5 Steps to Proper Packing on Long Trips
This article is brought to you from the Travel Section of First to Know
Long trips are the perfect way to unplug from your everyday stresses and really relax, but getting ready for one can be a nightmare. What should you bring? What should you leave behind? Do you pack an empty suitcase to bring back souvenirs?
The problem is that you can’t predict what will happen on the actual trip. You may have a good idea for what the weather will be like, how many trinkets you’ll buy, and how many events you’ll attend, but there’s no guarantee. Generally, that means you end up packing too much, while spending the entire trip in multiple t-shirts or tank tops and the same bathing and sandals.
Here are five steps to packing light and right for any trip.
1. LIMIT YOUR NUMBERS
With all the additional airline charges that go with luggage, it’s best to go small. Challenge yourself to one big bag and one duffle bag carry on. You can always put a second duffle rolled tightly inside your larger suitcase in case you need it for souvenirs– that way you’re only paying for the extra bag on the flight back.
You may want to also skip using wheeling bags. They’re great for preventing back strain, but all that extra hardware means extra weight, reduced space inside the bag, and a tendency to overstuff.
2. GET CUBES FOR PACKING
Camping stores like REI or luggage retailers for packing cubes, which comes in all shapes and sizes and don’t take up much space. They let you organize everything from shirts and socks to everything in between, and force you to be picky about your selections.
3. WHAT TO DO WITH DENIM, SHOES & SHIRTS
Depending on the trip you’re on, one rugged pair of jeans is great for exploring, while one nice pair of jeans can be combined with a coat and dress shirt for an elegant evening. Add in one or two additional pants (depending on how long you’ll be away), and plenty of shirts, and you can have endless new looks for any occasion.
Blouses are great because they’re light, but they tend to need hangers and ironing so only bring two. A nice tank top can with a coat can work in place of a formal blouse. For men, polos and light sweaters with one dress shirt and a tie will cover all your fancy nights.
For shoes, bring a comfortable pair for sightseeing, sandals for the pool and beach, and one nice pair for parties and dinners. If you’re traveling with someone, consider sharing a shoe bag. You can split the luggage cost, bring an extra pair of something you like, and use the jumbled spacing to fit things that can wrinkle or don’t need careful packing, like socks, undergarments and toiletries.
4. CONSIDER THE SEASON
When it’s a sunny, bring plenty of shorts and T-shirts. Those will be your primary wardrobe anyway, so why bother packing clothes you won’t actually wear? They can also be bundled into neat rolls that reduce wrinkling and save space. And yes, you only need one, maybe two swimsuits.
For cooler weather, bring one windbreaker or sweatshirt that can be tightly folded, and one nice coat if you’re dressing up. Big jackets weigh a ton and take up space, so layering with sweaters or scarves underneath one really nice jacket is a smart option.
5. SHIP SOUVENIRS HOME
There is nothing wrong with shipping home items you don’t need in your possession on the flight home. Just go through a major company like FedEx or DHL.
With just a little bit of thoughtful planning, you’ll be able to remove a ton of stress– both before and during and on the return from your trip.