Top 7 Travel Packing Tips

“What should I pack?” is one of the most frequent questions I hear from people and truthfully sometimes mutter myself. I try to stick with a strategy of packing neutral colors with a few pieces of color to step it up a notch. This leaves me flexible, stylish and ready to go. My goal is to maximize what I take and minimize what I carry.

Here are my top 7 tips for travel packing:

1. Buy mix and match collections. Somewhere in the shopping evolution women decided to buy separates. When you pack, instead of laying out the shirts with the shirts and the pants with the pants, lay out your clothes in combinations that can be worn together. Each piece of clothing can (and should) be part of more than one outfit. Try to pack only  enough clothes to get you through each day of your trip.

2. Pack items you can wear at least twice. If you can’t get more than one wear from a piece of clothing, it should not go into your suitcase. Ask yourself, “Is this comfortable and durable enough to wear twice?” and “Can I use it to make at least two different outfits?” After asking these questions, I think you’ll find it easier and easier to pack appropriately.

3. Launder clothes. I know I can hear you saying “No way, not me!” If you are planning a 2 week or longer vacation, I would recommend laundering clothes instead of packing more items. A small zip-loc or old prescription bottle of your choice powder detergent will free up space for you to go on more shopping sprees.

4. Wear the clothes you buy on vacation. There is no need to “save” them until you return home. How fun is it to wear the sundress you bought in Rome when you are actually in Rome? Plus, when you get home and wear the sundress, it will bring back wonderful memories of your vacation.

5. Pack only 3 pairs of shoes. Aim for packing two casual pairs and one dressy. If you are anything like me, you love shoes but remember shoes take up a lot of room and are heavy. Wear one pair and pack the other 2 pairs. Besides if you have a need (ok a strong want) what better excuse to buy new shoes?!

6. Roll and layer. Pack your suitcase in such a way that maximizes the space available and minimizes wrinkling. Start with shoes and any heavier items go towards the bottom or wheels of suitcase to minimize wrinkles. Stuff your shoes with sleepwear, undergarments, etc – this will help keep the shoe’s shape and utilize space. Make use of all the inside and outside pockets. Roll your clothes and layer with dry cleaning bags to decrease friction and wrinkles.

7. Pack without emotion. It never fails. As you are zipping up your suitcase, a small voice whispers “you might need that extra dress” or “you’ll regret not packing the red cardigan sweater “. Don’t listen!  If you’ve packed a mix and match collection, trust me, you will be good to go.

Share with us what some of your travel packing tips?

Inside My Carry On

Anytime when I mention my next trip, the most frequent question by friends and family is “What do I bring in my carry on?”

I have actually gotten to the point where I try to always travel with only carry on luggage. But if I must check a bag and  am connecting flights, I always bring a second set of clothes and PJs – just in case my bags miss their connection. Here’s what I always travel with:

My standard carry on bag is black 19” Travel-pro. It is not that fancy but it is a well loved piece that pretty much goes with me on every trip!

In this modern age, technology must haves are my iPhone, Shure earbuds, my iPad for reading books and e-magaiznes and watching movies, and a Canon G10 camera which takes awesome videos too. I sometimes I will bring my  MacBook laptop  and the larger Canon 7D.

Non-technology must haves are one physical magazine, large spare ziploc bag, a few zip ties,  I always bring a pashmina wrap in my bag, which doubles as a pillow, sarong, a shoulder or knees cover in religious building, sunblock, and scarf of course!

Must bring beauty products are lip balm, eye drops, BB cream which doubles as moisturizer and makeup, travel size intensive hand cream, hand sanitizer, emergency nail file and clippers. Let’s not forget the survival kit of band-aids, moles skin, handwash powder, sunglasses and Ibuprofen.  Plus, I always bring a few snacks like trail mix, peppermints and buy a large water to have on hand after passing TSA.

What are your favorite carry on items?

When You Travel: Dress Like An Onion

Sure you know when you go snow skiing or hiking to dress in layers but this is equally important when you travel. Not only do you look more stylist in thin layers versus that one bulky piece of clothing, you are prepared for all kinds of weather. Layers allow you the flexibility to keep your body at a more consistent and comfortable temperature. When you have several thin layers you can increase your mix and match ability therefore decreasing the number of clothes you need to pack. Thin layers also have a better chance of hand washing and being dry the next morning.

How do you dress like an onion? In several layers. Many places I have visited where the daily temperature has varied 20+ degrees going from sunny and warm to overcast and snowing; so it pays to think ahead.

Begin with you base layer for wicking: Cooler weather options are to cover the entire body once with a thin layer of polypropylene, silk or wool to wick (transport) moisture away form the skin. Warmer weather options are to start with basic undergarments plus a tank top or light weight tee.

Next layer is for insulation and ventilation: Cooler weather options are to add a medium weight layer of insulation ( Usually wool or pile or polypropylene) to retain body heat. Warmer weather options are to add a light weight layer of clothing in a natural fiber.

Next layer is for more insulation and ventilation: Best for cooler weather,  add another medium to thick layer of insulation for extreme cold or rest periods. When you are traveling in warm weather climates you still may want to bring a light weight shawl  to cover your head or shoulders and knees as needed for religious or cultural etiquette.  This can also serve to shade you from the sun as needed too.

The final layer option is for rain and wind protection: In any season you may want to consider having protection from water and wind and snow with an outer protective shell.

So on your next trip consider this simple trick to maximize your travel wardrobe but still minimizing your volume. Comfort = Happy.

What has been your best or worst packing/clothing experience while traveling? 

How many days can you pack for and still take just a carry on?