Most of us love to travel, but hate to pack... here’s my seasoned travel advice! Note: I’ve been travel blogging since before it was Instagrammable, a travel writer since 2000!
See my Printable Packing List below and get Ready, Set, GO! Travel!
First, don’t overthink it…. just look at the forecast, pull out your faves and lay them out… make sure everything coordinates, black, grey or navy are great basics to pair…
Second, coordinate your outfits, roll them tightly to prevent wrinkles and fit more, and pack them in order you plan to wear them…
Third, don’t throw in a bunch of random stuff last minute… you won’t need it, likely won’t wear it, and it will just weigh you down – literally – better to save a little space for a special purchase on your journey! Hint hint…
You can fit everything in your Carry On, plus a “personal item” – backpack or purse. Have your toothbrush, sunglasses, ID/passport, earphones/charge cords, cosmetics you need on the fly, H20 Bottle, and necessary RXs in your personal item. Basically, keep anything you would want/need while traveling handy during your flight or road trip!
Plan your outfits, by day – seriously. If you travel and return home not having worn something – you packed TOO MUCH! Pack two tops /shirts that coordinate well, a t-shirt in the event its warm and sunny, and a long sleeve – I love a white linen button down – can be a beach cover up or dressed up for sightseeing or dinner with jewelry.
Black pants/leggings, a skirt or dress are versatile. If you will be playing golf/tennis/pickleball, hiking or biking, bring a quality pair of technical fabric athletic pants or skort and athletic top – quick dry & lightweight.
For travel outfits, I wear a lot of black, it’s very European and trendy … No, actually it just travels well, coordinates easily, hides stains, and doesn’t scream “I’m a tourist.” I pack: leggings, a skirt, microfiber tee, LBD – little black dress, plus a few scarves and an oversized shirt/shawl that functions as a cover-up/layer.
Coordinate: Ladies (and metro men), a colorful scarf or two and jewelry can accessorize nicely – adding miles to your outfits, if you get a fancy restaurant invite (a girl can dream- be prepared).
Footwear, wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane/car/train, sneakers or dress boots, pack a pair of dress flats and one pair of heels (yes, sorry, just one) to match your purse. Wrap your packed shoes in baggies, extra bags are handy for dirty laundry or market shopping at your destination.
Jackets: bring a lightweight packable shell/raincoat, for cooler weather, carry your jacket on the plane – it can serve as a pillow on overnight flights.
Jeans when traveling, I don’t recommend. Denim is heavy, difficult to wash, and not always up to dress code – I suggest black pants instead – lightweight, easy to launder if needed, fancy to casual.
A swimsuit is essential, for that perfect hot tub or rooftop spa pool. PJ’s are at your discretion, but forgo the bulky bathrobe. Pack just a few pair of undergarments which can be hand washed in a sink.
Don’t forget to lay out your travel day outfit… seems simple – but so is packing and yet, it stresses people out!
Tip: I love my little Tide one-load packets, or Breez laundry strips, TSA likes them too – for washing quick on-the-go in a hotel sink at night so you are fresh and ready for the next day’s adventure!
Toiletries – travel size only – this should go without saying, but have you seen TSA’s confiscated box of expensive creams, perfumes, etc? Besides, you won’t need 10 ounces of shampoo – so why lug it and risk it exploding in your suitcase?
Electronics & Travel Docs– pack your ID/Passport, charging cords, laptop, in compartmentalized bags in your personal item.
Don’t leave home with an overstuffed bag, save a little room for unique purchases. Bring a few empty ziplocks – lifesavers when traveling to store cosmetics, cords, laundry, snacks…
Print this Travel Packing Checklist for your Luxury Vacation:
