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Those are the dimensions of the new purse I bought for my trip to NYC tomorrow. The purse is 10 inches deep and 17 inches long. These are Important Dimensions because everything I’ll need for 2 days and 1 night must fit into this purse. This purse will be all the luggage I bring to New York.
I think I must have some gypsy blood in me. Or maybe it’s hobo blood. Whatever you want to call it, I will be the classiest, most elegant gypsy hobo New York City has ever seen (and I imagine New York is not light on gypsy hobos).
Packing light is kind of a “thing” with me. It all started with my mom—everything in life starts with your mom. She was the Empress of Packing Light. I am the Queen. Only Girl is the Heir Apparent. Only Girl spent 6 weeks in France with one big purse and one small carry on. She always looked fantastic and she never got a backache from lugging her luggage around. Only Girl is coming with me to New York and she is also bringing everything she’ll need (and that includes a flat iron) in her purse.
This is what my one, darling, stylish purse will hold: all my make-up, my skin care products (many), my dental hygiene products, hair products, undergarments, night gown, shirt, scarf, sunglasses, wallet, reading glasses, map, notebook, cell phone, handkerchief, pain reliever, protein bars, jewelry . . . and? I think that’s it.
Notice how I cleverly listed everything I need to pack and turned it into a blog? I’m sneaky that way.
What would you pack if you were going to New York for 2 days?
I would pack comfortable shoes for the day, a pair of nice shoes to catch a broadway show in (because I would not go to New York without catching a show), clothes to match the weather, an umbrella, a spare pair of panties or two, a small amount of make up, deodorant, hair care products, combs, a hat, my pjs and several books. I would have to have my phone and maybe a laptop or something.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 6:30 am.
I’m bringing one pair of shoes—the pair I’m wearing. I’m just going to have to hope that no one looks at my feet. They are comfortable shoes! They are also cute, but they are comfortable first.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 8:31 am.
A MetroCard (maybe that’s a “what would I buy once I’m there?” item.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 6:56 am.
I’m buying a huge bottle of water once I get through airport security—it’s going to weigh 2 pounds, but I can’t be without my water. A bottle of water and two protein bars and I’m good for the day. In case, you know, there are no restaurants open in NYC. LOL
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 8:32 am.
Yeah, nowe don’t have any Korean delis or hot dog stands that sell water so definitely get the airport kind.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:40 pm.
I’m with Fresh- a Metrocard, and maybe some cash, although that’s less necessary now that cabs take credit cards.
I’ll be doing the same thing as you on Saturday. I’ll probably bring a change of underwear, my toothbrush, travel deodorant and a shirt. I tend to just repeat my jeans.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 7:19 am.
Twins! I’m wearing the same pair of jeans two days in a row. Who’s going to know? Except my fellow goddesses.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 8:33 am.
I could never pack just a large purse for 2 days away. I’d need my pillows (cant sleep without them), sweatshirts/sweaters, jacket, slippers, pajamas, bathrobe, change of clothes, toiletries, my kindle, snacks, cellphone to call my cats and their babysitter at least 3 times a day – I’d be better off just packing my visa card…
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 7:20 am.
The thing I realized I left off my list (so glad I made this list!) is the cell phone charger. Bulky, ugh, but I don’t want to risk being without a cell phone.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 8:34 am.
I have managed to get everything into a carry on bag for both IV to go to NY for 1 night. But it was summer, so that helps. And it was also before the liquid restrictions. I’d never make it with one small plastic bag of 4 oz toiletries. Ain’t. Gonna. Happen.
But if we were just talking other stuff–I’d need good walking shoes, comfortable, but very nice black clothes (NY!) and my kindle. I think that would do.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 7:40 am.
For the first time in my life, I’m traveling without a book. I’m going to feel naked. My Kindle is broken (!!!) and I don’t want to carry a book around while sightseeing. I’m hoping I’ll be too busy to read. Or maybe I’ll buy a super skinny paperback and squeeze that in my purse. Hmmm.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 8:39 am.
Hmm, rethinking the cell charger. I think it will last for 2 days on a charge. But maybe my iPod instead of a book?
Pondering . . . pondering . . .
