Updated June 23, 2020.
It’s What I Wore Wednesday! I’m off to Santiago and Easter Island, Chile, today! And let me tell you, this one was a challenge! I’m good at packing, if I do say so myself, but I really don’t like it (who does?). When temperatures are in the 30s-60s, I just don’t know what to pack. Everyone joyously exclaims, “Layers!”, but for me, layers are inherently an inefficient use of packing space. Nonetheless, here’s what I came up with. Maybe it will help you figure out what to pack for your own trip!
On the Plane
Comfort is king on multiple flights, especially if one or more legs is an overnighter! It will be summer at home for us, but we’ll be laying over in Houston and coming into winter when we land in Santiago, Chile! Airplanes are always hot, then cold, then hot, so my solution for that is this:
I could probably wear these pants every day and they will go with anything. That’s important when you are packing light–got to mix and match! The same goes with the white shirt, and the scarf will go with other things I packed as well. And turquoise earrings are always a neutral, at least I live my life that way!
One Chilly Day in Santiago de Chile
Because of the way flights to Easter Island work (there is one flight a day, but more about that in an upcoming post!) pretty much everyone coming from almost anywhere in the world has to have a 24-hour layover in Santiago. No problem! Make the most of it. The only bummer for me was that the forecast for the day we’re there is a low of 40 and a high of 59. Too chilly for this summer girl! Here is my solution:
This jacket is one I got for free from my husband’s old job, and a couple of the zippers and attachment apparatuses are broken, so I will plan on leaving this one behind. I may even leave the outer layer in Santiago and keep the inner layer with me for chilly mornings on the island.
Winter Island Wear
Temperatures on Easter Island itself will be between 59-69 degrees, which is still chilly for me, but it’s a more manageable range. We’ll be doing some biking, some hiking, and perhaps go out to dinner a time or two.
All these tops and pants are interchangeable, and a few of these things can stay on the island if I need to make room in my bag for the trip home. I have a “one more wear” box that I keep clothes in that are on their last threads and just have one more wear left in them. I use those for travel because I like to return with gifts, souvenirs, and the like, so making room is sometimes very important!
Jammies
Speaking of free things and things that can be left behind, these are my United pajamas, which are perfect for chilly nights, but I’ve nearly worn them out:
One Clean Shirt
I always pack one shirt (or dress) that is only to be worn on the last day of my trip–the day of my flight(s) home. I just feel better when I’m wearing something clean, and I want to feel good when I step on that plane. Planes are close quarters (smelliness cannot escape!), and generally long flights make a person feel just a little less than fantastic. But if I start strong, I feel better than I would otherwise. I will re-wear clothes as needed on travel, but for that last day, I want something fresh!
Rolled and Ready
Are you ready for this? If you’ve never rolled your clothes before or you’re not sure it will really save that much space, here is proof:
Toiletries and Various Sundries
Now we’re down to the nitty-gritty! I need a great hat to protect my little face, and while I don’t own packing cubes, I fit all 7 pair of undies and socks into quart-sized zip bags. I have to have my glasses, because otherwise I’m a danger to myself and others without contacts! At the top of the picture below next to my hat, I have my liquids in a quart-size bag:
Liquids
- Contact solution
- Hair mousse
- Hair conditioner
- Sunscreen
Non-liquids
- Coconut oil (my solution to lotion, moisturizer, shaving cream, etc.)
- Facial wipes for makeup remover and a face refresher for the plane
- Solid deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Contacts case
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- 2 razors
- Toiletries bag
- Bar soap (“Vincent” scent uses tea tree oil, which is good for the skin!)
- Floss
- Toothpaste
- Dental retainer
- Clear box with q-tips, extra hair ties, extra contacts
Here’s the rest of my sundry essentials:
- Tumbler for hot tea on the plane (got to stay hydrated!)
- Sweetener for coffee and tea
- Emergen-C for a vitamin boost
- Instant coffee, just in case
- Tea bags
- Sunglasses
- Band-aids
- Hand-held flashlights (you never know)
- 3 outlet converters
- Phone charger
- Bag to hold my phone, ID, and a little cash while I’m out for a run
I almost always pack these items for my own comfort. They get stuffed wherever there’s room, and my bag has lots of pockets where I can put all these things! And speaking of my bag…
The Luggage
I only carry my luggage on whenever possible. This backpack is a great size to fit into literally any and every overhead bin on any commercial plane I’ve been on! And this purse is great as a backpack or shoulder bag. The main zipper is against my back, so it’s much harder for a pickpocket to get into without me knowing! I also never keep anything valuable in the outer pockets.
Is this helpful for you? Would you pack something else or pack differently? Let me know below!
Need more about Easter Island? Get it all on my Chile Page! And don’t miss my Packing Page for all the best tips, strategies, and lists for packing!
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