I will be going on a cruise vacation soon, and have started packing yesterday. This isn't a business trip - it is a destination wedding for a member of my family, with excursions in places of warm to hot climate. So, this is not exactly a trip to pack light.
Packing for a business trip is easy. Just color coordinate everything, and make sure each piece go with other pieces. A small suitcase would do. This one, however, involves taking 2 outfits for 2 formal dinners and a wedding, after 5 casual wear for five nights, outfits for excursions (sweating from hot weather expected), onboard wear, plus swimwear.
So what is the most efficient way to pack in this case? Here's what I've put together so far (similar outfits may be expected of male travellers, just replace formal dresses with a tux or dark suit, skirts and dresses with trousers and dress pants): Formal Wear: jewellery and shoes that go with both formal dresses, so that I don't have to pack two of everything. After 5 dinner outfits: the cruise line has designated this to be smart casual. It means no jeans, shorts or miniskirts. Also no sandals (if this is for business. If it's a dinner, pumps or nice sandals are allowed). So I packed two skirts with 3 tops - this combination makes at least 5 smart casual outfits. Some tops and bottoms can be worn during day time on board. Only one pair of shoes for all smart casual outfits. Smart casual anywhere is the same - smart, not sloppy. It means dressing in a way that people can respect you enough to do business without thinking that you're one "loosey goosey" dresser.
Excursion outfits and onboard attire: I don't plan to do laundry there. Since this is a week long trip, I put out 4 bottoms and 8 tops, with bottom matching two tops. Plus a swimsuit and coverup. One pair of running shoes, and a pair of flip flops for swimming. Shorts, minis, running shoes, sandals and flip flops are allowed here.
Less outfits may be packed if you are going to a place that won't make you sweat under the sun, maybe just 2 bottoms and 3 tops - enough for a week long trip. And of course, little bottles of cosmetics and skin care products. Also cottonballs - not for wiping make up off, but for stuffing the ears to block out others' snores at night. I learned this trick last year when I went to a retreat and stayed in a tent where I heard noises from bodily "mechanics" from my neighbors - cottonballs were a godsend!
Last but not least, undergarments. I remember long ago, my family and I went to Hong Kong, and someone has forgotten the most important thing - the underwears! The good thing was, Hong Kong was a place you can find almost anything when it comes to shopping. There were normal underwears, and paper underwears! I cannot expect to find either in a cruise ship. Before taking things out, I've written down a list of outfit coordination, based on activities that will be done each day. This is the most effective way of getting everthing I need in a suitcase.