Talking this out with you guys, hearing what you’d bring, is really helping me sort it all out and make final decisions.
I’m so excited about this trip!! I’ve wanted to take Only Girl to NYC for years and years. This trip is a dream come true.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 8:57 am.
I am a hopeless over packer. I always panic, and worry that I will need something and not have it, so it goes in the suitcase. The thought of only having one pair of pants would send me over the edge. what if I spilled something on them and didn’t have another pair?
If I tried to pack light I would need- at least 1 pair of comfy shoes (but probably 2), a light coat, 2 pairs of pants, 3 shirts, pj’s and underwear, and all my makeup and hair products.
I hope you have a great trip.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 8:59 am.
I figure that’s the beauty of jeans—if you spill, it won’t show! However, I will be avoiding ketchup and mustard. No sense in courting danger.
I will be wearing a light coat, but I don’t count that as packing since I’ll be wearing it.
My fears run along the lines of blowing my back out or wrenching my neck because I have too much luggage weight to manage–hence the appeal of light packing. I’ll be carrying everything in my purse the whole time–no time to get to the hotel and check in until after we’ve done the whole tourist thing. Can’t see dragging luggage around for that!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:51 am.
Claudia, you are my hero. I don’t have the light packing gene, but I am hoping to learn from you.
One thing I always bring is a pair of slippers. I don’t like walking barefoot on the hotel flooring.
What about a hair straightner or curling iron? Or are you just a blow dry and go kind of girl? What if you spill something on your top or blouse at breakfast, wouldn’t you need a “spare”? Of course in NY, you could easily find a store that sells clothing and purchase a new one.
If you do plan to shop, will you just carry your purchases in a shopping bag back on the plane?
I’m taking notes here.
Have a wonderful time on your trip!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:19 am.
All I need is a blow dryer—and thank goodness hotels provide those! I don’t even need a brush–just my fingers. I go with a very tousled look. If I spill, I’ll buy a new blouse and then that will be my New York blouse forevermore. I don’t plan to shop since shopping isn’t what I do for entertainment. I want to see New York! I want to walk the streets and see the sights. I can shop at home.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:53 am.
I’d bring more than a purse! I travel pretty light, but I travel with more than a 10 x 17 purse. My lotions and cosmetics take up more room than that.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:20 am.
Tell me about it. If I could find a way to travel without Products—-like if I was 18 and a natural beauty—-who do I see about that?—I could travel even lighter! Of course, then I’d probably be taken for a terrorist.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:55 am.
Claudia you ARE a natural beauty! Please don’t sell yourself short because there are many people out in the world who would do that for free.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:10 am.
Kelly, I know what you mean. I know you’re right, but I drank that Kool-Aid a long, long time ago.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:16 am.
Not sure I could pack for two days in a purse, unless I was shopping for stuff along the way. But then, my purse is so small these days I don’t think I could fit my Kindle in it. And I never know how to pack without my laptop, although smart phones have made that easier.
But the number one thing I would take to NY with me is the blue wrap you helped me pick out when we were in NY at conference years ago! I still use it. In fact, it’s a little chilly in here today. I may go curl up in it to write today.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:30 am.
I’m using smaller purses these days, too—-can’t stand to carry the weight (do I sound like a rebellious mule?), which is why I bought this big, light, surprisingly stylish purse for the trip. I’ve been using it for 3 days and it’s my new favorite purse.
And I’m wearing a very pretty amber scarf/wrap around my neck. If it gets blustery, I’m ready! I love scarves.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:00 am.
Go Claudia! We just took a trip to NYC in January….comfortable shoes were probably my non negotiable. That, and a light jacket. We went in an out of a lot of places, but in between times it was nice to have something (cute, of course) to be able to help the transition from indoor to outdoor.
Have fun!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:33 am.
No kidding about the shoes. Every single thing was planned around the perfect shoes (Merrill, black, zipper—adorable). If I’m in pain, no fun will be had.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:27 am.
Ah, Merrill’s! Good choice!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:07 am.
These are my first pair of Merrills and I’m in love! I think this will be the first pair of many.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:29 am.
