I’ve run into my first real roadblock with this trip, packing.  I always seem to overpack ever so slightly, returning home with a few pieces of clothing still as neatly folded as the day I left.  I just hate to be unprepared.  Plus I’m kind-of a girly girl.  As in, I rarely travel without my flat iron.I know, I know, that’s not exactly the best way to pack light, but that’s just how I roll (or something).

But seriously, how exactly does one pack for something that will see them attending formal events in big cities, days at a time on a trans-continental train and a week living in Ger camps with nomadic Mongolians?  A ball gown isn’t really necessary in the Gobi Desert.  And then tack on the fact that its going to damn cold.

Luckily I’ve always been neurotic about packing and as such have a pretty decent process:
1. In the weeks leading up, make a pile in the corner of things to take
2. Lay everything out on the bed and categorize
3. Practice run of loading the pack
4. Naturally not everything will fit, so unpack and reassess
5. Weed out those thing I truly will not “need”
6. Practice pack again
7. Unpack and final edit
8. Pack for real

It always amazes me how much stuff I’m able to weed out when I see the size (and feel the weight) of the bag in front of me.

As for my carry-on bag, everything is all set.

I’m hopeful that I can find a happy medium; taking what I need for all the diverse settings I’ll be in and yet not ending up a pack mule.  Here’s to hoping.