How to Pack for Your Vacation

Pack Right, Pack Light

My traveling motto is “To Pack Right, Pack Light.”  After you have made you travel plans, one of the hardest things to do is pack your suitcase for the trip.

Remember, no matter where you are going, hopefully your suitcase will be going with you and you will have to carry your luggage to and from the airport;  to and from a taxi or car;  to and from the hotel and possibly on a subway.  In some hotels, you may have to carry your luggage up several flights of stairs or up steep inclines.   Therefore, “Pack Light.”

After many trips and many years of traveling, I have learned a few tricks about packing light.  In this article, I will share some of these tips with you.  Plus, I also share my own personal packing check lists.

 

Before You Begin Packing
 
Check online for any changes to TSA Requirements at:
 
TSA 3-1-1 for Carry On
 
You Don’t Want to Be Forced to Leave Your Belonging Behind!

Packing Rule One:  Reduce Clothing

Before I put anything in my suitcase, I lay everything out on my bed.  I count the days I will be away from home and I lay out my clothes.  One full outfit per day and an extra set of underclothes.  Then I cut back.

This is the most important phase of packing light.  Cutting back on the outfits drastically reduces the weight and bulk of your luggage.

I examine the outfits closely.  For a 7 day trip, I normally take 2 pairs of jeans and 1 pair of black slacks.  My plan is to alternate them and wear each pair at least twice.  Unless you spill something on your clothes, no one else will be the wiser.  If someone should inquire, simply say “Oh, these are so comfortable, I bought several pairs while I could still get them.”

Then I look at the blouses.  I want them to be light weight.  I rarely, if ever, take a sweater if I am taking a coat.

A few years back, when we were going to London, I purchased a North Face coat with a zip out light weight jacket.  Perfect for changing weather, even rain.

I take one dress, one extra pair of shoes and one set of pajamas.  Because I tend to get cold easily, I also carry thin thermal underwear.

The one area where I do not cut back is on my underclothes, including socks.  I require a clean, fresh pair per day, so move over blouses, the undies rule!

Obviously, I am not “requiring” you to pack the same clothes that I would for a long trip, but I have told you what I take so you can use it as a guide.  You may prefer skirts, all dress slacks or all jeans.  The important thing is to take clothes that can be worn multiple times in a week without showing wear.

 

Be sure you choose the right luggage!

 Travel Select Amsterdam Expandable Rolling Upright Luggage, Red, 4-Piece SetCheck Price
I prefer luggage with wheels and handles.

You will also want luggage you can easily identify as your luggage. I am always, always amazed at how many black suitcases are on the luggage carousel in the airport. After a flight, the very last thing you want is to be examining every black suitcase on the carousel searching for your luggage tag.

This is also true if you are traveling on a bus or with a group.  It is so much nicer if you can readily recognize your own luggage.

 

Take the Right Coat

When we travel, we may be leaving one outdoor temperature and going to a destination with a totally different climate.  You will want a coat that will be appropriate for multiple climate.  Like I previously noted, I have a North Face jacket that I deem essential for travel.  Sometimes I wear the outer jacket without the liner.  Sometimes I just wear the liner and other times I need them together for ultimate warmth.

 THE NORTH FACE Women’s Carto Triclimate Jacket, Fiery RedCheck PriceThe zip pockets are another reason why I rate this jacket as #1 for travel.

The Women’s Kira Triclimate Jacket by The North Face.  Streamlined and functional.  A versatile three-in-one design with a waterproof, breathable exterior and a removable, button-out insulated liner.

• Chest Pocket
• Handwarmer zip pockets
• Adjustable, removal hood
• Zip-in compatible
• Triclimate
• Underarm vents
• Adjustable cuffs
• Internal goggle pocket

Don’t Forget Your Gloves and Warm Gear!

In milder weather, you may find you can leave the coat in the hotel room if you wear thermasilk.

Of course, none of the weather articles are necessary if you are traveling in the summer time, but they are an absolute must if your are traveling in the winter months or much colder climates.

 Terramar Women’s Thermasilk Pointelle Scoop (Natural, Large)Check Price isotoner womens Stretch Leather Glove – Fleece Black Small – MediumCheck Price

 

Packing Rule Two:  Travel Size Toiletries

With all of the new TSA requirements, most manufacturers are doing their part to help you out and line their pockets at the same time.  Lets face it, Secret doesn’t want to lose a customer because you had to take the trial size antiperspirant that came in the mail and you liked it.

Even before TSA, I was using the small refillable travel bottles for my shampoo and conditioner.  I would still recommend saving all of your little bottles and refilling them.  Sometimes the small travel size is almost as expensive as the regular size.

I also plan ahead.  When Crest offers a free small tube of toothpaste with a regular size tube, I grab it.  Occasionally, Secret will offer a small size free with the purchase of a regular size and I grab two of those.  Same thing with Scope.

An Extremely Important Tip:  Buy a new toothbrush and do not open it until you reach your destination.  We had a very thorough TSA inspector check our toothbrush by running his thumb across the bristles of the brush!   Yuck!

TSA 3-1-1 for Carry-Ons

Clear Plastic Bag of Toiletries

 JBYAMUS 16 Pcs Silicone Bottles Set, Leak-Proof Design, Travel Size, TSA ApprovedCheck Price
Each traveler is limited to ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top plastic bag of travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less).   Per TSA

• Tooth Paste
• Mouthwash
• Antiperspirant
• Contact Lens Supplies
• Medicine
• Shampoo
• Any Liquid Make up, etc.

