Ok, so we aren’t traveling as much as we did last year. Maybe some of us are enjoying staycations or short road trips this year but next year we are planning the trips of our lifetime!
Lara and I both travel for work quite often. When you’ve traveled as long as we have you learn the packing formula for what works for you. The problem is always when you do 3 different climates over a two-week period, that’s when the packing gets hairy.
Fear not! While we would all love to pack our entire closet and especially all our favorites, it’s just not practical and honestly in the end not necessary. Less luggage will bring more joy and less stress to your trip then dragging too much luggage that you really can’t manage. My WOMENT TRAVEL MOTTO, if you can’t carry it you shouldn’t bring it. I see so many women struggle with their overly packed carryon’s. Just simplify. I bet you don’t use everything you packed anyway.
Here are my packing tips for just about any trip, not in any particular order of importance. Lara has kindly demonstrated my tips over the course of our trips, just by chance. LOL
1). Toiletries. Our first impulse is the pack everything including the bathroom sink. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, deodorant, medications, flat iron, hair dryer, towels (now for European destinations pack a wash cloth if you want one, they don’t use them generally). If you can, really try to scale back on these products. They are heavy and with the weight limits on suitcases this becomes a problem. I never bring full bottles of anything. I assume that I can use some of the products at the hotel. In fact I do a bunch of hoarding and bring them on the next trip. Most hotels also offer services if you forgot something let us know. Also, I’ve never been anywhere that I couldn’t get something I needed. It may not be “your brand” but this is a temporary time frame so don’t sweat it.
2). Suitcase – I use a drop bottom duffle….it’s a hybrid, soft sided duffle top and hard sided bottom type bag. Why you ask, I need the maximum amount of room. When I’m packing, I only pack it half full. That’s because when I first started out traveling, I would purchase a lot of memorabilia, clothing or gifts (January is never to early to shop for Christmas). I’m not buying your average tourist t shirt, I have been adventurous on what I’ve brought home in my suitcase. Ostrich Eggs from South Africa, a suitcase full of Portuguese Pottery, Wine, Wine, Wine (Roll it in your clothes but make sure they are dark colored). Now sure, I’ve had a few mishaps but so far (knock on wood), my luck has been good.
3). Clothing. Take it from me, it’s best to go with one color scheme. Pick a base color like black or navy. Bring a bunch of basics, tees, tanks, bottoms and then bring a few novelty pieces to layer. Always layer no matter what climate you go too.
4). Must have: a shawl or a large scarf. Typically, I bring a fancy one or if I’m traveling in the winter I just bring a solid color in black or hot pink. They are perfect for the airplane, which typically is freezing. They are also great to use as a second layer in heavily air-conditioned restaurant, meeting rooms or hotels (the hotter the climate, the colder the air conditioning is kept BRRR, it’s just a rule LOL).
5). Hooded Sweatshirt with pockets. Maybe this is odd, but it’s a necessity on long flights. The temperature on planes can be anywhere from FROZEN to SOME LIKE IT HOT. With any luck these will also be films on your flight instead of the temperature LOL. The hood sometimes is a necessity when the plane is 50 degrees and you can see your breath (ok exaggerating but it doesn’t feel like I am in the moment).
6). Carry On – Somethin’ with wheels. Over the years I have carried several pounds on my shoulder, back and in my hands between gates, terminals, through train stations, car rental facilities and into hotels. I have graduated to something on wheels. This saves every part of your body, especially if you have flight delays and spend 6 hours wasting time in an airport. PS….ALWAYS PACK EXTRA UNDERWEAR AND A SHIRT. THIS IS A MUST. Lost luggage in China for days with business meetings ahead of you and is NOT a good combo. Thank God for Gap and Gap sizing.
7). Wipes: I know already these are not great for the environment. BUT, when you are traveling to remote countries where you need to have the ability to clean your hands or wipe the dust off your face, wipes are essential. My favorite brand used to be Pacifica Coconut Water wipes, but they discontinued them. Now I buy Beekman 1802 wipes. Sure they are for your face, but wipes all the same. They don’t have a sticky quality to them and you feel clean and refreshed until you can reach your hotel for a shower.
8). Mints – I mean besides the fresh breath, which is always a must, sometimes with the heat and constantly moving, you just need something to suck on to ease your stomach. Lara’s favorite is Lifesaver Wint o’ green. Things can get queeezzzyyy.
9). Ear Plugs – 15-hour flight, screaming child, party goers at a hotel, Indian weddings til 4, snoring I don’t think I need to explain anymore. Just packem’
10). Patience. Traveling either by car, train or plane can be challenging, thrilling and exhausting all at the same time. Pack as much patience as you can. Have empathy for the staff working at the hotels, ticket counters etc. They encounter some really crappy attitudes and if you can be chill, for sure they will go the extra mile for you.
11). A Sense of Humor. There is no way Lara and I would make it half way around the world, for 2 weeks at a time, if we didnt pack this!
Bon voyage, may you have many stress free adventures and many WOMENTs along the way.
