I've been packing for this trip for weeks in my mind. What will go with what? What activities will require unique clothes? What goes in the suitcase and what goes into the carry on?
I simplify my life as much as possible. I no longer carry gels etc... in my carry on. I pack a sliver of deodorant bar soap. I take anti bacterial wipes. I put some toothpaste on a toothbrush and put a carry cap on it. Not having to take that little baggie of stuff out is one less complication going through security. But this time dear readers I am going in the other direction. Still no gels but I am taking the big camera and the teeny camera. I know from my previous trip that India is a feast for the eyes and I want to bring as much of that feast home as possible. The big camera just takes better pictures. Faster shutter speeds, better lenses, a view finder as well as an lcd screen and it lets in more light. So that big boy is coming along and he has to ride in the carry on. I am also switching the ipad for the netbook so I can publish this blog as I go along. That has to go into the carry on too. Along with a couple of changes of clothes, some pharmacy stuff and some documents, and with all the electronic stuff like chargers and adapters and power cords that makes for a mighty bulky backpack. My first practice run came in at 18 lbs. I am hoping I have it pared down to a much slimmer 15 tonight.
For the big suitcase, a 25" rolly, I'll be light, Probably about 35 lbs total. I am a clothes roller and I make max use of ziplocs to keep things contained. Tops in one, tank tops in another, underoos in another etc... I am fortunate that India will be warm so the clothes won't be bulky. I always pack a substantial plastic hanger with clothes pins for easy laundry drying and some clear shampoo. It works better than the fancy detergents, it gets out oily drips including olive oil if they are washed the same day. And I always get a few little half bottles every trip.
I'll move stuff from the backpack into the rolly once I land and I'll sling the big camera around my neck so it's only the flights where all of this is a concern. I'll tighten up the big bag with bubble wrap so everything is stable and doesn't shift too much and there will be plenty of room for souvenirs when I come home.