I spent a month in Europe with one carryover and a purse. Not sure I would be called particularly stylish, but a couple of good scarves can go along way.
Two days– makeup, round brush, undies, skirt, scarf, 2 t-shirts.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:38 am.
Isn’t it amazing about scarves? Tiny, multi-purpose and they can transform an entire outfit. I’ve developed a real scarf addiction.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:28 am.
I’m a heavy traveller. I always bring an extra suitcase for souvenirs. I’m terrible that way. I put one suitcase inside the other for my trip down, and I always bring far more clothes than is necessary. Every time I travel I feel like I need to bring something home for my family… and when I buy one thing for one person, I feel like I need to buy something for everyone else. Then I’ve got to buy something for their spouses… the list goes on.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:11 am.
ROFL. Well, no one can accuse you of not being generous! The souvenir I always bring home? Post cards. LOL Tiny, light, cheap. That’s me all over.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:29 am.
Oh, lord. I have no idea how you do that. If I was going to NYC for two days, I would have a suitcase, purse and carry-on.I’d have three pairs of shoes, four pairs of undergarments and socks, at least two pairs of pants, a dress, at least four shirts, a scarf, flat iron, hair products/soap/make-up, a sweater- maybe two- a couple of books, maybe two pairs of shorts. And I’d worry that I forgot something.
I think you and Erin Knightley are going to need to pack for me when I go to RWA Nationals in California this summer. The more exciting/stressful the event is to me, the more I pack! My luggage is going to be out of control…
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:18 am.
If packing a lot makes you calm, do it! Over-packing stresses me out. I feel like a pack mule, lugging stuff all over the place for no purpose.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:04 am.
hmm, I’m the princess of packing too much!hahaha!
For my Christmas visits to my sis which only last 2 days, 3 at the most, I pack as though I can’t just borrow a vehicle and go home to get something. I only live 20 mins away, but I pack as if I’m moving in! 1 full med roller case, 1 duffel, and 1 tote/laptop case. seriously, i have a problem
I’ve tried to get better- it’s just doesn’t happen. I don’t plane travel anymore so I have no idea how i’d pack for a trip to NYC, other than to bring camera and charger, for all the rubbernecking I would do!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:20 am.
I would assume that you both are traveling with toiletries that are all sample or ‘carry-on’ size? I always have some sort of ‘snack’ item with me —
You might check with the hotel as to whether they have any chargers available.. so many places have them built into the desks…
ballet flats make great slippers..for both airline travel & in hotels..
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:31 am.
LOL But see how you’re helping me? I’D FORGOTTEN ABOUT THE CAMERA!!!!
Must. Bring. Camera.
Thank you, Kathy!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:40 am.
Yes, all “products” are in small sizes. And I never pack slippers; I just use socks. You can guess why—they’re so much smaller!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:42 am.
Two days in NY? Two pairs of leggings (they are small in the case);two trendy t-shirts; one button over-shirt; one pair pants;four pair of knicks(ook factor);one real bra & one sport bra and a skirt for going somewhere nice. Travel bottles of any health, beauty or hygiene products.Put everything in a space bag and suck the air out, it all fits.
Have fun in the City with Only Girl.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:50 am.
I will come back with Stories. And Pictures (thanks to Kathy/Cookie). Next blog. Promise.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:44 am.
It would depend on what I am going to DO in NYC. I could probably pack it in two bags – one large purse-type bag and my laptop bag.
My laptop bag actually has my ASUS transformer tablet, which is a tablet with a keyboard that attaches/detaches and makes the tablet function very like a small laptop. It has two separate zippered big pockets – one for the tablet and one where I would put my Kindle and any paperwork that I need (like flight confirmations, reservations for any plays or events, maps of the city, etc). I would leave it empty otherwise so that I would have room for anything I might buy in NY. The front pocket of the laptop bag would hold the tablet charger, my Kindle charger (which charges my phone also, double-duty!), headphones, etc.
