Summary of Packing for Travel Tips
Dave and Deb’s Packing for Travel Tips
Discover essential packing tips that will enhance your travel experience!
Dave and I have been traveling for over a decade, and it has taken us until recently to truly master the art of packing efficiently. In the past, our winter escapes to tropical islands involved nothing more than board shorts and flip-flops, requiring minimal organization. However, with the addition of more urban destinations to our journey, careful planning of our wardrobe has become paramount.
In the last month alone, we’ve ventured from the snowy Rocky Mountains of Alberta to the bustling streets of New York City and the sunny shores of Australia. This wide range of climates necessitates a versatile and strategic approach to packing!
1. Choose the Right Bag
After experimenting with numerous bags, we have finally settled on a system that suits our travel needs perfectly.
From Backpack to Rolling Duffle
Initially, we were devoted to backpacks; however, we’ve transitioned to rolling duffels for a more sophisticated look at airports and hotels. Our previous TravelPro bags, while functional, often proved too large and unwieldy.
Now, we use Eagle Creek’s 28′ Road Warrior, which is the ideal size, standing upright effortlessly while allowing efficient stacking of packing cubes and wardrobe envelopes. For the first time in years, we’re organized and can easily find everything we need.
2. Mix and Match Clothing
Expert travelers frequently emphasize the importance of mixing and matching clothes, but many fail to detail how this is achieved. While keeping our bags light, we ensure that every item we bring can be combined in multiple ways to create various outfits.
Packing for Travel – A Quick Overview of Our List
Packing List for Women
I typically board my flight in comfortable jeans and a tank top paired with a lightweight blouse and flat ballet shoes. This combination allows me to look smart while remaining comfortable during long flights. Despite minimal packing, I ensure that my chosen items work well together.
Packing List:
- 2 pairs of pants – black leggings and a versatile pair of lightweight pants.
- 2 pairs of shorts – ideal for roaming around cities.
- 1 pair of hiking/board shorts for beach days and hikes.
- 1 pair of zip-off trekking pants. These are convenient for adapting to varying temperatures during hikes.
- 2 t-shirts
- 3 blouses – my lightweight tunics take up minimal space and can be dressed up or down.
- 1 skort – perfect for sightseeing and dining.
- 1 skirt – great for dinner outings.
- Shoes – I travel with ballet flats, hiking shoes, flip-flops, and sometimes a wedge heel for added style.
Packing Tips for Men
Dave usually opts for jeans and dressier sneakers when flying, complemented by a short-sleeved button-down shirt.
His Packing List
- 4 button-down shirts – one long sleeve and three short sleeve options suitable for various occasions.
- 2 t-shirts – versatile and lightweight for casual wear.
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pair of lightweight slacks
- 2 pairs of dressier shorts – ideal for city exploration.
- 2 board shorts for beach days.
- Shoes – hiking shoes, dressier sneakers, and flip-flops.
3. Layering for Travel
With European destinations in mind, it’s critical to pack layers to stay warm and comfortable. We always bring a wrap or large silk scarf for plane rides and cooler evenings, along with merino wool sweaters and weather-resistant jackets for protection against the elements.
4. How to Pack Light
While packing light is essential for keeping your suitcase manageable, it’s equally important to choose lightweight gear. Our Eagle Creek duffel is significantly lighter than our previous option, and we consistently select lightweight clothing made from microfiber or nylon.
Even our underwear is Exofficio, designed for comfort without adding bulk to our luggage.
5. Use the Right Packing Gear
Packing cubes have become a popular choice for organizing luggage more efficiently. Previously, we utilized large ZipLock bags, but now we appreciate the convenience of reusable nylon sacks that compress bulkier items.
Bags for Organizing
Toiletry Bag – We transitioned to a single foldable travel tote for all our toiletries, minimizing space and keeping our items organized.
As mentioned, we use packing envelopes to maintain wrinkle-free clothing, ensuring everything stays neat and compact.
6. Size Matters
Choosing the right suitcase size is crucial. While large suitcases may seem appealing, they often lead to overpacking. Opting for a smaller rolling duffel not only reduces the temptation to bring unnecessary items but also enhances mobility in crowded spaces.
Leave bulky toiletries at home; transfer your products to smaller containers that fit neatly in your toiletry bag. Most hotels offer quality toiletries, so you won’t need to rely on your own.
So, there you have it – our essential Packing for Travel Tips to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. Do you have any packing tips? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
