I’ve been packing for Bali, it’s my very first overseas trip and I’m getting excited. Today the huz and I will head to Bali, I’m planning on immersing myself in some culture, a few swimming pools and laying face down on several massage tables.
You guys know this is my first overseas trip…EVER! When I was sick it was one of the few things I wished I had done, travel. I got busy raising a beautiful family in my early twenties which was all shades of wonderful but there never seemed to be enough money in the budget for overseas travel. To be honest the inclination wasn’t strong enough either, it wasn’t until I realised I was on borrowed time that travel became important.
And here I am, about to board a plane while clutching my very own passport 🙂
Bali is hot and humid so I’m seriously not taking much in the way of clothes, but I am ticking off all the boxes with the items in my toiletries case.
I’ve had lots of advice (thanks guys) along the way and even though some of you suggested I buy most items once in Bali I’m a bit of a nervous Nellie and I wanted to be prepared.
When the team at EGO read that I was headed to Bali the lovely Lauren sent me a *care package, lots of essentials to keep us covered that we have packed. This was a great start and ticked quite a few items off the list which was awesome because the final dollar tally at the pharmacy was a bit scary!
EGO had me sorted with some hand sanitizer and several sunscreens, lip balm, some SOOV (for insect bites), invisible tint face cream with sunscreen and insect repellant. Such a fabulous parcel to receive right!
Then it was off to the pharmacy, we wanted super strength mozzie repellant in the form of wristbands, a plug in for the room and super strength spray. No I don’t want Denghi fever and I’m not taking any chances.
We also grabbed some pain relief tablets, band aids and a few heat patches for my back, even though I plan on daily massages the humidity and sun irritates my scar tissue and it doesn’t take much for the pain to ruin a good day.
Then it was on to everything to block/unblock us! Please holiday gods spare us the dreaded ‘Bali belly’.
We chose Travelan, Coloxyl and some Gastrolyte effervescent tablets. We’ve also been taking a daily probiotic tablet for a few weeks and will pack them to take over to Bali. Fingers crossed there’s no ‘extra’ action in the toilet 🙂
Oh and because there’s a seriously high chance of chub rub I purchased some 3b anti chafe cream. Ain’t no fire between the thighs gonna ruin my holiday!
I’m also taking some colour care *shampoo and *conditioner from hair care company Davroe as well as their famous *LUXE leave in treatment, this will stop my very blonde hair from turning very green in the pools. I’m not sure if there is a hairdryer at the hotel but I’m cool with taking my own, and of course an adaptor plug is essential. We’ve actually got two. Originally we were going to take one and a power board but the son gave us his so two will be plenty.
It won’t be long and I’ll be stripping down poolside so I’ve already started to prepare with some Vani-T Brazilian bronze mousse. This easy to use *mousse is the business, just prepare your skin, pop on the *applicator mit and rub it all over. Then pop your feet up with a cuppa for an hour while it develops and rinse. No smells, no streaks just a lovely bronzed glow. I keep it topped up with the moisturising *bronzing custard each day, so simple and works every time. I also love that Vani-T (like DAVROE) is also a South Australian brand, we make some pretty amazing stuff here in the South.
For the flight we’ve packed eye masks, mine is the pretty one because I picked it up from Peter Alexander. We’ve also got some ear plugs, inflatable pillow and I’m taking my Harlow *‘Forever wrap’ scarf as a wrap/pillow. To ensure I stay relaxed and can grab some shut eye I’ve got a small rollerball of my favourite lavender and ‘on guard’ essential oils from Doterra. These will help me sleep and keep the germs at bay.
To secure my suitcase we have bag straps and ‘Tamper Tell’ seals. These seals have unique numbered codes to record, if it’s missing or the code is different I won’t be touching my bag at the airport. I may even get my bag plastic wrapped because all I can picture is the bloody Corby saga and I don’t want any of that action!
Oh, and a passport holder that I can ‘wear’ with built in RFID technology. This means that creepy scabby criminal types can’t scan my cards or passport details. Speaking of cards, I also took the time to call my bank and inform them I was headed overseas, not because I’m a bragger but for security:-)
I’m not taking much makeup because the humidity will just have it sliding off my face and you know, it’s a holiday. Some deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrush, my regular medication (and script) and lube for some between the sheets holiday action is about all else that will find its way into my bag. Don’t be shocked by that last bit, you all know I’m in menopause and lube is a ladies best friend ?
Let me just say a huge THANKYOU to everyone who has messaged me over the last few days wishing me luck, imploring me to have a wonderful holiday and just being bloody happy for me. This trip has been a long time coming and I’m excited. I’ll post some pics from Bali….can you believe it?…from BALI!
Til next time,
Jen x
* Items sent to me for editorial consideration in line with my disclosure policy.
Jenny MCATEER says
April 28, 2016 at 5:23 amHave a fantastic holiday Jeni. I’m new to your blog and came across you through everyday style on instagram, and am mightly glad that I did. You are such an inspiration, for someone who has been through so much in their lives, you have managed to dust your self of and live life to the fullest. I take my hat off to you. Enjoy your first time overseas holiday and I look forward to some amazing photo’s.
