ve come up with for packing, with each suitcase you bring.

CARRY-ON SUITCASE

-Essential Electronics, Chargers (in an easily accessible place to take out during security)
- use small sample size bottles (under 100ml!) to put your fave skincare/hair case products if you’re not down for the hotel brand! -Clothing & Footwear (&hosiery) for TO and your first days in your placement (Please wear a blazer as much as possible and dress smartly) *if anything gets wrinkled, the hotel has irons, or you can hang stuff up in the bathroom as you shower to steam the wrinkles out!
- the general information handbook, and any other JET related documents. A notebook/clipboard to record notes (encouraged) Also a pencil case if you’re not into stealing hotel pens.
- heavy duty deodorant/ undershirts / makeup. You will sweat. You must fight it! There are so many Japanese products to help you with this, but that’s a whole other blog post!
- an outfit or two worth of casual clothes. You might want to seize the opportunity of exploring Tokyo despite the extreme heat and jet lag, so bring some cool digs to fit into one of the most fashionable cities!

1st CHECKED BAG

- if you have a second bag, pack things into this bag that you cannot live 1-3 months without, because you never know. (Not doubting the Japanese postal service here!)
- pack things that bring you comfort, pictures, letters, saltwater taffy, anything that supports you or makes you smile. The first few weeks are theist difficult, so you’ll need it.
- casual clothes, light sleeping clothes, casual shoes (try wrapping them with plastic bags and filling them with socks!) - your omiyage should be in this bag! On the off chance that your second bag gets lost, you don’t want to be meeting new important people without any omiyage to give! - a towel or two, if your pred hasn’t left you one already - any medications

2nd CHECKED BAG (sent ahead from Tokyo)

-I received my 2nd bag two days after I arrived at my placement, so in that case I was lucky. However, I couldn’t find the time for at least a week to unpack it. -winter clothes/shoes - things to decorate your apartment - comfort food from home - use your common sense here and just pack what you want to have, but would be ok without seeing for 1-3 months!

Back from visiting my fiancee and I had to take apart my rock hunting kit and reset it. Was able to repack it a lot tighter and get more stuff into it. If anyone has any questions about the kit, message me and I will help you.

transgenderteensurvivalguide:

Lee says:

We’ve gathered up all you need to know about the basics of packing and standing to pee! (Standing to pee is abbreviated as STP)

---

General packing info:

• Lee’s post on packing 101 and STP devices
  
• Packing and Packers 101
  
• Can packing cause any negative effects?
  
• The pros and cons of strap ons (sex tw) 
  
• Note: you should use a condom on your strap-on if it isn’t 100% silicone or if you’re not washing it before using it with another person! 
• A non-lubricated condom that you put water-based lube on is the best if you have a packer that you aren’t sure is silicone or not. More info at @dangerouslilly
• How to pick your prosthetic
• A guide to packers
  
• Packing basics
  
• r/ftm packing info

Buying a packer:

• How to buy a binder without parents knowing (applies to packers also)
  
• List of packers and STP devices
• Packing harness
  
• Asking parents for a packer
• Buying used packers
  
• Finding reviews
  
• Smaller packers/Smaller STP packers
  
• Colorful packers
  
• Packing as a wheelchair user

Making a packer:

• How to pack without a packer

Standing to pee:

• Guide to STPs
• How to Stand to Pee
  
• Making an STP
  
• Standing to pee w/o a device
• Tips for using an STP

Once you have a packer:

• Packing during your period
  
• Can I pack at night?
• How to position a packer
• Recoloring a cyberskin packer
• Recoloring a silicone packer

Warnings:

• Don’t shop at packer locker (It’s a scam and Lee lost $15 dollars from them that they never got back and others have lost more)
• Don’t shop at The Ultimate Prosthetic (This is also a scam and people have lost hundreds of dollars and never recieved products)
• Don’t shop at FtmConnect (the owner is racist and his customer service is bad)
• Don’t shop at STP Ninja (it’s the same guy from FTM connect using a different name)
• A heads up about Reelmagik flaccid prosthetics
  

It’s time to pack up and head back (or to college for the first time!) to college, and you only have so much room in your car to get your gear there. How do you prioritize your belongings and pack only what you need? After all, a dorm room is about half (or less) of the size of your room at your parents’ house. You don’t want to bring more than you need because you’ll probably just end up having to bring it all home again at summer break.

