No matter where you are traveling, packing will inevitably be an important start to your adventure. The longer your trip, the more confusing packing decisions can become. Here are some of my favorite packing tips that I've learned throughout the years.
Only use a carry-on.
Even in warm weather, I keep a light sweater or scarf handy in a day bag so I can cover my shoulders for churches and/or sun protection.
Whether your trip is for one week or one month, every frequent traveler will tell you to pack light enough to keep everything in one carry-on size bag. I prefer to use a backpack for trips abroad. Backpacks make transit, cobblestone streets, and stairs so much simpler. However, in the US, I prefer to save my shoulders and just use my roll-bag. I also carry a little day bag that can hold a water bottle and sweater for when I'm going to be out sightseeing all day.
One week's worth is all you need.
Some of the best advice I have ever heard is to pack only enough for one week. If everything matches and washes easily, you can have a variety of outfits week to week. Packing for one month is no different than packing for one week. Just plan on doing laundry once a week, whether through a hotel laundry service or a local laundramat. I do, however, always bring a few extra pairs of underwear/socks in case I can't get to a laundromat when I need it, which has happened to me a couple of times...
Pay attention to fabrics.
Flexible fabrics are a must!
If you look at travel-lines and athletic wear, you will notice a few helpful characteristics advertised on the clothes. Many are wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking, odor-repellant, quick-dry, stretchy, and lightweight. For me, the most important characteristics here are wrinkle-free and comfortable, stretchy fabrics. Recently, I've also come to love lightweight, quick-dry materials. I own a few odor-repellant items, but I honestly don't know if it actually does anything or not.
Buying clothes made specifically for travel is the easiest way to find those characteristics. While most travel clothing brands tend to steer toward an older crowd, I've been able to pick out a few pieces that I love. It just takes patience. Travel brands like ExOfficio usually have colors and prints that aren't my style. Yet, I have multiple pieces from them, all in black. Anatomie has more stylish clothes, but their website doesn't give much product information.
This silk dress keeps traveling with me every year.
My other favorite dress for traveling is a long, 100% silk, dry-clean only dress that I bought at Nordstrom five years ago. But the trick is, I have never dry-cleaned it. I just wash and line-dry. The texture has changed to this really soft, wrinkle free fabric that is perfect for hot weather and folds up to the size of my fist. I've taken it on every trip for multiple years.
My new favorite trick is to find athletic wear that can be pulled off outside of the gym, but you still have to watch for fabric to make sure it has the qualities listed above. I like this sheer shirt from Lululemon because I know I could wear it with jeans or a skirt. SmartWool makes the best socks, and you can also find other clothing items made with this all-weather fabric, like this dress.
Layer.
Instead of bringing big and bulky items, stick to light layers. This technique was especially helpful for me on my summer Switzerland-Italy trip because we had a mix of rain, mountain peak snow, and unbearably hot sun. We were doing it all, from hiking in the Alps to going to the opera in Venice. For the cold days, I wore leggings under my pants or skirts, multiple layers of shirts, and my light rain jacket.
Another great way to layer is with a scarf. A circle scarf is the most versatile because you can wear it was a scarf, skirt, dress, or shirt. Bring a belt to maximize conversions.
Layers are important when you are outside all day.
Eddie Bauer doesn't sell this jacket anymore, but I like that it's plain black, light, and the hood hides.
Mix and match.
Make sure everything matches!
Make sure that almost every separate can be worn together. This will increase your outfit possibilities without filling up your bag. Sticking to a matching color scheme is helpful. And if you only plan to wear something once, don't bring it. For example, in Paris I knew we were going to a ballet so I packed a fancier dress for that event that I couldn't really wear anywhere else. What a waste! I should have just worn my more versatile plain black dress with a necklace and some heels.
I've also find it helpful to try on every possible outfit combination at home before I pack to help me weed through the duds.
You can buy what you need there.
Unless you are backpacking across the Pacific Crest Trail or something, you can probably buy an umbrella or extra toothpaste on the road when/if you need it. Plus, then you have an excuse to go into a local shop! I only pack one travel size bottle of toothpaste and shampoo no matter how long the trip.
Bring 2-3 pairs of shoes.
Your feet are the most important part of your body to keep comfortable. Shoes that are really comfortable at home, can end up killing your feet when you are walking around all day in a different climate. I've gotten blisters from shoes that I had never had problems with before, so it's nice to be able to switch them out when needed. I've had a really difficult time finding shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and versatile. "Comfort" shoes tend to be really ugly, and their idea of arch support doesn't even come close to my high arches, so I'm personally still searching for the perfect shoes for my feet... I have learned to always bring a pair of sneakers. These are always comfortable!
Nix the blow dryer and curling iron.
Okay ladies, I know that some of you think you can't live without these, but let's get real. Blow dryers and curling irons take up a lot of space in your bag. Plus, they might not even work in another country. I once packed a straightener that had the correct voltage, but it went completely dead the first time I plugged it in. Anyways, who wants to deal with your hair when you are out in the elements all day. Find some easy styles like braids and buns that work on your hair without electronics. As an added bonus, it saves you time!
If you must blow-dry your hair, most hotels and apartments have one available. Look at the amenities list, and if you don't find it, ask!
Use packing cubes and Ziplock bags.
Packing cubes save space and help to keep clothes organized and folded. I like to group similar clothes together so that I can easily find what I need. I also keep my clean underwear and socks in Ziplock bags so they stay grouped together better, making it easier to find. When packing a swimsuit, I always give it its own Ziplock as well. That way, I can repack it if I need to before it's dry!
Put a couple of dryer sheets in your bag.
Even clean clothes will start to smell stale when locked up in a bag. I like to put one dryer sheet in each packing cube to keep my clothes smelling fresher for longer.
Bring a laundry bag.
The last thing you want to do is mix your clean clothes with your dirty socks and undies. Yuck! I always bring one or two small mesh laundry bags to keep dirty clothes separated. I wash the bags right with my clothes and start fresh each week.
Group electronics in an organized case.
We used to keep all of our chargers and adapters in a Ziplock bag, but we've recently upgraded to this awesome case. I love it because it keeps everything so organized and easy to find!
Keep Extra Copies of Identification.
I like to keep color copies of our passports, drivers licenses, credit cards, and insurance cards in a water proof envelope in the bottom on my bag just in case something gets lost. I also keep electronic copies of everything.
Do you want to start shopping for good travel clothes? Here are a few sweet finds to begin with:
Check out my other recommended resources!