It’s only mid-November, but I’m beginning to get ready for AWS re:Invent in 2 weeks! Starting with packing lists and things to think about. I hope this post might help you begin thinking about what to pack and things to do to prepare! (There are some Amazon Affiliate links to products that I use and love in this post!)
I know everyone thinks about the “normal” stuff like clothing and charging blocks, so here are some stuff I’ve recently started bringing on all of my trips.
Packing List
- Health stuff: fiber supplement sticks, strong cough drops (these actually work!), and melatonin
- I’m also including anti diarrheal and anti nausea medication (I learned my lesson from my last trip to San Francisco 😂)
- Protein snacks: I’ve discovered some savory protein bars and tasty crunchy edamame snacks for on-the-go protein refuel
- Protein helps you from going hangry, and protein helps you from having a sugar crash… protein protein…
- Fancy ear plugs: I bought noise-reduction loop ear plugs a year ago, which has been a game changer for me when I travel, both for airplanes and when I’m trying to sleep in the hotel (I actually got them to drown out my babies crying in the night 🤪)
- Walking shoes: You want broken-in walking shoes – really really
- Waterproof Sandals: For the shower and walking around in your room. After a long day, you’ll want your feet out of your shoes! I finally got myself foldable flipflops to see if it’ll save me some space.
- Plastic bags from grocery stores/take out: Just fold them up into a tiny triangle, and pop a few in your bag; you’ll never know when a trash bag comes in handy while in transit!
- Wet wipes: I never used them until I had kids, but man, these are really useful! Even better, have a set of antibacterial wipes and a small hand sanitizing spray too!
- Comfortable pillow: I’m still looking for the perfect combination of packable AND comfortable… but the back pain and discomfort I experienced all week in Seattle at the AWS Heroes Summit has brought me to the conclusion that I really need to invest in a comfortable travel pillow that also doesn’t take up much packing space!
- If you have recommendations on a firm yet packable/small pillow, please let me know!
- Small pouch for airplane seat pocket: this is very random, but it helps to have a flexible small pouch to throw everything into instead of putting them directly in the airplane seat pocket so that you don’t have to worry about leaving something in the pocket crevice when you’re leaving
- Few reusable grocery bags that stand up: They’re great for transporting things, keeping things in before you want to pack again, and for dirty laundry. Recommend water proof ones that stand up on their own.
What I’m not packing
- Reusable water bottle: AWS re:Invent provides reusable water bottles as part of check-in swag (I will likely bring an empty disposable water bottle to refill and use during the week to have 2 bottles of water, and then recycle before I leave)
- Sweater: AWS re:Invent also provides a zip-up hoodie as part of check-in swag
- Anything I’d be really really disappointed about if I lost it: there’s just so many things happening in this world that if it’s not easily replaceable, probably shouldn’t bring it
Things to think about
- Update all of your socials, LinkedIn profile, and your resume (and have the PDF on hand)! You never know who you’ll meet… 😉
- If you’re international, figure out your mobile data (perhaps an eSim?)
- If you’re coming in from overseas, get international health insurance! You really really really don’t want to get into an accident or get sick with no healthcare coverage in the United States!
- Have your Uber or Lyft account set up; last thing you want is to be stranded at 11PM trying to type in your credit card information when you’re half drunk and just want to get back to the hotel
- Bring a bit of cash in case you end up splitting rides or meals with international friends and you guys don’t have shared e-payment systems
- If you’re coming from another country, find a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees!
Tips for your first AWS re:Invent
I wrote this blog post back in 2019 after my very first re:Invent, and I hope I’ll be able to come back with an updated version next month!