Then in the purse I would have 2 shirts, a bra, 3 pairs of panties and socks (spares of the important stuff!), a camisole to sleep in, a dressier shirt IF I was going out to a fancy dinner, a hairbrush, makeup, little bottles of shampoo/conditioner/soap, toothpaste and brush and all the usual stuff I carry in my smaller purse – wallet, business card holder, tiny notebook, pen, little bottle of assorted meds (aleve, benadryl, tums, etc), gum, glasses cleaning cloth, eyedrops, usb drive, mirror, keys, emergency “feminine” products…
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:54 am.
Oh, this is because I would be wearing the shoes, the jacket and/or sweater and the outfit for the first day already, so it doesn’t count as packing since I’m already wearing it.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:55 am.
So true about what to pack has everything to do with what you’ll be doing. Only Girl and I will get off the plane and take a cab straight to the Battery where we will catch a ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Can’t wait! In 24 hours I’ll be there!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:31 pm.
I could do 2 days in a large purse for almost everything – what always gets me is the electronics: cameras, lenses, card readers, battery chargers, cards, sometimes the laptop. I always try to think long and hard whether or not I wish to haul the beast on a trip (my DSLR) The camera bag gets heavy and I have hauled it all over the place.
I can make it a week or so with just a carry-on bag if I have a good idea there will be nothing else to being back.
I learned many trips ago, I don’t pack anything I can’t lift fairly easy on my own. I’ve had to huck suitcases over turnstiles, overhead bins, onto buses, trains and boats. I also know I can buy just about anything I forget to pack when I am there.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:56 am.
This is so true!! I’ve been on my own with no help in sight too many times to count, having to haul luggage to bulky/heavy for me. Never. Again. I’m a hobo, ready to hop the train with everything I need slung over my shoulder. My very prettily garbed shoulder.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:33 pm.
Knowing my tendency to dribble, I would leave the nightgown behind and pack another shirt.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:00 am.
LOL It’s always greasy salad dressing, falling directly onto my shirt front, impossible to hide. This has happened to me more than once. I’m hoping the scarf will catch the flak this time and save the shirt.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:35 pm.
I can pack everything I need in suitcase, on wheels.But I tell you my makeup and skin care,shampoo stuff is all in one cosemtic bag. But it’s the clothes, I like to be ready for anything when I travel.. I always take extra of this and that. I don’t carry anything.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:12 am.
You sound very normal! Not at all like a hobo.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:37 pm.
Actually, your list sounds pretty spot on with what I would have, other than I would add my camera to that. It’s video and still photos. I would pack that and the extra battery. I would have already bought a new memory card, so just the extra battery and the camera added to your list.
I’m very practical. When we are going somewhere for 3 days or less, I usually only take one additional pair of pants/jeans/shorts, just depending on if we are going somewhere ‘nice’ or not. Usually, I just take enough to wear a different shirt every day, and coordinate those with my pants/jeans/shorts. I wear little to no make up, but use Wen conditioning cleanser, so I would have to take that for my hair and my brushes to dry it with the hotel’s hair dryer. I travel with fake (but real looking) jewelry, in case it’s lost or stolen. I usually wear running shoes, but take flip flops/sandals–easier to pack. Of course, I usually don’t sweat much, so my clothes still look fine, even when I bring them home.
If it’s just me, I take very little and always have plenty.
The hub, on the other hand, needs spare shirts, undergarments, shorts, jeans, etc.–spare everything, pretty much. You can usually tell what he ate for lunch by looking at his shirt when he comes home in the evening.
Plus, he takes daily medications, so that takes up room. We are SO different in our packing styles. Of course, I FOLD things when I pack them. That ALWAYS saves space. He just throws stuff in there, then whines that it’s all wrinkled. Dork… 
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:42 am.
And this is why I pack for my husband.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:38 pm.
A couple of comfortable outfits,Tennis shoes and a camera and lots of film(for sight seeing) a nice dress for dinner & shows and a spare suitcase for souveneers:)
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:54 am.
That’s the trick, I think—I don’t shop when I travel. I rarely have more to bring back than I left the house with. You really have to plan for it when you know you’ll be shopping.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:39 pm.
Dear Claudia,
You are crazy and way too organized. In addition, if the two of us were on vacation somewhere and attacked by a pack of crazed wolves, you would live and I would be eaten, because I would be weighed down by my twelve overnight bags. This does not make me happy.
