A Traveling Girl
Posted by Candace Havens in Candace Havens, tags: business, celebrities, Hollywood, RWA, travel
As much as I travel for the day job and my books, I’m still the worst packer in the world. I’m one of those women you see who has to get the cart for her huge suitcases. Yes, even though now she has to pay $35 for that second one. This is only if I’m traveling for a week or more.
The thing is, I love clothes and I like to plan for all contingencies. The Romance Writers of America Conference is my next trip. I’ll have meetings with agents, editors and other writers. There will be lunches and dinner. And parties. Hello, lots of parties. And I need shoes, accessories and clothes for all of these events. I also have straight irons, curling irons, and I like my creature comforts like candles and perfume. So all of these things must go with me.
Not long after I return from the conference in Washington, D.C., I’m heading out to Los Angeles for the Television Critics Associate Press Tour. That’s where I interview actors, writers and producers every day. Attend parties for the shows/networks at night, and gather a multitude of stories for the coming months.
Again, I usually need at least two outfits for each day. The event is a little over two weeks, so you see my dilemma. In January when I went to Hollywood, I ran into a friend of mine at the airport. We decided to share a taxi, and when he saw my luggage he laughed out loud. “Are you moving in for a month?” I forgave him because he’s a man.
I used to feel a little guilty about my luggage. That was before I found out a friend of mine (I won’t out her here.) traveled with two suitcases too, but one of hers was filled with nothing but shoes. I take pride in the fact that at least I’m not that bad.
Another friend of mine can travel to Europe for weeks on end with a small carry-on suitcase, and she always manages to look wonderful. Though, she does wear black exclusively, she only takes things that need no ironing and she doesn’t wear makeup or worry about her short hair. I admire her, but I’m a little more high maintenance.
So how about you? What’s the one thing you never leave home without? Are you a light traveler or a heavy packer?
And I have a new book out this month, “Dragons Prefer Blondes” (July 7). By commenting here (ONLY TODAY ON THIS POST) you are automatically entered into a contest to win an Amazon gift certificate and other prizes. I’m also running a treasure hunt and you can find all the details at www.candacehavens.com.
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I never travel intenationally w/o a converter, wash ‘n war/drip dry clothes (minimal #) and an adequate first id/medication kit.
That is good advice! I always forget about the first aid kit.
I am definitely a light packer. I played competitive basketball in high school and we were travelling every weekend. We were usually twelve girls packed into two vans including our coaches and our equipment so there wasn’t much room for anything extra. It became a habit to only pack the necessities and it has stuck. But the one thing I never leave home without is my night mask. You never know what blinking or bright lights will be inside or outside your hotel room that will keep you awake. My night mask makes sure I am in complete darkness and can sleep no matter where I am ….
Steff, I need to get one of those masks. Light bothers me a lot in hotel rooms. I usually throw a pillow over my head.
I’m a light packer. In fact, one of the things that attracted my husband to me was the fact that I could get ready for a weekend in Belgium (we were students in Austria at the time) in 10 minutes. If we’re flying somewhere, I can fit clothes in a small duffel and still have room for a stack of books.
On the other hand, if I’m driving some place, I overpack like you wouldn’t believe. I generally pack two outfits for each day, plus one extra outfit for every three days we’re out of town. And when my wardrobe consists of only jeans and t-shirts, this is a lot!
Kryianna, You crack me up. We discovered I’m even worse when we travel by car. I fall into that, “But what if..” mindset really bad.
I never leave home without at least one book – two if it is a trip of more than 3 days. I have said that the next time I travel to Europe it is going to be with only one small carryon, and if I need anything I’ll purchase it there. As for coming home, I’ll leave it if it won’t fit, and use it the next time. The benefit of staying with friends rather than a hotel! And my friends make fun of me because I never pack until the night before, or the morning of, my trip…. works for me!
I’m a relatively light packer as well. Learned on some vacations where I did pack more heavily that I hated dragging all that stuff around.
The black clothes thing is a good trick that a lot of travelers use. A friend of mine who spent half of every year in London and going back and forth used to depend heavily on LL Bean black yoga pants and black tee-shirts or tanks or sweaters with some jewelry. It’s good enough to get you through most situations, and comfy. Comfy is the most important thing for me.