Here is a list built to help you decide what you really need to take and what you can leave at home.

1) Bedding

-mattress cover (Lots of people have slept on that mattress in the dorm room.)

-comforter or duvet and duvet cover

-foam mattress top (if you think you’ll need extra cushion)

-pillowcases (2)

-blankets (2)

-sheet set (2) (Wash one; use one.)

2) Room

-additional seating (if you have extra room, say in a house or apartment)

-adhesive hooks and strips (to hang up your decorations and not get in trouble for ruining the walls)

-alarm clock (if you don’t use your smartphone for this already)

-rug (to cover up the nasty linoleum tile or carpet in your dorm)

-bulletin board / dry erase board (for roommate communication, scheduling, decoration, reminders)

-bedside table

-couch/chair (for apartment / house)

-coffee table (for apartment / house)

-curtain rods (if not in the rooms already)

-lamps

-full-length mirror

-hangers

-organizers for jewelry, closet, shoes, etc. (Consider over-the-door hangers for towels and clothes, too.)

-photos

-push pins, magnets, whiteboard markers

-trash cans

-bins for storage under the bed

-wall art

3) Laundry

-bleach

-drying rack

-detergent (fabric softener, dryer sheets, stain remover, etc.)

-iron / ironing board

-lint brush / pet hair roller

-quarters (if you don’t have a washer/dryer in your apartment or house, or you’re in a dorm)

-sewing kit

-laundry bag

-laundry basket / hamper

4) Kitchen

­-blender

-broom

-dish soap

-dish rags / towels

-sponge

-dishwasher detergent

-blender

-toaster

-toaster oven

-microwave

-can opener

-chip bag clips

-coffee maker

-dishes and silverware

-dust pan

-hand soap

-minifridge (if you’re in a dorm)

-oven mitt

-paper plates and silverware

-paper towels

-plastic wrap

-sandwich bags

-freezer bags

-reusable water bottle

-mop (Swiffer, if you’re feeling rich)

-bucket

-aluminum foil

-plastic storage containers

-pots and pans (if you’re in an apartment or house)

-water filter pitcher

-electric kettle

-trash bags

5) Bathroom

-wash cloths / towels

-robe

-bathroom cleaning supplies (gloves, shower / toilet / sink and counter cleaner, toilet brush, toilet cleaner, etc.)

-rug

-shower caddy

-shower cap / shoes

-shower curtain and rings (if needed)

6) Toiletries

-acne medication / face wash

-soap / body wash

-shampoo

-conditioner

-deodorant

-hair gel / mousse / hair spray

-eye cream

-lip balm

-lotion

-makeup

-makeup remover

-moisturizer

-mouthwash

-nail polish / remover

-shaving cream

-razor

-sunscreen

-toothbrush

-toothpaste

-blow dryer

-straightener

-bobby pins, hair ties, etc.

-brush / comb

-contacts, solution, case

-extra glasses, eyeglass cleaner, case

-cotton balls / cotton swabs

-floss

-hair curlers

-hand mirror

-headbands

-nail clippers / file

-feminine hygiene products

-tissues

-toilet paper

-tweezers

7) Clothing

-tennis shoes

-bathing suit

-bras

-casual shoes

-dress shoes

-dresses

-purse

-gloves

-gym bag

-hat

-jeans

-jacket

-jewelry

-leggings

-long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts

-pajamas

-slacks

-boots (regular / rain)

-scarves            

-shorts

-skirts

-slippers

-socks

-tank tops

-tights

-underwear

-coat

-workout cloths

8) tech

-batteries

-camera

-chargers (phone, laptop, camera, etc.)

