Men vs Women: packing for a trip

Women's idea of packing

clothes and shoes: Simply multiply the amount of days you are gonna be gone
times 2, and voila, you know exactly how many outfits, shoes, and coordinating jewelry items to bring. (This doesn't include family members, which differs for boys and girls, obviously. Same formula can be used for daughters, boys will need enough clothes to last half the days you are gone since they will more than likely not change all that often.)

undies and socks: more than will be necessary, because who wants to be caught in dirty undies in case you get hurt and have to be rushed to the ER. Heaven forbid you have skid marks, them nurses and doctors have probably never seen the likes of that!

towels: beach and bath. There are never enough in the hotel rooms, plus the towels by the pool are usually only 16x16. Barely big enough to dry your butt.

throw blankets and pillows: 1 for each person traveling. Makes the drive more comfy and the sofa bed in your hotel room cozy. The poor soul sleeping on the sofa sleeper will be oh so appreciative.

snacks, drinks, and chocolate. Duh...

camera, laptops, cell phones, navigation system, and chargers for all. And they say men are into electronics. Yeah right.

air freshener and candles. If you are traveling with boys this is a must. Farts and socks seem to ooze from their pores, especially when traveling.

cosmetics, hair dryer, brush, straightening iron, and hairspray. We don't roll out of bed looking this hot!

books, magazines, cards, crayons, DVD player + DVDs, and handheld games. This is for any/all children to remain occupied. This way our husbands can concentrate on the road. Not so we can exceed the number of bags we have already packed. Nice gesture on our part.

toiletries. The ones in the hotel suck. At least at the hotels I can afford. Plus, the bottles are so small you can barely read the directions.

laundry bags. Separate ones for under-things and clothes. This one keeps your luggage smelling fresh. Imagine finally getting home and opening suitcases for unpacking only to be knocked out cold by the odor of dirty clothes. Simply stick it in back of truck, in your car trunk, or on your roof rack. This is so the car stays as fresh as possible.

The largest first aid kit ever created. You never know when someone might have explosive diarrhea. Accompanied by a rash, stuffy nose, migraine, and a cut that's bleeding profusely. You might be thanked later, maybe...

and...

Men's idea of packing

toothbrush

1 change of clothes (1 extra underwear and pair of socks)

the shoes they are wearing

car magazine to read in hotel bathroom (which they will read cover to cover while their family dances outside the door waiting to go pee)

bag of peanuts and gum, in case they get hungry on the drive

1 wallet containing no cash, only an insurance card, debit card, and driver's license

For sure they won't need more clothes, because duh, there are laundromats somewhere along the way. They also won't need a map or navigation system because men never get lost. Forget snacks, there's a McDonald's on almost every corner in America. And on and on.
Men can think up an excuse or reason for everything. So, you see what I mean. Men and women are SO different, and whether they admit it or not; they need us! This post is for every over-packing woman and the men who love them. When your wife busts out the good snacks, your favorite pillow, or a toy to occupy your crying kids, thank her. There is a reason for her madness. So you can drive her and your children safely, be comfortable while doing it and have happy memories of your trip. You're welcome.

P.S. click here for an example of my packing for a recent trip.