The biggest challenge for me is bringing bath and hair stuff, because of the 3oz restriction… that’s a pain. I don’t have a lot, but I do have shampoo and conditioner/mousse and some of it can’t be put in those little bottles, so I have to send it ahead or just check a bag. I’ll probably check the bag. If it got lost in the mail and I had no mousse to calm down (somewhat) my hair in the DC humidity, well… no way. LOL
Sam
LOL. I hear you on the mousse! I can’t find mine this morning and my hair will be scary by mid afternoon. See you in DC!
For the past 3 years, I traveled 70% of the time for business (it’s over – there is a God!) and I always packed light for those trips. But then all I needed was business casual and jeans. It’s not as if I needed to get glammed up to sit in a dark backroom to watch focus groups.
I did purchase a lot of travel-wear clothes to avoid wrinkles. When you travel to a city per day, ironing is the last thing you want to deal with. The RWA conference, however, is a completely different matter. As you said, it requires so many different kinds of clothes – and yeah, it’s a great excuse to shop. I’ll be checking 2 bags and hauling my rolling briefcase onboard (can’t live w/out the laptop). See everybody in DC. 
Woot! Can’t wait to see you in D.C.
I tend to over pack. I’m always worried that the weather will change and I’ll need warmer/colder clothes. I never travel without my e-reader and ipod. Also, if I’m flying somewhere and I think I’ll buy stuff, I pack an empty duffle bag to bring things home. Much easier to stuff all the dirty clothes in the duffle and check all the books I buy when I travel. My niece and I each packed an extra duffle bag for our trip to Chicago in May. Besides clothes and stuff, I think we each ended up buying at least 8 books each.
See I forgot to talk about my electronics. My laptop, itouch, iPhone and Kindle go everywhere with me.
Packing is not a fun thing in my house, because I frequently and packing for two, my son and I. I try to make a list and have a theme color so all the clothes will mix and match, this also reduces the number of shoes I need. When we go to visit my mom the luggage get shipped ahead so we don’t have to check anything, and then I tend to over pack. The weather is so unpredictable. The clothes must be comfortable for the temperature. Boys need two outfits per day, I need at lease one or two evening family dinner outfits, the list just grows from there. If we are driving some where then I take anything I want as long as it fits in the car. my motto when traveling is “if I really need it I will go buy it” there will be stores at my destination.
Marsha
I never thought about a theme color. Interesting. I have to make lists. My memory can’t keep up with my packing needs.
If I plan to wear some basic piece twice, it’s guaranteed that I’ll spill coffee or food on it. Or the flight attendant will.
Ah, see I forgot about that too. My family takes bets on how fast I’ll spill food on my chest at every meal. It’s just a given. And the main reason I never wear white.
I’m a decently light packer except for RT where I have to take costumes, fairy wings, glitter and all the rest. Not to mention my promo items, bookmarks etc, etc, etc. LOL. The rest of the time, as long as I have a few pairs of jeans, some comfy shoes, undies and my toiletries bag – which stays packed, I’m good to go.
Crud, promo items. I need to add those to the list too! Jeez. Where is my brain?
i’m a heavy packer in that i never travel without several books and magazines. sometimes my carry-on weighs more than my checked bag!
No matter how long I take packing, or how much stuff I bring, I always, always forget something.
One time I went on a two day trip to my sisters and forgot to take any shoes. Yup! I mean NO shoes at all.
Then there was the year I was going to a writer’s conference and completely forgot the bottom half of my wardrobe. I had plenty of professional shirts, but noting to cover my legs. Sigh. I probably would have made a lasting impression on the agents and editors I had a chance to talk to, but alas, I ran out and picked up some off the rack slacks that were too short and a bit tight around the middle.
Angie
Angie you made me laugh out loud! I have forgotten shoes before, but never all of them.
Conferences bring out my inner shopper. I never pack light and lug an entire train with me. I always say I’ll pack light, but I can’t.
I need to get a rolling laptop case. Until now I’ve been carrying it and it gets heavy.
Have a blast in DC!