-dvd player

-dvds

-e-reader

-ethernet cable

-extension cords

- external hard drive

-flash drives

-hdmi cable

-headphones and spare headphones

-ipod/mp3 player

-keyboard

- lap desk

-laptop

-laptop case

-microsoft office

-portable phone charger

-printer

-printer ink

-printer paper

-recording device for lectures

-router

-sd card for camera

-spare cables

-speakers

-surge protectors

-tablet

-tv

-tv stand

-video game consoles

-video games

-wireless mouse

9) Documents

 Bank documents (account information, check and savings accounts transaction records)

-car registration and insurance information

-checks

-copy of birth certificate

-copy of social security card

-credit card

-debit card

-driver’s license

-emergency contact list

-enrollment documents

-financial aid documents

-health/dental insurance cards

-lease (if you have an apartment or house)

-passport

-product warranties

-renters’ insurance (if you have an apartment or house)

-student id

10) Desk/school supplies

-backpack or tote bag

-binder clips

-binders

-business cards

-calculator

-calendar

-clicker (if you need one for class)

-desk chair

-desk lamp

-desk organizer

-envelopes

-erasers

-file folder for important documents

-folders

-glue

-highlighters

-hole punch

-index cards

-journal

-laptop fan/stand

-leisure books (one or two)

-letter opener

-notebook paper

-notebooks

-notepads

-paper clips

-pencil case

-pencil sharpener

-pencil

-pencil lead (for mechanical pencils)

-pens/colored pens

-planner

-portfolio/portfolio case for interviews

-post-it notes

-rubber bands

-ruler

-scissors

-stamps

-staple remover

-stapler

-staples

-tape

- textbooks

-three-hole punch

-wite-out

11) Medical

-allergy medicine

- aloe lotion

-antiseptic wipes

-bandages

-cold and flu medicine

-cortisone cream

-decongestant

-eye drops

-first aid kit

-hot and cold packs

-humidifier

-insect repellent

-multivitamins

-over-the-counter pain medication

-prescription medicine

-prescription refill information

-retainer/mouth guard

-rubbing alcohol

-supplements (iron pills, etc.)

-thermometer

-throat drops/lozenges

-throat spray

-upset stomach medication

-vaseline

12) misc.

-art supplies

-beach towel

-bike

-bike helmet

-bike lock

-board games

-duct tape

-earplugs

-fan

-flashlight

-lightbulbs

-luggage tags

-musical instruments

-pepper spray (if legal in your state)

-playing cards

-religious materials

-safety pins

-safety whistle

-sleep mask

-sports equipment

-suitcases

-tool kit

-travel bags/travel organizer for toiletries

-umbrella

-vacuum and vacuum bags

-weekend bag

This list is just to get you started. Customize it for your purposes, and have a great semester!

My next installment for Uni Top Tips! Moving in and meeting your new neighbours x

It has just passed results day and hopefully any college students reading this got their results that they wanted and needed, but if not, there’s nothing wrong with changing plans whether it is choosing an alternative university through clearing, resitting the year, doing a foundation year or even just not continuing onto further education. My previous post, which in case you missed it is here,…

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Studying Abroad

• You’reprobablydefinitely going to over-pack the first time you leave for a semester. A good rule of thumb for cutting down your luggage is to pack for just two weeks. You’ll usually end up with enough clothes for three, and at that point you’ll hopefully be doing laundry.
  
• Leave behind anything you’ll only wear a few times. Just because you like it doesn’t mean you’ll wear it more overseas than you do in your everyday life stateside.
  
• Your goal is to leave room in your one suitcase to bring back the miscellaneous bullshit you’ll accumulate.
• Bring two pairs of shoes: dress shoes for special occasions and nights out, and everyday shoes, which are going to get beat to hell. I’d recommend leather boots, which generally look stylish enough to wear in a city, but can easily be waterproofed and are fairly comfortable to walk in. If they aren’t, buy inserts. This is so important. Other shoes are at your discretion, but these two are not negotiable.

Shorter Trips

• When it comes down to it, all you need to pack for a short trip are underwear and socks, your passport and wallet, your toothbrush, and your phone. Maybe a rain coat. Anything else, you can live without for a weekend or so. But if you’re missing any of these it’s not going to be a fun time. Trust me on this one.
• Don’t bring your laptop anywhere, unless you’re settling in for daily life at the destination. For short trips, they’re useless: heavy, easily breakable, large, and easy targets for thieves. If you have a smartphone, use that instead. Even if you’re on airplane mode the entire time you’re in Europe, free Wi-Fi is easy to find. 
  

In General

• Buy a little padlock. You can get sets of two in Walmart for about five dollars, each lock a bit larger than a thumbnail. Keep them with you in your purse or coat. You can use them to lock your backpack in a crowd, or your checked bag on a flight, or your purse, or your hostel locker.
  
