Function/Activities of Trip + Time of Year = Perfectly Packed Bag
When I think back on many of my travels, I have ended up packing the same things for most trips. A week-long trip with a conference in the middle looks just about the same as a two week-long vacation and a three month-long research trip. It may be because I bring the same bag with me each time and so I know what it can hold, but I think it is more that we typically need the same things no matter the length of time. Every trip I typically pack something I end up not using or needing, so I make a mental note and remember to omit it the next time around (or at least debate again if I think it is necessary). Traveling is much more enjoyable when you do not have to worry about carrying a million bags with you. Here are a few examples of my packing lists:
Women's Business or Vacation Travel with Carry-On Suitcase; One to Two Weeks:
sleepwear
1 pair of shoes (comfortable for walking a long period of time)
1 pair of shoes (should also be comfortable, but also be dressy or casual)
1 scarf (to be used for dress, casual, or as a wrap)
1 dress (classic and neutral style)
1 skirt
1 sweater or sweatshirt
1 cardigan or blazer-type jacket
2 pairs of pants (jeans and/or casual/dress pants)
2-3 tanks or layering camisoles
3-4 tops (blouses, t-shirts, etc)
7-8 pairs of socks or nylons
7-8 pairs of undies; 1 dark bra and 1 light bra
Optional items depending on type of trip, location, weather, etc.
1 swimsuit
1 pair sandals
1 winter jacket or transitional-period jacket
hat and/or gloves
The basic list can change depending on time of year. You may want to forgo some of the tops in favor of more sweaters if it is a winter trip, or if you do not like skirts add another pair of pants, etc. But that basic quantity is enough to get you through one to two weeks of travel comfortably. It is ok to wear clothes more than once without washing. If you really insist on washing your clothes after wearing them once, laundromats exist nearly everywhere and hotels often have cleaning services. Hand-washing in your room is another option for things like underwear and socks if your trip is longer than a week.
I imagine that a Men's Packing List would not vary too much from this. Swap out the dress and skirt for another pair of pants or shirt, go for the blazer over the cardigan.
Gadgets and Miscellaneous
I wont go into too many gadgets, and other miscellaneous things to pack because everyone really has personal preferences and needs. I never bring a hairdryer because I don't use them at home and think they are a waste of space when traveling, especially because most hotels have them too.
I have a few suggestions about miscellaneous items here: The Contents of My Mary Poppins Bag
Tips for packing:
- Pack things that you can mix and match; can be worn dressed up or casual. I make sure what I pack can be worn in multiple ways or it does not enter my suitcase. Even with the dress, I pick something that is classic enough that it can be worn under a sweater to look like a skirt and top.
- Stick to similar colors (e.g. one trip I went with browns, purples, and pinks, another trip black, greys, blues, and greens). It makes it easier to mix and match your wardrobe if everything can be worn with something else, and it requires you to bring fewer shoes as they will match everything you have packed.
- Chose fabrics that do not wrinkle easily, or are not too bulky. If your clothes are made from light or thinner fabrics, you can pack a bit more in your suitcase. Even with socks, do you need seven days worth of bulky socks for hiking in the mountains, or can you get away with two and then thinner ones for city travel?
- Remember, wear the biggest or hardest to pack things on the plane (like sweaters and sneakers). This will save room in your bag.
Further considerations about packing can be found here: What to Pack When You are Packing
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Feel free to add them in the "Comments" section.
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