Bonnie
Bonnie, I have a rolling laptop case and I can’t tell you how many times it’s saved me. I always think I’ll buy one that’s a little less geeky, but my shoulders always beg me not to.
Extra underwear!
You can never have too many pairs.
I’m the kind of Traveler that doesn’t. *sigh*
I wish I could though.
I’m trying to do it in one checked piece, and one carry on, but I may end up checking two. Frick.
At least I am realistic that I’ll take a cab from the airport to the hotel, and not try to be thrifty on public transit. Screw that.
December, I’m all about the taxis! Me on a train or bus with my two mondo suitcases, would be fodder for a comedy. We’d all need our own seats. LOL.
I have to admit that I travel with nothing less than two suitcases. If I know I will be puchasing on my trips I make plans to mail things home or buy a trunk to take with me. At the RT convention this year I took a carry on and two suitcases. one suitcase had a suitcase in it for my return home books and the other with the various clothing and shoes i couldnt fit in my over sized suitcase. I flew business class so i didnt have to pay for my luggage. I love flying. I can’t wait for ARRC next year, the trip to Australia will be awesome.
I can totally relate! I am an atrocious packer who plans for everything from snowstorms in SC in July to surprise black tie invitations, I always have way too much but then again, like the Girl Scout I was, i am always prepared. Thanks for the post!
I think we should start a club.
My husband and I have been known to do laundry while on a trip… so that we can keep the packing down. We like doing road trips. Even if we have to fly part way. Last year we drove from Las Vegas to Seattle and had a blast!
See, I always thought I’d enjoy one of those long road trips, but we drove from Texas to Florida, and I almost went crazy. I like to fly and get there.
LOL. I’m not a very patient person.
Hi Candace,
I try to have just a carry-on. The one thing I have to have is a toothbrush.
My packing habits vary widely – If it’s just me and I’m travelling by plane I only take what I can carry on (on my last trip that was a small carry-on that acted as both suitcase and laptop bag, and a purse, but I still felt like I overpacked). If I’m going with the hubby and daughter on a road trip, we take EVERYTHING that will possibly fit in the car – there is usually just barely enough room left in the back seat for my daughter and I worry that the trunk is so stuffed it’ll pop open if we hit a bump
Mary, on the car thing that’s how we were going to Florida. Didn’t use half of it, but we had it if we needed it.
I do most traveling in my mind.. lol
but if I am actually going somewhere I pack only what I need.. plus since I found HolyClothing.com it helps… the styles can be worn casual with jeans or look alot classier if worn w/ dress pants or skirts.. very versital.. you can hand wash & hang dry or machine wash.. they are a big help .. esp. if you have a tight budget.
Have fun all of you on your trips.
Those clothes look very comfy!
I only ever travel with one bag, so I guess I travel light. But I never travel without a few books on hand!
I used to travel a lot for work. I’m not a lean packer, but I am a fast one. I used to pack at earliest hte night before a 5:30AM flight, throwing in toiletries in the morning before heading to the airport. And these days, I’ve decided that there is precious little that can’t be bought on arrival–I never forget the expensive stuff. When we travel with the kids, I think we end up at Walmart in every city we travel to, because someone forgot somethign.
I’m a little more nervous about the RWA convention (my first!) because I won’t have a car while I’m there, and because I’ve not travelled with formal dresses since long before the airline baggage insanity began. Dresses will force me to check at least one bag–I WONT cram them into a carryon suitcase. I’m still holding out hope that one of my local RWA chaptermates who’s road-tripping it to DC has room in her trunk for an extra bag….
A friend of mine is shipping her formal dress Fed Ex. Might be something to think about.
You are going to have so much fun at RWA. It can be overwhelming, but you’ll meet some incredible people. Hope to see you there!!!!
Hi Candace,
Congrats on the upcoming release. I’m a pretty light traveler, but I cannot leave home without my supply of moisturizer, lip balm and slippers/flip flops. The hotel floors and rugs are dirty, so I like to make sure I’m always wearing footwear.
Thank you about the release. I just bought the cutest little slippers from PennyLovesKenny. They look like ballet slippers. I love them!!!