• If you use purses or messenger bags, bring a bag with a strap long enough to wear across your chest rather than over one shoulder. Make sure the strap is too thick to be easily cut or snapped by someone sprinting past you. Your bag should be sealed with a zipper, not a flap: nothing a thief could slip their hand into while you were distracted. If there are vulnerable external pockets, only keep things in them that no one will want to steal, like pennies, pens, and tampons.
• Unless you’re going to Northern Europe in winter you don’t need to bring a very heavy coat. It will become dead weight as soon as the weather changes. In most of Europe, a pea coat and scarf over a few layers will keep you warm and remain useful for longer. Check average monthly temperatures for the region if you’re unsure. You should also bring a raincoat, ideally one that folds up very small.
  

and a whole month later here is slowtember day 16 - 18 home // packing
i really like the prompts so i’ll still finish the challenge even though it’s more like slowvember now lol

Where to buy packing underwear online

Here is a list I compiled of online stores that sell packing underwear, as well as prices (mostly in CDN due to my location, also occasionally USD and AU). I made this list for my own personal use, but figured it may be helpful to share with others? It’s a long post, but hopefully it’ll get even longer with some input from other community members!  

Please feel free to add any stores I missed, include reviews, etc. via reblog and/or comment!

*Please be advised that many of these stores are 18+ due to their selling s*x toy harnesses etc.* 

GenderGear.ca:

Spareparts brand “Pete Underwear” commando ($34 CDN), trunks ($44 CDN)

Early2bedshop.com:

Spareparts brand “Pete Underwear” freestyle ($33.95 CDN) and trunks ($39.95)

Rodeoh brand “Truhk” boxer $50.00 CDN

ToolShedToys.com:

Rodeoh brand boxer ($19 USD), STP boxer ($29 USD), STP long boxer ($25 USD)

Packer Gear brand boxer ($27 USD), briefs ($25 USD)

In-store altered PS Briefs ($17.50 USD), trunks ($19 USD), boxers ($19.50)

Spareparts brand “Pete Underwear” jock ($28.95), briefs ($34.95 USD), trunks ($35.95)

PeecockProducts.com:

Store brand briefs ($43.79), boxers ($46.36), and button fly boxer (48.94)

Transthetics.com:

Store brand “Budgie Briefs” ($39.36 CAD)

FtmEssentials.com:

Rodeoh brand no-fly boxers ($20-22 USD), packing brief ($20 USD), STP packing boxer ($30.00), button fly boxer ($25.00 USD)

Packer Gear brand brief ($28.00 USD)

Spareparts brand “Pete Underwear” trunks ($40 USD), freestyle ($34 USD)

Rodeoh.com:

Store brand classic boxer ($19.99 USD) in black white grey green

Store brand boxers w graphics ($19.99-25 USD)

Store brand sport jock ($29.99 USD)

Store brand briefs ($19.99 USD) in white grey black green

Button fly boxer ($25 USD) teal, marble, dark grey

Boxer w graphics ($19.99-25 USD)

Boxer w extended leg ($15-25 USD)

STP boxer ($29.99 USD) black and grey

FTM Gear section includes a variety of packers, stps, and toys

Ftmdownunder.com:

Store brand trunks ($12 AU) and briefs ($6 AU)

I have also heard of tranzwear.net, but I haven’t the time to research the store rn.

Hopefully I will be able to update this post w more info soon! (updates may include links, descriptions of the stores esp. which ones are available to minors, etc.)

I’ll be sharing some packing tips in this post: packing cubes, being smart with what you pack, helpful light travel websites, and YouTube videos to help teach smart packing tips. Links can be found at the bottom of the post or on my Pinterest page.  

On Saturday, the pilgrims from the Diocese of Gary had their last informational meeting before departing for our trip.  Everyone was excited and nervous and anxious and joyful.  We talked about currency, electronics, hair dryers (YOU DON’T NEED ONE), and even Bishop Emeritus Dale Melzcek was there to give us tips about Italy.  It was wonderful. 

At one point, Kevin, our Diocesan Director, made each one of us promise that we wouldn’t judge other pilgrims by the state of their laundry.  That prompted folks at my table to start talking about packing and laundry.  Most people said that they could wear their shorts or pants multiple times, but needed a new shirt every day.  From there, we started talking about laundry in the sink and how to pack light (at one point, we are going to take Ryanair, a European budget airline that is notorious for being very stingy on luggage).  I suggested that someone could pack for an entire week in a backpack and I was left with gaping mouths.  It can be done.  Come, young grasshoppers:  I shall show you the ways of packing light.