Jenni says
April 28, 2016 at 8:56 amWelcome Jenny and thanks for saying ‘hi’ 🙂
I can’t wait to snap some photos in Bali x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
April 28, 2016 at 6:22 amBy the looks of things you’re the most organised traveller ever. I suck balls at packing bags, so feel free to come and pack my bags anytime! I hope this trip is everything you want and more. Enjoy every special minute! x
Jenni says
April 28, 2016 at 8:57 amI would happily stow away in your travel luggage lady x
Karen says
April 28, 2016 at 6:49 amAwesome. Have a bloody fantastic holiday and i just know you will love every second of it. Safe and gentle travelling beautiful Jen. Xx
Jenni says
April 28, 2016 at 8:58 amThankyou Karen I’m soooo excited x
Jan from Retiring not shy! says
April 28, 2016 at 6:52 amWoot, you are finally off. I hope you fall in love with Bali and the Balinesee like I did 38 years ago – yikes! Enjoy every minute Jenni x
Jenni says
April 28, 2016 at 8:58 amI am convinced I will Jan x
Kerry says
April 28, 2016 at 7:05 amWishing you a relaxing, easy peasy holiday, full of sun, fun and sexy times ?. Here’s hoping you won’t need half of the pharmaceuticals you packed and that the trip is health issue free. Looking forward to the seeing the wrap up on the blog when you return, xXx kp
Jenni says
April 28, 2016 at 8:59 amThanks Kerry, I hope I don’t need half of the stuff either 🙂
HeleN says
April 28, 2016 at 8:21 amYou are going to have a Ball, it’s such a fun place.
I’d get stop,switch in case you gat stung by something in the sea like a bluie. I preferred to swim in the pool as not crazy on look of ocean bit looks like you wyill have plenty to wear. Clothiers
For the plane up and home, rest of the time cozzies and provided sarongs around resort. I’m so happy, you will have a ball. Really let your hair down ( haha) and have the time of uour life. Love Helen.
Jenni says
April 28, 2016 at 9:00 amI can’t wait to get into my cozzie and into the pool Helen x
Deb says
April 28, 2016 at 8:34 amThings like panadol are so expensive. Only 1 of our group was smart enough to take a kit like you. Unfortunately at some stage it disappeared from her villa!! It was near the end of the trip & she decided it wasn’t worth making a fuss about.
Jenni says
April 28, 2016 at 9:01 amI like to be prepared Deb, the thought of hunting down pharmacy product when unwell makes me shudder. Hopefully I don’t need half of it 🙂
Fleur says
April 28, 2016 at 8:54 amThanks for a great laugh. Have a fantastic time. You are well organised. Can’t wait for the pictures and run down of the first overseas trip.
Jenni says
April 28, 2016 at 9:05 amThanks Fleur, I’m soooo looking forward to discovering Bali and sharing it on the blog xx
Jacki says
April 28, 2016 at 1:33 pmHave a wonderful Trip take time to relax and rewind but most of all enjoy yourselves and I look forward to seeing the Photos.
Take care from Jacki xx
Jenni says
May 9, 2016 at 5:39 pmThankyou lovely x
Lisa mckenzie says
April 28, 2016 at 1:58 pmHave an amazing time Jen ,relax,shop eat swim and love and safe travels Xx
Jenni says
May 9, 2016 at 5:40 pmthanks Lisa tick, tick and tick 🙂
Nerida says
April 29, 2016 at 1:33 pmThere is an awesome coffee shop called Revolver in Seminyak, it’s a bit difficult to find as it’s just off a side street, we rent at the Eshina Villa which is on the same side street!
Enjoy x
Jenni says
May 9, 2016 at 5:41 pmHi Nerida, thanks for the tip. We tried it and loved it:-)
Elizabeth says
May 4, 2016 at 12:51 amHi Jen,
You are amazing, I loved reading your blog about packing for Bali, it has certainly helped me with a few tips as I will be going to Bali in a few weeks.
Enjoy your long awaited holiday beautiful lady and go the lube 😉 X
Jenni says
May 9, 2016 at 5:41 pmHave an amazing holiday Elizabeth 🙂
Mina ITALIANO says
August 5, 2016 at 8:20 amHi jen
Love your tips. Hubbie and I are embarking on our first ever trip to Bali and your blog is full of great tips. I was always a little hesitate to go to Bali as I hate hot weather, but am looking forward to the adventure.
Judy says
August 13, 2016 at 12:12 pmHi Jen. We just been to Bali for the first time and we had a terrific time. You were right, Bushman works a treat! Unfortunately even after taking Travelan e.v.e.r.y morning and night and being a little ‘fussy’ where we ate…we still managed to have to ‘run’ and visit the flipping loo? I’m soooo glad that at the last minute I bought GastroStop after my local pharmacist recommended it. It worked!! Within the hour!! I’m now recommending it to everyone…do pack it in your suitcase…it’s going to be your best friend ?