I usually travel heavy! I worry about if im going to spill something or if the weather changes. I think about do I need this,this or that and I end up putting it all in the bag. I also have to have my own shampoo and conditioner. I don’t know why but I do.
I have to bring my shampoo and conditioner or my hair will not behave! That’s just a necessity.
I’m such a sucker for anything to do with dragons. My collection grows every year. I’m running out of space.
Packing is usually pretty easy for me. I’m a streamline gal, so I can fit pretty much anything into a suitcase. But when I went to the RWA convention in 2007 I had 3 suitcases. There’s just no way around all the stuff you need to go with all the different events and “mode” of dress you need. Plus shoes. A girl has to travel with shoes. Oh,
and blister bandaids! Always bring those, they rule!
Julie
Blister bandaids! I need to add those to my list. I’m going with comfy shoes to RWA this year. Though they are adorable comfy shoes. I just can’t take the pain any more.
I always travel light since I always worry something’s going to get lost. And I never go anywhere without a book. I like to be entertained.
I always INTEND to travel light. Never quite works that way. And I have no idea what to pack for my first Nationals! Is it true you need a ballgown? Oy. Want to look chic and professional, but also be comfortable. And DC in July is HOT but hotels, often too cool. Can I put some extra stuff in your suitcases?
And I plan on buying so many books, I’ll probably have to ship them home
You don’t need a ballgown for the Ritas. People wear everything from jeans to church clothes to cocktail dresses to ballgowns. Usually those nominated are the most dolled up. My friend Rosemary will look totally snaz, as she is nominated in the YA category (Hell Week!) but I’m going a little more super nice casual.
By then my feet ache and all I want to wear is my pjs. 
(Though I won’t be wearing those to the RITAS.)
As for the rest of the time… Jeans and a nice shirt to business casual will work for all events. The parties at night some people dress up, others don’t. I tend toward dark jeans and fancy schmancy top for those parties.
I’m not a light packer, unfortunately. And when packing for a family trip (as we will be later this month), I’ll be packing for the kids, too–at least they’re out of diapers this time! And in spite of all the other stuff we’ll be hauling, I know I can’t leave home without reading material–I’ll be grabbing selections from my TBR for my carryon, and maybe a couple extras in the suitcase, depending on whether there’ll be space after I stuff in some back-up outfits in case the weather’s hot… or cold… or we go swimming…
Have a terrific time at RWA, and happy packing! Congrats on your latest, Dragons Prefer Blondes–that’s a GREAT title!
Thank you for the kind words about Dragons! And I’m telling you with the books, that’s where the Kindle comes in handy. You can bring all of your books with you wherever you go.
I just bought all the Blazes while I was in line shopping today for clothes. 
I’ve only been on a few car trips. I find I pack light for myself but tend to overpack big-time for the kids, trying to cover every possible fashion scenario and cover a multitude of weather possibilities.
The one thing I have to take is my blow dryer and curling iron. My hair is very STRAIGHT without those styling tools.
I guess I’m a medium packer. I like to have enough choices for different situations that come up, and of course have to bring some books along, but I usually keep some empty space for purchases where I’m going. I can usually do it with one suitcase and a carry-on. I do have a decent sized bag that I have all the lotions, shower gel, contact lense solutions, etc that I can’t do without, but I don’t go so far as to bring candles and perfume
.
I swear the candles are from a trip about 15 years ago where there was mold in the hotel. Not the kind that will kill you, but it was icky. The candles saved me.
I’m a horrible packer, because I want to take everything. Usually I end up with a pair of jeans and several tops to go with it, two pairs of shoes (and I always wish I had more), far too much makeup and junk jewelry. I don’t travel much, though, which is probably a good thing. Twice at least I’ve had to buy another suitcase to bring home all the crap I’ve accumulated. (gifts for friends, cool food things that I don’t find at home, books that I’ve bought en route for those boring plain flights)
Now that I’m in my 40s, I’m finally starting to figure out the packing thing. Couple of years ago, I spent two weeks in Peru–half on the Amazon (sticky and hot), half in the Andes (warm days, chilly nights). Every night, I stepped into the shower wearing my undies and my top (or layers-of-tops). I’d soap up a layer and strip it off, until I was cleaning skin, then hung up the laundry overnight on a pair of inflatable hangers that take no room in the suitcase. By doing this, I got by with just a couple of Cool Max t-shirts, one long-sleeved nylon shirt, a couple of Cool Max bras and panties. Pants/skirt went to a professional launderer when necessary.
