Would you laugh if I told you that I’ve stressed for months about what to pack for Thailand? Go ahead, laugh. It sounds ridiculous–I know–but it’s true… 😉 Let’s be clear, my stress isn’t stemmed from an indecision on which bikini to wear or what sundresses to pack, rather, I’ve been in a daily battle about whether I should embrace my overpacking ways and check a bag, or if we should challenge ourselves to become backpackers for two weeks.
Backpacking is the easy alternative, right?
For Valentines Day, I even bought my husband an awesome travel backpack for our always-on-the-go ways. It is the perfect size to pack for two weeks of travel anywhere around the world, and it also fits within the constraints of all of those airline carry-on rules, which is a huge plus.
Cool backpack, lots of space, and techy-accessories aside, we run into a problem when we add our scuba gear to the equation. Most of our precious (and very expensive) gear will fit into this new backpack but that leaves little room for much else. And while I would be okay living in swimsuits and flip-flops for two weeks, the conservative country of Thailand may not approve in all situations… like at the Grand Palace, for example…
After many nights of discussion and planning, Cody and I have decided to pack our scuba gear in his carry-on, a few days of clothing for both of us in my carry-on, and check one bag with the rest of our clothes for two weeks. Here’s to hoping the airline doesn’t lose that bag.
So, what exactly are we packing? See my entire list here.
Have you been to Thailand/SE Asia? What did I forget?
Pictures and Plane Tickets 
Exciting! Definitely take as little as possible! We just got back from Cuba and only had a few items in our bags as it was so hot there, plus some of the clothes we left behind. I haven’t been to Thailand yet, so looking forward to hearing all about it 🙂
Cuba! How amazing. With the improving relations between Cuba and the U.S. we should look into taking a visit for ourselves. 🙂 I bet it is beautiful there!!
It’s incredible and overwhelming 🙂 My mind is still there. The best thing about Cuba is the people. And of course the architecture, nature and the beaches are beautiful 🙂 Definitely recommend 🙂
I can totally relate to this post. I’ve been stressing about what to pack for my trip to Iceland because we’re taking WOW airlines and have stricter luggage restrictions than I’m use to. I’m praying I packed enough for the ever changing weather there. I’ve also been eyeing that green floral Kate Spade suitcase your pictured above for months, I love it! I think my hardest thing to downsize are toiletries like makeup, hair products, etc. It takes up so much space and weight. Guys have it much easier than us when it comes to packing.
Changing weather is the worst. I feel like I have to pack twice as much to be prepared! 😉 You are totally right that guys have it so much easier than we do! That is not fair!
I usually buy the travel sized shampoos, conditioners, and body wash, and pack only my basic makeup, not my entire makeup bag. 🙂 If you can find a cute eyeshadow pallet (I like the Naked pallets) it saves some space and you can get a lot of different looks out of it.
Have SO much fun in Iceland. It looks so beautiful there. I’ll be watching for pictures. 🙂
Couldn’t see you list, but to visit temples in Thailand, ladies must cover their shoulders and have long short down past the knees.
Take sunscreen & sunhat – temperatures were in high 40’s or almost 120 F on Koh Samui.
Sorry about that. I noticed that once it posted and am working to get it updated now. 🙂 I appreciate the heads up.
Yes, I’m packing a long dress and a cardigan for when we tour the temples, and when we’re on the islands I plan on living in swimsuits and sundresses so we don’t die from the heat 😉
Great advice. Thanks for sharing!!
Okay. The list is there now. 🙂 Let me know what you think. Thanks again for all of your great advice.
I cant wait to hear about your trip! 🙂
Thank you 🙂 I’m hoping to have a lot of stories and pictures to share.
Yup! Take as little as possible, that’s what we did, and only ‘checked’ one bag. In that bag, I have an extra, soft-sided bag to bring home all of my favorite items from the Islands. ALOHA!
Good idea about packing an extra bag to bring back souvenirs. I might have to do that on this trip! 🙂
We have an LLBean large canvas zippered bag that we for an extra bag.