My insights come from a lot of places including personal experiences, Rick Steves, and various internet places. At the beginning of the month I traveled to Washington DC with only a 30L backpack and a sling purse.  I wanted to pack super light and didn’t want to check a bag on the flight.  I packed a whole week’s worth of outfits in my backpack, along with pj’s, socks and underthings, 2 pairs of shoes, toiletries, accessories, and even some electronics.  It was a struggle, but I did it! I’m feeling more confident in packing for WYD because I already experience packing light and survived.  Knowing that I will be purchasing things, I will be checking a bag.  But, having these tips helps me feel more confident in light packing. 

I also have creditably because Rick Steves liked a tweet of mine.  

Tip 1: PACKING CUBES

The best thing I can say is use packing cubes.  Think of packing cubes as drawers for your luggage.  They help you sort your clothing, find items easier, and keep your belongings looking tidy.  Packing cubes are made from different materials, but usually some kind of breathable fabric that’s sturdy enough to give it some structure but flexible so it can be flattened, like polyester or parachute material.  Both of the packing cubes below are about 10" x 7" x 3" (the one the left is a compression packing cube, meaning it can be fully expanded to be about 4 inches tall, but then can be compressed by zipping it up).  

It’s up to you what you put inside of them.  Some people use small ones for socks and underwear, electronics, or nick knacks.  I’ve used the packing cubes in the picture for t-shirts and shorts. When I went to DC, I fit all of my clothes (three dresses, three shirts, pj’s, and a tank top) into a cube 14" x 10" x 3" and my socks and underwear into one 8" x 4" x 3". Don’t believe me? I packed one of the packing cubes I took a picture of to show you how much you can fit into a packing cube. 

I then packed the other packing cube.  This time, I could fit more clothes (though, in fairness, both were packed to the brim so looked kind of lumpy and is not what the manufacturer recommends). Please ignore my unmade bed and bad photo quality.  

On the left, you can see the uncompressed packing cube.  On the right, a compressed packing cube.

Tip 2: Be smart with what you bring.

When I packed to show how to use the packing cubes, I didn’t put any thinking into what I chose.  When I pack for WYD, I’m going to be more conscious with what I take.  Even if you can fit everything you want into perfect packing cubes, it still may be overweight for the flight.  Our trip limit for our checked luggage is 44 lbs, so being aware of how much everything weighs is important.  

I’m a huge fan of Rick Steves, the guidebook author and host of “Rick Steves’ Europe.” He’s known for helping those on his tours become temporary locals of wherever they travel to and is a champion for traveling light.  He and his tour guides only take one carry on size piece of luggage and a personal item when they travel.  Often, their tour season lasts for 2 months at a time, so everything in their packs have to last 2 months.  One of his guides, Sarah Murdoch, shared some of her travel secrets in an hour long presentation.  She only takes a 20 lbs of luggage with her when she gives tours. 

It’s sooo helpful! Here are some tips I picked up while watching it:

-When she is deciding between two pieces of clothing she will weigh them and will take the lighter of the two.  Even when going to the store to buy something, she will bring a scare to compare weight.

-Just because the item says it’s travel friendly doesn’t mean it is light weight.

-Take neutral colored clothing that goes with everything else. Wear a fun colored scarf to add to your wardrobe options (and use to keep you warm on the plane or to cover your shoulders in churches).  

-If you don’t want to stick out as a tourist, stay away from khaki.  And never wear flipflops out (they are considered shower shoes.  I’m probably going to take a pair but as shoes for the hotel).  

-Don’t freak out if you have to buy something.  You may find that you like the European option more than the American one.  Also, it’s a fun way to meet the locals.  Remember, part of a pilgrimage is the people you meet along the way!

-Laundry can be as easy as taking a shower: Sarah said she washed her underwear and socks each time she took a shower.  She got in, let the clothes get soaked by the shower water as she bathed herself, and then rubbed them together using her hands while using detergent.  She let them rinse in the shower water and rung them out to remove the excess water.  She also mentioned ringing them with a microfiber travel towel.  That helped shortened drying time.