Signed,
Your friend Suzanne
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 1:05 pm.
Dear Suzanne,
As an overly organized crazy hobo, I would have stashed food to throw at the wolves to distract them and save you. Saving you, however, would require that you ditch your twelve overnight bags. I know that does not make you happy, but better to throw your luggage to the wolves and live to shop again than to go down in a snarl of fangs and saliva.
Signed,
Your survival partner Claudia
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 1:17 pm.
I just finished packing and I have ROOM TO SPARE!! Room for a mass market paperback. I’m so happy.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 1:56 pm.
I would bring the things that you’ve mentioned, plus the camera. I’d have to change my curly hair products slightly because the mousse doesn’t come in a travel size. Camera, of course, phone, itouch, and all the necessary chargers, would be in there, too. Since it’s just 2 days I could get by using the hotel blow dryer sans diffuser attachment. It might not be too pretty, but it’d work. I’d have to bring a curling iron to curl my straight colored extensions. But if this trip had been planned for awhile, I’d make sure that I’d forgo the extensions for the month in which I’d be making the trip. Then, no curling iron. Again, since it’s just 2 days, I’d par down the allergy meds to one Rx nasal steroid, 2 inhalers, spacer, and epipens.
When I go home to Montana, I never bring a jacket because I borrow them from one of my sisters. It’s always waiting for me when I get off the plane. It saves so much room in my bag. Although, if I ever got stuck in Denver or Salt Lake, I’m not sure what I’d do, lol.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 2:21 pm.
I’ll tell you, it changed my travel life when they started having hair dryers and irons in all the rooms. I also used to have to travel with my pillow, but since my back issues have improved, I can use their pillows. Not always happily, but for one night? I can rough it.
It’s all about the products, isn’t it? All that STUFF that we need to look presentable. Of course, I have a girlfriend who went with her family on a big trip across many countries, lots of connecting flights, and she was DETERMINED to do carry-on. Good thing because at the first leg of the trip, just to NY, the luggage for everyone else got waylaid. She didn’t bring a single product for her hair–she just wore a hat the whole time. LOL She still calls it the Trip of the Very Bad Hair.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 3:31 pm.
I can’t imagine not bringing hair product, or at least picking up hair product somewhere along the way. Frizzy hair just isn’t attractive and doesn’t need to be memorialized in pictures. Or hat hair either.
I never bring sunscreen either because it’s easy to pick up anywhere.
I’ve never stayed in a hotel that had curling irons. Hmm, I need to look into that.
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 12:32 am.
Let’s just say I am neither the Queen nor the Empress of Packing Light. LOL Have a great trip, Claudia!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 2:51 pm.
Thanks, Susan! I’m very excited about it. I just loaded up my iPod.
Yes! I have an iPod now! I may actually use it!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 3:32 pm.
I would pack my necessities (i.e. my facial cleansers, my lip balm, vitamins, etc.). I would pack clothes for the two days plus one or two more, just in case. As for shoes, I’ll be wearing comfy ones, and maybe a pair for that “special” night out. I would also bring a book and my laptop, so that I will be ‘connected’ to everyone. Depending on the weather, I’ll bring a jacket or so, an umbrella (again, depending on the weather), and any weather-related stuff.
Most important are the necessary papers PLUS money. For shopping, of course.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 4:54 pm.
It’s funny, but we’re having a “special night out”—my editor is taking us to dinner, but I’m just going to wear my Merrill’s and trust that she doesn’t look down at my feet. As to that, her shoes are always practical, New York-I-have-a-subway-to-catch. I figure I’ll be in good company.
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 5:12 pm.
I always thought I couldn’t pack light, but I managed to go to Geneva for a long weekend with one bag. I’m still not entirely sure how I managed it… but it was summer. My big problem with one bag air travel is my contact lens solution. It just doesn’t come in small enough bottles!
But Claudia, amazing!! Room to spare is amazing! I am envious of your marvellous packing abilities. And have a fantastic time in NYC!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 5:59 pm.
I can’t wait to go! And I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
I’d love to see Geneva. Sigh. I want to travel more!
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 6:38 pm.
Nothing: I WOULD SHOP!!
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:28 am.