We have to be at PDX by 4:30am. I shall consider my packing around midnight. That way I get up at what is 8am UK time, pack and leave.

Wish we could get away with a carry on, but we are going for a wedding, so have to pack for that. Weight limit for a suitcase on this trip is when I think it is to heavy to pick up, which usually is just about the airline limit as well.

We were at two weddings a couple of years ago, one in Greece and one in the UK. So we had to pack for two different climates, but still..... I felt like I was dragging my whole closet behind me in that horrible wheeled duffle suitcase!

I'm off in 3 weeks, and since I am trying to do carry on only AND got Ryanair restrictions to satisfy in Dublin, I will be attempting to compact things this weekend to see if it is viable!. I suspect not!

Let me know how that goes!

I didn't mean to put you off your dinner.
Probably would have Bet against him doing anything
like that as far as you are concerned

Damn this phone posting.

Back then I probably could have got the two packs of B&H for the price of one today ...

I start a pile a week out (not clothes - paperwork, passports, cell phone chargers, presents etc) and start packing an hour before I have to leave the house. Jeans. Walking shoes. Something in case it gets cold, something in case it gets hot, something smartish. If it doesn't fit in a case you can handle by yourself and still have a hand free, you're taking too much.

Mr Redglade and the kids get a rundown of our itinerary and "suggested" items and pack for themselves. The youngest reached Edinburgh without a sweater once (it was July) and had to borrow one of mine and a raincoat of his grandmothers for the rest of the trip. He's an excellent packer now, actually both of the kids are. Mr Redglade, despite all the business travel, is terrible, but I refuse to do it for him!

You sound like the old people that seem stunned that a gallon of milk should cost more than 10p. Look at it as health improver.

I usually plan what I'm going to pack about 2-3 weeks out, and pack 2 days before I leave. If I'm going to visit the Grandkids, I usually take a load of clothes and toys for them, and squeeze my stuff in the space that is left. That leaves me space in the suitcase for some Italian goodies on the way back.

I had stopped them by then anyway. I'm still a fat bastard who's just replaced fags with (more) sweets, so my health has only marginally improved

Normally, you'd have been right, but I never could stomach a Nancy.

Better a Nancy than a noncey.

My mum does that. She has "trial runs" at packing and repacking several weeks in advance and takes over the entire dining room. She also packs *everything* just in case. I once found a hot water bottle in her suitcase when she came to stay with me for a couple of days in the UK (in summer!!). I can also tell you about the time we went on holiday to Switzerland with a cooked chicken in our suitcases.

My dad is the opposite extreme and turns up with a small bag containing his razor, a couple of sets of clean undies and socks and maybe a shirt.

I am gradually un-learning my habits picked up from my mum and am planning to go on vacation later this year with carry-on luggage only....

The problem with visiting the UK in the warmer months is that it can be cold. I spent July and August in the UK a few years ago...I only took sandals and summer clothes. I had to buy shoes, a coat, sweaters, jeans etc. Packing is a pain because it's wise to throw a few warm/water resistant clothes in the case...along with summer clothes.

My husband has travelled a lot on business...he normally throws a few things in his hand luggage just before he walks out the door.