 

Packing Rule Three:  Cut Back on the Make-Up

When I travel, I do not carry seven shades of eyeshadow and ten tubes of lipstick.  I carry two shades of eyeshadow and 1 lipstick.

I fill a travel size bottle with eye makeup remover and a travel size bottle with face cleanser.

I also carry a travel size bottle of hair spritz.

I purchased travel hair rollers (some of you will prefer a small travel curling iron) and a small fold down hair dryer.

 L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Dual Effects EyeshadowCheck Price Conair 1600 Watt Folding Handle Hair DryerCheck Price Remington H-1015 Ceramic Compact, Large and Medium Roller, RedCheck Price

 

Important!
 
Leave Copies of Passports, Hotel Phone Numbers and Itineraries with Someone Back Home

 

Packing Rule Four:  Leave Your Jewelry at Home

 EAMTI 925 Sterling Silver 1.25 CT Round Solitaire Cubic Zirconia Engagement RingCheck Price

I only wear my wedding ring when I travel.  Diamonds may be a girls best friend, but they are also a thief’s first target.

I do carry a nice Rhinestone necklace and earring set for the evenings.  We enjoy taking the dinner cruises and I like to wear a little more jewelry then.   However,  whatever I take on a trip, I recognize that it may not make it home, so I choose something expendable.

Keep in mind, even through you may not meet the thief face to face, they still may have access to your luggage at just about every point of your travel.  DO NOT leave valuables in the hotel room.

It really is best to just leave your valuables at home.

 Leafael [Presented by Miss New York] Angel’s Teardrop Made with Swarovski Crystals Blue Zircon Jewelry Set Earrings Necklace, 18Check Price Unicra Bride Bridal Necklace Earrings Set Crystal Bridal Wedding Jewelry Set Rhinestone Choker Necklace for Women and Brides (3 piece set – 2 earrings and 1 necklace) (Rose Gold)Check Price

 

Packing Rule Five:  Do Not Carry A Purse

 Eagle Creek Travel Gear Undercover Money Belt Dlx (Khaki)Check Price

Purses are a huge target for thieves, are easily lost or left behind and are simply a extra weight to lug around everywhere you go.

Again, reduction is key.

Use your pants pockets, coat pockets, socks, or even a fanny pack, but take as little as possible.  I have noticed a lot of tourist carry back packs when they travel with children.  I suspect that is a wonderful alternative to the diaper bag.

Backpacks are awesome for maps and water, but don’t put anything valuable like a wallet or your hotel room key in your backpack.

Wear Tie On Shoes, like Tennis Shoes, on the Plane!

 

My Carry On Check List

Remember ~ I don’t carry a purse, so I put all small items like my Id’s, Airline Tickets & Passports in a waist money belt or neck pouch.

If you are traveling to another country, Change your Currency before you leave our country.  The last thing you want to do is to arrive in another country without any of their currency.

• Keep Copies of Passports separate from the bag containing your passports, like your pants or coat pocket.
• Passport
• Airline Tickets
• A Book to Read
• Cell Phone
• Drivers License
• Credit Cards
• Advil/Medicines
• Small Travel Pack of Kleenex
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Camera
• Camera Cards & Batteries
• Make Up
• Hair Brush
• Umbrella (Small pocket size)
• Band aids
• Shout Wipes
• Unopened Toothbrush
• Travel Coffee Packets
• Bag of Toiletries
• Emergency Change of “undies” in case you arrive at your destination without your luggage.
• Emergency Phone Numbers (These are probably already stored in your cell phone, but I take a hard copy in case my cell phone dies or disappears)

 

TSA Regulations
 
Keep batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage – not in your checked baggage!

 

Things I Won’t Leave Home Without

Since you never know what you will encounter when traveling, I always carry my Advil, a few band aids and shout wipes, so those nasty stains don’t set in.

 Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages for Minor Cuts & ScrapesCheck Price Kleenex Everyday Tisues, Pocket Pack, 10 ctCheck Price Shout Stain Remover Wipes – 12 ctCheck Price Oral-B Complete Deep Clean Soft Bristles Toothbrush, 4 CountCheck Price Advil WL0151-50 Ibuprofen Pain Relief Tablet, 200mg, Standard, Blue/Red (Pack of 50)Check Price

Very Important!
 
If you are traveling abroad, remember Electrical Outlet Adapters!

 

My Suitcase Check List

• Swimsuit
• Slacks/Shorts
• Shirts/Blouses – Short & Long Sleeves
• One Dress
• Pajamas
• Jacket/Coat
• Extra pair of Shoes
• Underwear
• Socks
• Make-up remover & Cleansers
• Travel Hair Curlers
• Hair Spray
• Disposable Razors & Shaving gel
• Scrunches/Barrettes
• Compact Blow Dryer
• Outlet Converters
• Extra Cell Phone Charger – If you are changing hotel rooms, these are often left behind and you will need a replacement.
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Small Shoulder Bag
• Band aids
• Small Bottle of Peroxide (I use a refillable Travel Bottle with a screw on cap and label it with a Permanent Marker)

 

 Totes Micro Auto Open/Auto Close Umbrella, Black, One SizeCheck Price Travel Smart by Conair Converter and Worldwide Adapter Set; US Europe UK Italy Spain ChinaCheck Price Nescafe Coffee, Taster’s Choice Stick Packs, Original , 80 CountCheck Price

 

Small Shoulder Bag
 
Remember that Small Tote Bag I originally packed in my luggage?  Well, since I don’t carry a purse, I can fill it with small souvenirs or gifts and carry that on as my purse.