CEFR Level B2-C1
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In May 2026, I was an online student at Emmanuel Christian Seminary. For some classes, we go on campus for a week. The first week of May was an on-campus week. After evaluating my travel options, I decided that it would be cheaper for me to drive in than to fly and rent a car.
This trip came a week after finals. That week was filled with doing all the things I let slide during the semester. I just could not get my brain to turn to packing. I debated removing the Channels hike so that I would have an extra day to prepare, but I had been putting off the trip for years and going now would only be a 30-minute (one way) side trip. Context
Length: 9 Days, 8 Nights: May 1-9, 2026
Weather: Cold to hot, varying by the day; Heavy rain predicted Accommodations: Hotels and Host Family Transport: Solo Road Trip Activities: Mountain Hiking, City Walking, Campus Classes Itinerary
May 1: Travel
May 2: Hike The Channels, VA; Travel May 3: Explore Johnson City, TN May 4-8: Classes May 9: Travel Concerns
Clothes having no scent for class
Good hair for class Feeling that I look like me for class Period mishaps creating need for more clothes/more frequent laundry Limited laundry opportunities Packing Process
On Thursday night, I decided I wouldn’t try to pack as concisely as I am capable of. The goal was simply to get packed. I broke the packing into focus areas. First, what do I need to have a safe and comfortable hike? I packed that and put it in the car.
Then, what food do I need? Friday morning worried me because I wanted to be at the trailhead before 7:00 a.m. There is limited parking at The Channels trailhead and after going through the trouble of getting there, I didn’t want to miss out. To alleviate that worry, I packed a mug and immersion heater. That would let me have a hot morning beverage, regardless of what the hotel offered. I tossed all the chips, cereal bars, and trail mix I had into two tote bags. I added my custom mix of hot cocoa, a box of my favorite tea bags, and some non-dairy creamer capsules. I washed and bagged grapes, putting them in the refrigerator until morning. It might not be a balanced diet, but I wouldn’t go hungry or have to worry about coolers or refrigeration. The most anxiety-producing packing over, I turned to my week on campus. I reviewed my daily carry and re-filled anything that was running low. I packed medications and added them to my daily carry bag, the Pacsafe GO 1.5 L Micro. I put the bag by my keys. If I did nothing else, I would be okay. Maybe not happy and comfortable, but okay.
Looking at my toiletries, I tried to fill the squeeze tubes I normally use for body lotion. After one pump, I thought, “Forget this!” I got out my Cadence Capsules, took a guess based on ounce equivalency of my normal containers, forgetting I have tested and recorded how long each capsule lasts for various toiletries, and started filling the capsules. I did use a contact lens case for two creams/gels, but otherwise used the Cadence Capsules. I worked through my morning routine until I got to hair care.
Normally for travel, I’m less concerned with styling my hair. At the same time, feeling good about my hair is one of the strongest predictors of feeling confident. For an on-campus week, good hair felt important, so I took all the tools and products I normally use. I knew the hotels would have hairdryers, but I took my own for when I stayed with a host family during the on-campus week. Even though all this took up more space, I’m happy I packed it. I used everything I brought and started each day feeling like myself. Then I considered make-up. I’m happy not wearing anything, but in the past couple of years, I’ve started feeling more like myself when I wear lip color and mascara. I considered taking only one lip color, but after trying to convince myself that I would be fine with only one, I packed the three that I use the most: plum pink, berry, fuchsia (my favorite). I wore all of them over the week. The plum pink doubled as blush. I packed mascara and a lash comb. I felt confident and prepared. I added cotton balls and make-up remover for the waterproof mascara. After adding a washcloth so that I didn’t risk make-up stains on my host family’s towels, I zipped the toiletries bag and moved on to clothing. A wardrobe hole is shoulder-season clothing. I looked around and decided that I hate all my clothes. I took a breath and thought about the outfits that make me feel like myself. What helps me to feel confident? Bright colors. Something unexpected. Okay. I'll pack for that. Nightly temperatures were predicted to be in the 40s F (4-9 C). Daytime temperatures were predicted to be between 60 F (15.5 C) to 76 F (24.4 C). Would the classroom be hot or cold? When I was there in February 2024, the classroom was much warmer than anticipated. Then again, if they had switched to AC, it could be freezing inside. How could I pack layers for inside that would also look good outside when I removed the layers? I started with trousers. I have two pairs of brown trousers that are similar, but slightly different. They are comfortable for sitting, don’t stretch out too much (I did need a belt for one), and I don’t love them so much that I would be sorry if I ended up on an impromptu hike and wore out the thighs. They do need ironing after washing, but just look soft and well-worn if worn multiple times between washes. I added sneakers that I can comfortably walk in but are more stylish than athletic sneakers (Lems’ Chillums). I paused and remembered how exhausting class days are. I knew that I would not have the energy or desire to handwash underclothes. I also didn’t know what the host family situation would be, so I didn’t want to rely on handwashing there or on asking to use their machine. I decided to pack enough socks and underwear for the entire trip. Except, I don’t have that many comfortable pairs of socks or underwear. I was able to pack enough that if I handwashed on the two nights in the hotel, I could get through the campus week with a clean set each day. This turned out to be a good decision. I probably could have asked to use the washer, but I was too tired to think about doing laundry during my stay. Also, the host family’s bathroom had wood floors, so I didn’t want to risk water dripping on them from handwashing hanging up to dry. Could I have found a solution if I only brought three-four sets? I could have, but I’m glad I didn’t need to.
With undergarments and shoes decided, the rest was easy. I took two light-weight long-sleeved t-shirts. I also had a long-sleeved shirt for hiking that I could use on-campus. I filled in the gaps with short-sleeved tees in my favorite colors. I added a tank top that could be used for layering or if the classroom were extra hot.
I pulled out my collection of net, crochet, and lace t-shirts. My favorite, a hot pink one, clashed with the undertones of the brown pants. All the others coordinated with the trousers and the shirts. I noticed that I didn’t have enough t-shirts for a clean one each day of the trip, but I figured that if I handwashed on hotel nights and didn’t care if I wafted old deodorant smell during my drive home, then I would be fine. 
I packed my trusty wool zip-up hoodie made from SBCC’s Brooklyn Hoodie sewing pattern. My raincoat was in my hiking backpack. I ironed my dark blue linen button-up that goes with everything and hung it over the passenger seat. It would be a layer if it was cold or a light jacket if it was too warm for the wool zip-up.
I added a paper notebook, pen, book we needed for discussion, and laptop for class. I put my Nanobag backpack on the pile just because I’ve been wanting a reason to use it. I have never used a roller suitcase, but we had one, so I packed clothing, toiletries, electronics, and classwork in that. I’m constantly adjusting my pack until I leave, so photos are close, but specifics generally vary by the time I shut the door and drive away. On Friday morning, I checked the weather again. I saw that Saturday’s forecast was to be in the 80s (26+ C). I quickly took the long-sleeved t-shirt out of my hiking outfit and replaced it with a summer tank top. For better or worse, I was packed and ready to go.
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