Okay, I took the title of this blog from a recent book about walking the Camino de Santiago, Spain. Nonetheless, on the day we're getting ready to leave for Mexico, it sure seems appropriate to think about what not to bring on this trip. Rule #1 of the seasoned traveler: Don't overpack! But, no matter how often we travel, we still bring along unnecessary things that get hauled from place to place and never see the light of day. I'm sure that this trip will be no different.
Although I'm traveling with my very experienced backpack again, Nancy has opted for one of those new fancy suitcases with wheels that move in almost every direction (it can almost pull itself). Still, we're trying to pack reasonably. What's making a big difference this year both in weight and in space, is traveling with more light-weight, moisture wicking clothing (even underwear). Not only does it have the qualities I just mentioned, but it also can be washed out and dried for use the next day. Our oldest son put us in touch with a great company for outdoor/adventure/travel clothing - Altrec. This Oregon based company not only carries an extensive selection of all the major outdoor brands, but shipping is free. If something doesn't fit, return it (no questions asked), and a replacement item is sent out immediately. Our Patagonia pants and shorts will be ideal for this excursion. We've also gone this route with most our our "travel" shirts. Many of the athletic shirts by Underarmor, Nike, and Koppen all offer some great alternatives to traditional cotton t-shirts.
Although we leave relatively light, sometimes we come back with more than we had planned on. As we already know we'll be buying craft items in Oaxaca, I'm putting my backpack inside a suitcase for the trip down. As Delta gives us two free bags each, I can fill up that empty suitcase with whatever we buy and bring it all home at no extra charge. At the end of the trip we only have to make it from the hotel to the airport by taxi so an extra bag shouldn't be any problem. Carry less? Probably not.
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