Now, I’m not saying that you should pack only a carry on, but be smart about what you bring.  Ask yourself, am I really going to use this item enough to bring it with me or can I buy it when I get there?  I like Rick’s philosophy of planning for the best of what could happen instead of the worst.  Assume it won’t rain so don’t pack an umbrella, buy it if you need to, when you get there.  And yes, you can pack light.  Thousands of people do this each time they travel.  Don’t believe me?  Go on YouTube and search packing light.  

I’m going to include some links for videos about traveling light below and on my Pinterest page.  Again, most are for traveling with only a carry on, but they can serve as guides for packing light.  

My next post will be about how to pack all of your toiletries into one, one quart bag and one small bag. Also, I’ll share with your my tips for consolidating your toiletries. If you have any tips, please feel free to share!  

Resources(all of which can be found on my Pilgrimage Pinterest Page.  It’s not just for travel tips, but also prayers for WYD, pictures of Poland, and some of WYD’s patron saints.)  

Websites

-Her Packing List: A travel website by women, for women.  I stumbled upon this website while researching day bags and am so thankful for the helpful articles. They have reviews of travel gear, give you packing lists from people who’ve been to the locations, have travel tips, and tips specifically for female travelers. Guys, you can find this site helpful too, but be aware that there’s a lot of talk about bras and periods.  

-Rick Steves: Besides his videos, you can find soooo many helpful articles on his website, including packing lists for light travel. 

-The Everygirl: This is a website that is for, well, the “every girl.” The link I’m recommending gives you three simple tips for organizing your carry on.  Again, Gary Pilgrims, remember, we can only take a 20 lbs carry on, so being smart with what you pack will be helpful.  

Videos: Besides Rick Steves’ videos, the best videos I’ve found for teaching you how to pack light are done by a company called Tortuga Backpacks.  They are a carry on back pack company, so their videos do feature their products, but their tips are universal.  

-Rick’s talk about packing light 

-Tortuga’sHow to Pack a Carry On.  The guy in the video is pretty relaxed about his packing, but I wanted to show you that you canpack super light for a long trip.

-Tortuga’s first video for stepping down to a carry on bag. This is the first of what will be a series of how to go from taking a huge suitcase to a carry on.  Again, useful tips for being a smart packer.

-Tortuga’s video on how to do laundry when you travel.  

Packing Cubes: I’m listing the places I’ve seen or bought packing cubes from.  You can also probably find them on Amazon. Sites like Rick Steves or Tortuga also sell packing cubes that are made to fit for their own backpacks, but can also be used on their own. 

-The Container Store: They favor the Eagle Creek systems, and so far, I really enjoy mine.  As of writing this, they are having a sale on some travel items.  If you want to see them in person, there are some stores in Chicagoland.  Prices vary, but can range from $8-$13 a bag depending on the size.  They also sell in sets which can go up to $40, depending on the set. They are costly, but are worth it! Eagle Creek is a well known travel brand and lots of travelers swear by them. They also come in different sizes

-Ikea: Ikea sells some travel products, including packing cubes and toiletry bags.  Their packing cube set ($10, but they go down to $8 if you are an Ikea Family member, which is free so become one if you go), includes 4 cubes, one of which is double zipped, so one side can be for clean clothes, and one for dirty.  

-Target: Target currently sells 2 sets of packing cubes.  One is for clothes (I don’t have a personal recommendation for this one), and one is for smaller items (I use it for electronics and for scarves).  The large set is $25, the smaller is $10. 

*I’m not sure if I need to put this, but I haven’t been paid to recommend any of these products or services.  I just really, really, really like them.  

I am packing what few belongings I have in my duffle bag for my trip out to Thailand tomorrow morning. I have been longing for a vacation outside the confines of an urban city for quite some time now. Being that I seem to have been lured to reside in cities without immediate access to open seas and virginal white sand (Toronto, Japan, Singapore), I have been itching to dip my toes into warm waters. 

It’s safe to say that the few days of escape will amount to devouring copious amounts of pad thai, slathering Coppertone on my skin, salt and sand in my hair, and reading—lots of it. I have rounded up a stack of books to sink my teeth into by the pool, which should turn me into a painful shade of roasted suckling pig by the time I touch back down in Singapore. 

I hope you are all staying warm and surrounded with loved ones this holiday. Happy New Year!