Overpacking for a travel excursion, is a huge negative, and I’ve witnessed trips ruined regarding luggage that weighed more than gym weights. Here in Southern California with popular weekend cruises to Ensenada, Mexico, I’ve seen cruisers pack on enough luggage for a week’s trip to Buenos Aires. However, I neglected to follow packing light guidelines when on assignment for 10 days, covering editorially, “France by Train.” Stopping in Dijon, I was overwhelmed with the gastronomic depth of the city, and the Dijonnais, who are extremely proud of their culinary delights. I purchased a selection of Dijon mustards; Grey Poupon Dijon, Maille Dijon, Cassis de Dijon, two regional wines, olive oil, and a large loaf of bread.
Back on the train stopping at various cities, I was having immense trouble lifting the bag of Dijon on and off the train, the conductors giving me strange looks of, “Another dumb American traveler.” Finally, exhausted, and feeling like my arms were dangling from their sockets. I opened the bag, and to the shock and delightful surprise of the passengers, I offered them a selection of Dijon mustards, fine red wines, the bread and olive oil, and other Dijon culinary specialties, emptying the Dijon bag.
A smiling traveler from Switzerland said, “We just had a marvelous Dijon fiesta, and it must be a first on this train!” It was a huge release, and a lesson to pack light, and follow my own travel priorities. Arriving home, I visited my local market and purchased a jar of Dijon mustard, but it wasn’t the same.
Weave
June 10, 2025 at 7:46 pm
I liked this article Richard. Even after knowing the things that happen when travelling it is a challenge I am still dealing with. I ALWAYS find I could have packed less – and I have been facing this for decades. I have a practice of taking a certain amount of old clothes that I plan to discard as I go (a final day of wear) – and it creates space to bring something back in it’s place.
Regarding weight, I am always working around that variable because I am always sacrificing my own space for that of equipment and gear. It makes me think about packing light. However, I have had things confiscated at airports because I wasn’t thinking like they do. The last thing I want is wine or olive oil smashing in my luggage so I carry it with me only to have it taken away at security. They just throw it away. What a waste of money (and planning).