Your departure day is fast approaching and it’s time to think about packing. If there is one piece of advice every single traveler gives to another it’s DO NOT OVER PACK but it’s bound to happen to everyone sooner or later and you will find yourself sitting on that suitcase to ensure closure and cursing at it the duration of your travels.
My trick to the trade is checking the weather of my destination as early as possible so I can figure out if I need to hit the sporting good stores, Athleta, Lululemon or stock up on cotton dresses from various department stores. If you are planning a trip in advance, it also helps because some clothing is only available seasonally in stores (always check online). Will you be hiking in the mountains or sunning on the beach? Typically, I use a durable suitcase that I can carry-on but expands if necessary and a small backpack or over the shoulder day bag.
Travel tip: Lay out all the clothes you think you need and then pack half or maybe even less than half. You don’t need four pairs of shoes, two sets of jeans and multiple swimming suits unless of course you are going on a two week holiday to one location.
WHAT TO BRING ON ALMOST EVERY TRIP
CLOTHING
- Underwear – I bring enough for 2 weeks of travel
- Socks – Mix and match your favorites I tend to wear these a few times before washing
- Undershirts & Bras
- Pajamas
- Cardigan/sweater or wrap for airplanes and air-conditioner
- Dressy Outfit – You never know when there might be a special occasion
- Jeans/Pants/Shorts – Climate and culturally appropriate
- Skirt – Many women are required to wear garments covering the knees
- Jacket/Rain proof/vest – Depending on climate, you may need a full winter coat or a waterproof rain jacket or something to block the wind
- Hats – Winter hat for the cold climates or a baseball cap to block the sun or even a visor or beach hat
- Gloves
- Scarves – Multiple purposes (covering hair, shoulders and keeping warm or dressing up an outfit)
- T-shirts/tanks
- Exercise Clothing
- Swimsuit or trunks
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Sneakers
- Flat comfortable shoes
TOILETRIES
- Toothbrush – old-fashioned or make sure you extra batteries for electric
- Toothpaste & Dental Floss
- Bar of Soap
- Deodorant
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Brush/Comb
- Hair accessories/products
- Cleanser
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Lotion
- Contact lenses/glasses/solution
- Razor
- Make up
- Nail accessories if necessary
- Hand wipes – these are my saving grace. I buy a few packets and keep on me at all time along with mini toilet paper rolls
- Kleenex
- Laundry packets
- Stain remover/Tide stick
MEDICAL
- Vitamins
- Aspirin
- First-aid kit – band-aids, neosporin, moleskin for blisters, cotton balls, sewing kit with needle and safety pins
- Birth control/prescriptions – Don’t forget to bring a list of all and the reason for taking each
- Sleeping pills
- Earplugs
- Iodine tablets to sterilize water if necessary (camping/hiking)
TRAVEL DOCS
- Passport/Visas – also bring paper copies and hide in luggage
- Driver’s license
- Copies of itinerary on you and one left at home with family for friends
- Copies of credit cards in case of loss (in accessible location)
- Emergency contact
- Medical/health insurance cards
- Medical history
- Hotel loyalty cards
- Money belt/secure and hidden bag for valuables
TECHNOLOGY
- Laptop
- Camera
- Mobile phone – Make sure to set up roaming/data before departure. Foreign fees are high
- Chargers/Adapters
- Batteries
- Mini Flashlight
- Download any movies/books for the long plane rides or drives
MISCELLANEOUS
- Journal
- Magazines/Books
- Snacks/granola bars
- Pens
- Gifts for locals such as pencils, chewing gum, paper, etc
- Umbrella if room
- Ziplock/plastic bags – dirty clothes, shoes, toiletries, all sorts of uses and come in handy
- Cash – US Dollars or Euros are safe for exchange
- ATM Card/Credit card – Use cards with no foreign service fees like Capital One or Chase explorer
- Luggage lock – May not use on some airplanes but good for leaving behind at hotels
- Day bag/backpack – over the shoulder or small to fit a guidebook and scarf and a few toiletries