I think I prepare in quite a different way before going away than many people. Usually this involves many hours changing the operating system and software on my laptop, doing odd things with my phones. For shopping, the only purchase I've made has been to spend about $40 on a pair of underpants. This is because when traveling I like to take just one or two sets of clothing, and wash everything by hand nightly. I roll it in a towel, stamp on it, and hang it to dry. It's usually dry by morning. I like Ex Officio under garments. They're expensive, but they last a long time, even with this nightly washing regime.