HINT: Don’t take jeans. Once they’re stretched out, you’re sunk. Ditto if you should get caught in the rain.
Oh–and travel with books you know won’t make your “keeper” shelf. When you finish one, leave it someplace someone will find it and maybe enjoy it–treasure in plain sight!
I’m a heavy packer. I have to have at least two outfits per day. That’s in case the weather changes. I don’t want to be unprepared and left in the sweltering heat in a pair of jeans when I could have been wearing shorts. lol Oh, and I need the shoes to match, too.
Congratulations on your upcoming release. Wishing you tons of sales!
Thank you! And I hear you about the shoes. I’m trying to take the minimum, but it’s so hard.
I have to have my husband weed out my clothes. I always overpack! And I hate packing in a suitcase with him in an attempt to save money because he DIGS through the suitcase and leaves a mess!
LOL, my husband and I are exactly the opposite. He’s the neat one. Though, he’s more than happy to put some of my stuff in his if it will save him money.
One of us needs to live on a budget. 
Hi Candace!
How nice to see you here at Blaze authors blog! Oh, I love going on trips! If my husband says, “Let’s go to the Corn Growers conference.”, I say, “Great! I with you!” I don’t care where I go, as long as we are traveling. I love going anywhere! I have already scoped out some great craft shops and clothes shops close to his conference.
Ooo…you have a new book coming out? How awesome! I will have to read an excerpt of your new book! The title alone sounds so much fun! DRAGONS PREFER BLONDES. What a hoot!
Anyhoo, I am a heavy packer! I usually wind up with two suitcases and one travel on along with my big purse. I take everything with me if I am gone for a week. My medicines, sound machine, CD player, light and warm clothers, sweaters, shoes, slippers, bathing suit, hair dryer, make-up, jewelry, pillow, undies, lot’s of socks, soaps, shampoos, lysol, band-aids, alcohol wipes, toiletries, deoderant, books to read & book light, maps, snacks, apples, breakfast bars, crackers, water bottle, a dirty laundry bag, etc. I usually start making a list of items to take about 2 weeks ahead of time so I don’t forget anything. I add to the list each day, as I think of stuff. That way I don’t forget anything. I also start packing ahead of time which really helps with not forgetting anything.
A long time ago my mom and I used to take bus trips for a whole week. They sure were fun but you had to be super fast at packing because you had to be up and ready to leave at 8:00am every day if you were traveling to another hotel. We took a lot of 8 day trips so we were constantly on the go. I got pretty good at eating breakfast, packing, showering, putting on makeup and being ready by 8:00am every day!
I can pack fast if I have to, but I prefer to take my time.
There’s less of a chance I’ll forget something if I’m not in a hurry. 
money is good and id passport
clean undies lol
i travel heavey load depends whrere i go
congats ont eh book
Ooops, yes money is always good. We use the debit card so much we forget how important cash can be.
And thanks!
My problem is that I pack a million things and then I never wear them! Heeellllppp meeeeee!!!
I say better to have too many choices than too few.
I go to all extremes. For China I try to pack light bc I know I will come back heavy, but I too will need multiple levels of clothes. I slimed down my liquids. That helped lots. and I have tried to slim down shoes but that is hard, too. Vacation is easiest bc we will be hiking and reusing hiking pants. I agree, though re electronics. My goal is to get all to charge by USB.
Laura you brought up another problem. What about the stuff you buy while you are there!
Easy. Before I fly home from a souvenir-rich trip, I go to the post office and ship all my dirty clothes home. I mean, who cares how long it takes for the laundry to catch up to you, especially when you’ve got pretty new baubles to enjoy?
I have always been a good packer, comes from my mom being part gypsy, seems we were always moving even if it was just across the street. I was able to pack for a full camping trip with four kids and husband, tent, food, clothes and utensils and it was in a Honda Hatchback. lol good luck with your future packing and remember everything in it’s place and a place for everything.
Was a winner chosen?