Arizona for 9 Days in December

[ClicketySnap]

I’m chaperoning Grandma 1 on a short trip to my parents timeshare condo in Phoenix. It’s important to say it that way because I cannot just run around doing whatever I want at top speed, I have to make sure she’s taken care of and feels like she’s doing and seeing things as well.

I’ll probably pack in my A30, even though it will be a little overkill since we have laundry machines in the condo.

Packing list is as follows:

1 pair of jeans
1 pair of shorts
1 pair of yoga capris

2 t-shirts
1 sleeveless button up blouse
1 short sleeved button up blouse
1 cardigan
1 scarf
1 set of sleepwear

2 bras (Knix, wireless and unlined)
3 underwear
2 pair of merino wool socks
1 swim top, 2 bottoms

Solid shampoo (large GoTubb)
Bar soap
Solid toothpaste tabs
Toothbrush
Makeup (powder compact, mascara, lipstick, powder blush, two application brushes)
Lily Cup Compact
Hair brush
Small case of hair ties, clips, pins
Glasses case (containing cleaning supplies)
Spare body jewelry (small GoTubb)
Travel-size crystal deodorant
Travel-size pack of Q-tips
Tweezers

Flip flops
Minimalist running shoes
Leather shoes

iPhone and charger
Camera, 2 lenses, and charger
Wireless headphones
Gorillapod tripod
Fitbit versa and charger
Kobo eReader

Niks minimalist wallet
Passport
Stainless steel straw
Ballpoint pen
Keys on 8” key strap

This list will probably leave room for my SK to fit in an end pocket of the A30, but I like having my EDC stuff in easy reach at my hip too much to tuck it away.


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[flitcraft]

I'd definitely add a sunhat and sunscreen to your list. The sun in Phoenix is a lot stronger than that in Alberta. I've made the mistake of skipping them, thinking it's winter, I'll be fine. I wasn't.

[dgrls]

Keep in mind that evenings and mornings in Phoenix in December can be very chilly. You will probably need a jacket and/or sweater for part of the day, then peel off the layers when it warms up.

[Bogiesan]

Well done. You two girls take care of each other!

Please post a follow up when you return to let us know if your packing list should change before your next trip with or without your grandmother.

[tebnewyork]

You 100% need a coat. I had a home in Scottsdale for many years. Some years at Xmas we sat at the pool and one year I played golf while it was snowing. When the sun goes down at night it gets cold, cold, cold. If you have a lightweight packable down jacket like a Patagonia one, bring it.

[ClicketySnap]

You 100% need a coat. I had a home in Scottsdale for many years. Some years at Xmas we sat at the pool and one year I played golf while it was snowing. When the sun goes down at night it gets cold, cold, cold. If you have a lightweight packable down jacket like a Patagonia one, bring it.

That's good to know, I'll pass that on to my Grandma as well. I do have a packable down coat. Thanks for the tip!

[ClicketySnap]

I'd definitely add a sunhat and sunscreen to your list. The sun in Phoenix is a lot stronger than that in Alberta. I've made the mistake of skipping them, thinking it's winter, I'll be fine. I wasn't.

I'm not usually a hat person, but if I'm out walking or hiking I might wear a Buff on my head just to cover my scalp and ears. I'll add that to my packing list.

[ClicketySnap]

The other night Grandma and I were researching things to do while we are in Arizona, and have booked ourselves tickets to the symphony and a play. I haven't yet decided if I'll bring a dress or accessories to dress up a blouse and jeans for two evenings out.

[ClicketySnap]

OK!

So we've been home for a while now. I needed some time to decompress and de-stress... because Grandma was particularly difficult. It was a very taxing trip that required a lot of port and cocktails.

My packing list changed a little bit to accommodate the tickets to the Sound of Music and the symphony.
I did bring a dress (and a pair of leather ballerina flats to go with it).
My suitcase ended up with two pairs of jeans and one pair of pants that are supposed to look like skinny slacks but fit like comfy snug sweatpants. I'm a little on the heavier side, and the "chub rub" between my thighs wears out the inseam of jeans very quickly. I had one pair of jeans that was nearly at the end of its life, but had been stretched to optimum comfort level. I brought them to wear on the plane and would just throw them out if I needed more room in my bag coming home. The "comfy slacks" worked great with a button-up blouse and the leather ballerina flats to go to the theatre. The dress was definitely a good choice for the symphony, as most people were business-casual all the way up to cocktail dresses and high heels. I was also probably the youngest person by around 25 years, and didn't care in the slightest. It was AWESOME!
I skipped the shorts. Great decision; I probably wouldn't have reached for them even though it was often more than warm enough for me to feel ok in them.
Great number of shirts for variation and laundry days, though I definitely wore the short-sleeved button-up blouse and the Merino wool t-shirt the most.
I ended up ordering a new one-piece swimsuit right before we left, so took one bikini and one one-piece swimsuit. I only ever used the one-piece because I ended up feeling too self-conscious for the bikini. I probably should have predicted that.
I skipped the flip flops even though I probably could have used them to go to the resort pool. I took canvas minimalist walking shoes instead of running shoes, and the one pair of leather ballerina flats. Perfectly satisfied with those options.

I also had my TB order shipped to the condo, so came home with:
Icon
mini clear OP
super-mini GWOP
two 8" key straps
A30 large laundry packing cube (for my mom to try out, not for me)
Spiff Kit Deluxe
NikWax spray bottle (That flew home in my grandma's checked bag)

[Lia]

I had one pair of jeans that was nearly at the end of its life, but had been stretched to optimum comfort level. I brought them to wear on the plane and would just throw them out if I needed more room in my bag coming home.

LOL! I have also packed a super comfy something knowing it was near the end of its life, and knowing it might not make it to the end of the trip. I just did that on a trip to Florida -- I pulled up my soft, stretchy travel jeans that were wearing out, and tore a hole under the belt loop! Had to wear my shirts untucked the rest of the trip. I've also chosen my one-piece over and over while my bikini stays packed, but these days I enjoy being a little belligerent about the fact that all bodies are equally worthy, so now my bikini is a weapon in the fight for equality. Did you get to use the Icon yet? What color did you pick? I'm consuming reviews en mass while I wait to see what the new colors are going to be, and/or for stealth black to come back in stock.

[ClicketySnap]

LOL! I have also packed a super comfy something knowing it was near the end of its life, and knowing it might not make it to the end of the trip. I just did that on a trip to Florida -- I pulled up my soft, stretchy travel jeans that were wearing out, and tore a hole under the belt loop! Had to wear my shirts untucked the rest of the trip. I've also chosen my one-piece over and over while my bikini stays packed, but these days I enjoy being a little belligerent about the fact that all bodies are equally worthy, so now my bikini is a weapon in the fight for equality. Did you get to use the Icon yet? What color did you pick? I'm consuming reviews en mass while I wait to see what the new colors are going to be, and/or for stealth black to come back in stock.

This is my second time bringing clothes that are nearing the end of their life on a trip, and the first time I did it was vital for me having room to bring things home. I threw out two pairs of jeans and a tshirt before coming home. This time it was mostly for comfort and I have zero regrets haha

I kept choosing the one-piece more because I felt like it fit me better and was more conducive to actual swimming at the pool. The bikini fit and I wanted to wear it, but I kept looking in the mirror going “but I’ll be pulling this down and shoving my boobs in and pulling this up every thirty seconds ugh” and retreated to the one-piece every time.

I used the Icon pretty much every day of that trip after it arrived. It is an amazing tourist bag, it swallows a huge amount of things no problem.



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