Some friends and family marvel at the fact that I can
pack a bag that will last me for two months. While it does take some planning
(i.e. a well thought out list), there are a few things to consider when trying
to limit one’s packing:
1. You have to carry everything you bring with
you. Always. Think about your trip. What are you planning to do? What sort
of climate will you likely be in? Do you really need that thick wool sweater,
or could you get away with a cardigan that will layer well instead? Unless you
plan to travel in style via taxis and stay at hotels with bellhops, you will
probably have to carry your bag(s) through various terrains (baggage claim; the
curb outside the airport; additional transportation to your destination via
bus, train, etc.; through city streets to your hotel; and so on). There will be
steps, there will be elevators, and there will be bumpy sidewalks and curbs. Do
you really want to be dragging that 4’x2’ suitcase behind you and hoisting it
up regularly? If you cannot lift it yourself, you need to downsize.
2. Every item in your bag should serve
multiple purposes. I traveled to Germany this spring and rocked this point
so hard with the clothes I chose to bring it was amazing even to me! While not
every item will do multiple things, it should be a priority for most things
going into your bag. As far as clothes are concerned, layering and coordinating
is essential.
For example, during my trip to
Germany I was attending a conference for a week and being a tourist for almost
another two weeks. I needed clothes that would work for both occasions for
three weeks in variable spring weather. In my 22” carry-on bag, I packed: a
classic cut blue dress, a khaki pencil skirt, black dress pants, a thin purple
and black patterned silk skirt, a black cardigan, a thin grey sweater, a
thinner purple sweater, a thin blue sweater, a white blouse, a pair of jeans, and
3-4 coordinating t-shirts and camis. Pretty much all of the sweaters and
t-shirts I brought could be dressed up or down and accommodated both warm and
cool weather and some of the sweaters and the blouse could be worn with both
the dress and skirts. This was more than I typically pack for a trip, but I
wanted to make sure I had options and backups for my professional debut. Making
sure you have clothing that will serve double duty will save you space and will
ensure that everything you pack gets worn several times, but not look the same.
If you are in to accessories, this is a good opportunity for changing up the
same clothes to keep you from getting bored.
As far as other things that
should serve multiple purposes… I think I will need another blog entry for
that. Stay tuned.
3. It is worthwhile to invest some money
upfront to get items that will save you time, stress and more money in the
future. Every year before a big trip I torture myself by looking at things
that would make my travel experience easier. I debate whether or not I should
drop that money on something I will use once a year, or if I can live without
it. Reading product reviews typically helps me decide. Nearly every item that
has stuck around in my head for more than a month I end up buying and nor
regretting. A good bag can make travel so much easier. A handy coat with tons of
pockets, therefore negating a carry-on bag, frees you up a lot. Each traveler
is different. If you think you might like something or it would be particularly
useful to you, chances are you are right.
4. Bring things you are ok abandoning for
something better or will use up before the end of the trip. I have a box
which contains clothes specifically designated for travel. These are things
that are travel specific (e.g. a desert climate) or are old clothes that I do
not feel like donating yet. I bring these along every trip with the idea that
if I find something here that I really want, I will always have room in my
suitcase to bring it home. If you like to shop, this might be a nice option to
consider. If I want to keep myself from shopping, I bring clothes that I wear
regularly to remind myself I do not need anything new now.
I also bring products that I will
probably use up or nearly use up before coming home. I could not bring myself
to throw away a bottle of something that was still half full, but if there is
about a quarter or an eighth left, I do not feel bad leaving it behind so that
I might fit a great souvenir in my bag instead. Simply keep track of how
quickly you go through your toiletries at home to gauge how much you will need
for your trip, or if you have a bottle that is almost gone and you are going
for a week, take it along.
5. And remember, most things we have at home
can be found in other countries. As a girl who has been without a bag more
than once, compliments of efficient airlines, I know that nearly everything I
have at home I can find while traveling. If you forget something, or perhaps
you do not want to deal with liquids in your carry-on at security, you have
options when you arrive. Another part of the travel experience is trying new
things. Last year while in France I bought shampoo and conditioner that was
made in a local region from honey. It was a treat to take in these new smells
every morning and to see the cute icon on the bottle to remind me where I was.
Alright, that is enough for now. I will maybe plan to
share some of my favorite travel products in my next entry. But for now, I will
just say that both my bag and I arrived safely in France this year and while I
have already been faced with a few surprises and challenges, it looks to be a
promising summer!
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