Packing, Then and Now
A friend recently asked for advice on packing for two weeks in northern Europe. Seems simple enough, right? Except… I’ve traveled so much that I have a Google file of packing lists — one for every possible travel scenario.
Hotel overnight? Got it.
Two months in Greece in the summer? Obviously.
Two weeks in the Mediterranean in spring? Check.
England in February? Sadly, yes.
Five-day canoe trip, three-day camping trip, ten-day road trip, four days in the mountains in winter? All in there.
Reading this back, I realize… maybe I need help. Like, professional help.
But I did dig up a list for her — and it confirmed a few things:
- My packing lists are indeed masterpieces of organization.
- I definitely need help.
- The world has changed.
- And so have I. A lot.
Proof of Change
I pulled up one of my old packing lists from the early 2000s, and wow — talk about a time capsule. It was clear evidence that both the world and my life have transformed. Thank goodness.
PHOTOCOPIES
Once upon a time, I packed literal paper copies of my passport, tickets and other documents. Now everything lives on my phone. Who even uses paper anymore?
BATTERIES:
Goodbye AAs, hello USB. Slick, easy, efficient.
MUSIC
I used to bring a separate device just for music — an MP3 player if I was fancy, mix tapes if I wasn’t. (Yes, I said cassette tapes.) I’d find a player somewhere along the way, and honestly, it made me more in tune with the local radio wherever I landed.
ENTERTAINMENT
A deck of cards and a notebook were essential travel gear. I’ve played intense games of Speed with strangers in ferry terminals, airports, and long bus rides. Now? All my games live on my phone — but I do kind of miss those random connections.
MEDICINE CABINET
Ulcer pills? Gone — I divorced my ulcer. Pepto, folic acid, antacids, muscle relaxers? Left behind with the bad habits (and the bad relationships). Pads, tampons, and Midol? Bless this change of life — one less thing to pack.
PHONE CARDS:
If you know, you know. We used to carry plastic cards with phone numbers printed on them–you’d dial a string of numbers just to call home, hunt down payphones–hoping they’d work. The struggle was real. Now? I flop on the hotel bed, hop on Wi-Fi, and FaceTime my people across the world.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Back then: camera, film, and weeks of waiting for photos to develop. Now: smartphone. Though, to be fair, I still bring a digital camera — good photography still matters.
VANITY
Blow dryer? Nope, no one to impress. Chafing wax? Don’t need it — my thighs no longer rub together (hallelujah). Makeup is minimal, contacts are gone, and life is simpler. Confidence outshines cosmetics.
ADDRESS BOOK + PEN
I used to carry an address book to keep track of people I met, then send postcards and letters. Now we just swap socials and stay in touch instantly.
Gratitude
I’m so grateful for all these changes, the growth, the freedom.. Sure, nostalgia brings back sweet memories of the “good ol’ days” — but honestly? I’m deeply thankful for the right now days.
They’re easier, lighter, and way more connected.
Just like my luggage.
As always, thank you for reading, Lovelies
Angie Counios 
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