Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, or a novice adventurer, packing can feel daunting. Over- packing is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when organizing for a trip. It can be a weekend away or an extended venture, packing efficiently is one of the best ways you can enjoy your trip by feeling organized and prepared.
To begin, you will first need to decide if you are packing a carry on or a checked bag. While it may seem contrary, the option for a carry on and packing minimal doesn’t mean you won’t be prepared. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. Moving through the airport with a carry on can save a lot of time. No need to wait in long lines to check bags or wait around baggage claim on arrival. Additionally, there are no worries of lost luggage; which can put a huge damper on your vacation from the start. Finally, keeping your packing to a carry-on requires you to bring less and be more efficient and thoughtful with how you pack. Oftentimes, you realize how little you actually need and how good it feels to optimally use everything you packed. Regardless of what you choose, being mindful of how you pack your luggage is important.
Once you’ve gathered all the information: weather, activities, length of stay, modes of transportation, etc., you can begin to strategize your packing.
To begin: let’s pack our personal bag.
Things to consider:
Travel documents: License, passport, accommodation addresses, boarding passes
Valuables: Wallet, cash
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes
Medications: Always have these in your personal bag
Snacks: Nuts, dried fruit, gum, and bars are good options
Water Bottle: A collapsible reusable water bottle is a great option for saving space
Personal items: Book, kindle, eye mask, chapstick, journal, hair ties
Now that we’ve packed our personal bag, we can pack our carry on. The beauty of having a carry on is you can easily stash any of the above items in it if you run out of room in personal bag. Usually you’ll have access to your carry on bag while on the flight, however it can be that you’re unexpectedly required to check it or you can’t access it while in the air, so pack your personal bag accordingly.
Packing your carry on: Keep it organized and efficient.
Use packing cubes: These will save you space and keep your items organized.
Choose outfits to mix and match clothing: Depending on length of stay, I will have an outfit idea for each day. Included in the outfit is a layer for chillier weather. The items I choose can be mixed and matched to create new looks throughout the trip. Think capsule wardrobe.
Washer/dryer: Will your accommodations have a washer/dryer or will you have access to a laundromat? If so, plan to utilize that to re-wear items of clothing throughout your stay.
Toiletries: Depending on your daily routine, this can be challenging. Use travel size containers and try to streamline your beauty regimen. You’re on vacation, less is more.
Shoes: I will generally wear sneakers/walking shoes on the plane and pack 1-2 additional pairs depending on the destination. This would be flip flops for warmer destinations and ankle boots for colder destinations.
Becoming a master packer is a skill and takes some practice. In general, remember that being organized and efficient which your needs is key. Over packing can make you feel overwhelmed and take up precious time that can be better served by actually enjoying your time adventuring.
Need a some more organization help? Check out my packing list so you don’t forget anything and happy packing!
Safe travels!
