Welcome to my travel journal |
Are you an over-packer or under-packer? Generally speaking, people tend to over-pack (unless they are experienced travelers who are on the go frequently). It takes a lot of practice to nail down the essentials for any trip, and the more you travel, the better you will get at packing light. I haven't traveled with a checked bag in years. It can be tough to squeeze in everything for a week or more into two carry-ons. Some people will spend months hiking Europe out of one backpack! Now that is impressive. We may not reach that level of expertise, but I hope some of these tips will help you be a more efficient packer, no matter your destination. 1. Always think about outfit layering. The best way to make your clothes last longer and be prepared for changing weather is to layer. If I'm heading to a cold destination, I usually bring a vest or a scarf that matches multiple shirts. This way, I can mix up my look while staying warm or easily remove something to cool off. If heading to a warm or tropical location, less is always more. If you'll be swimming or staying at a resort, you really don't need a lot of regular clothes. Varying your swimsuits and coverups is key. However, if you're heading somewhere warm and plan to be active, a few extra shirts may be wise so you don't end up with stinky clothes and nothing leftover to wear. Re-wearing pants or shorts is much easier than re-wearing sweaty shirts. Take out unneeded shorts, pants, or shoes if you need more room for shirts, jackets, or other layers. 2. Research travel-size options. There are so many cool gadgets now for travel. Portable iron. Mini washer/dryer. Travel cubes that shrink your clothes down. If you really need to bring something that is too big, search online for a travel-size option. You likely find just the item. But remember to check with the place you're staying for amenities. Your accommodations might have a washer/dryer or iron already. I know it feels safer or more comfortable to bring our own items, but if your hotel or resort can provide it, then save the space! 3. Pack, unpack, then pack again. Someone once gave me the advice to pack everything for my trip, wait a day or so, and then unpack it all. Giving yourself some time to think about your packing choices could help you get rid of things. When you unpack everything and have to re-pack it again, you may notice ways you could be more efficient. However, this does require you to pack at least a few days before your trip, so this may not work for you last-minute packers. It could lead to more peace of mind and preparedness though, if you choose to evaluate your packing this way. There are tons of ways to pack, but ultimately, you have to find what works for you. Every trip is different and requires different needs. What has worked for you in your travels? Are there any travel gadgets you can't live without? Tell me about them in the comments! until next time, |
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