Whoa. Hi there! Nice to see you again. Sorry I missed a couple days ... I've been traveling a LOT, like, three-cities-in-three-days-lot, which accounts for my recent absence. (And for this post, a packing how-to.)
First off, a disclaimer. There is, of course, more than one way to pack for a trip, and more than one kind of trip. These instructions will be of no use to you if you are planning a six-month scientific expedition to the Arctic or the Amazon, have to attend four black-tie balls in five days, or have a lady's maid or valet. (if you have a lady's maid and are packing your own suitcase/valise/trunk ... why do you have a lady's maid?). These instructions are really only good for fairly boring businessy-type trips, or short vacationy-type trips. But, that said:
1. The first rule of packing is to know your own strength. If you are planning to carry on a bag and cannot lift it above your head, you should not be carrying on that particular bag. (Obviously, if you are disabled and know you will have help in any case, this doesn't apply to you.) But packing more than you can lift is a recipe for disaster and will cause irritation to all your fellow travelers. In a similar vein, if you cannot drag your suitcase without it toppling over, you might want to rethink that eighth pair of shoes. Not only will your transit to the check-in line be wobbly and fairly ridiculous, the airline WILL charge you for the overweight.
2. The second rule of packing is to know your own style. This, of course, is something you should know for your whole life, not just for traveling, but you should especially know it for traveling. I hate and despise those traveling clothes that strip every last ounce of your personality from you in the service of being "easy to pack". (That dress in the link doesn't even have pockets! How is that travel-friendly?) When you travel, you should look like a concentrated version of yourself, in that your clothes are the ones in which you feel most like you. You'll be out of your natural element, so you can't rely on environmental clues to give folks an idea of what you're like.
For me, this means I usually pack a lot of dresses (duh), bright cardigans to wear over them, and, for the airport, A-line skirts with pockets.
Wearing the same thing every day (and/or washing things in hotel bathrooms) is not worth it. If you wash something, it never dries (and who wants to spend their time doing laundry on a trip?), and if you plan to wear something every day someone spills something sticky or stinky on you. Better to just pack an extra dress.
3. In my opinion, jeans are overrated. Unless this conflicts with Rule 2 for you (in that jeans are the clothing in which you feel most like yourself), ditch the jeans. First off, jeans are boring. I don't care how designery they are, or what unique combo of leg width-wash-waist level you've chosen, they are, in the end (and on your end), just a pair of jeans. My other beef with jeans is that they often act as an (overused) safety net. How often do people pack a week's worth of clothes but then end up wearing jeans every day? Travel should be broadening! (And, I hate to say this, but if you're going to a major metropolitan area, wearing something OTHER than jeans and sneakers will help you not look like a tourist, if that is a goal for you.)
4. Check the weather. Seriously. You'd be surprised how many people just assume the weather where they are going is just like the weather where they are. (You can't assume, for instance, that San Francisco in June is going to be warm.) There's this thing called the Internet, and a large part of it is just weather forecasts. I also understand there is an entire cable television channel devoted to the weather. Don't just check the forecast -- check the average highs and average lows, too. And, on top of that, bring a sweater. Just in case.
5. Make a list. In fact, make several lists. I like to print out a calendar page (you can do this from Google Calendar pretty easily) and write down, for each day, what I'm planning to do, which then guides what I'm going to wear. A day spent in meetings will have a different wardrobe than a day spent traveling, sightseeing, or working in a hotel room. Pack the list! If you're traveling for more than a few days it's easy to forget what you were planning to wear when. Make the list very detailed, right down to your underwear. If the dress needs a slip, write "slip" on the list.
Make another list of things that you need that aren't clothes. I like to bring my vitamins (in an old-lady case
), Emergen-C, a stretchy exercise band (to help me counteract bad office chairs), a little sewing kit, etc. If you travel a lot save your "extras" list and print out a new copy for every trip. Why remember more than you have to?
Do the same thing for toiletries -- there's no percentage in taking up mental space remembering whether you packed a toothbrush or not. Make a list and check "toothbrush" off it. If you travel more than once a month, keep a toiletry set all packed and ready to go. (When you come home from a trip, replenish it right away.) I like to keep two sets packed: one in a quart ziplock bag for carry-ons, and a larger one for when I check baggage.
If it's a work trip, you should also have a work checklist: laptop power supply, charger for phone, ethernet cable, etc., etc.
6. Use packing cubes. I know they seem gimmicky, but they are so useful. First of all, they make life easier for the TSA, and you really don't want to piss them off. Which would you rather have a stranger do: pick up your nicely-packed cube and peer under it, or rummage through a suitcase full of loose clothes, possibly dumping them on the floor? I've seen that happen, and it's ugly.
7. Shoes. Here's my rule for shoes: For any trip longer than three days, you need two pairs of shoes, but no more than three. (Four, maybe, if you have to bring a pair of fancy shoes for a party.) Two pairs is so that if your shoes get wet, or cause a blister (which they shouldn't because you have also packed an anti-blister stick to use on your feet), you have a pair to switch off to.
Also, if you bring the bare minimum of shoes and develop a sudden need for another pair, you now have an excuse to go shoe-shopping.
I don't have to say again that you shouldn't be wearing flip-flops in the airport, right?
You should not be bringing more handbags than you bring pairs of shoes, unless you are Judith Leiber.
8. Miscellaneous suggestions:
-- if you haven't worn the thing you are going to pack in more than a month, try it on before it goes in the suitcase.
-- always bring one more pair of underwear and socks than you think you will need.
-- don't stress about wrinkles. Most hotels have fairly decent irons and ironing boards, and it takes less time to press something than it does to worry about what's going to wrinkle and what's not. I can usually iron everything I've packed in less than half an hour, while watching the hotel television (and there's always an episode of Law and Order playing in every hotel room, everywhere, at every hour of the day or night).
-- shoe bags are nice. I'm just saying.
-- special travel pillows, special travel alarm clocks, special travel hair dryers -- all overrated. Unless you have a serious princess-and-the-pea sensitivity, you'll get along just fine with whatever's at your destination. (I don't get travel candles at all. Raise your hand if you think it's a good idea to light small smelly fires in a hotel room.)
-- think: what would be the most inconvenient and irritating thing to have find in the city where you're going, on the trip you're planning? ("sanitary" supplies? A spare power supply for your laptop? Your special moisturizer? ) Bring extra of that.
-- if there's any chance that you will be getting in late, make sure your toothbrush, face wash, and pajamas are the easiest things to find in your suitcase.
My suitcase from trip before last:
I know I haven't said anything about rolling vs. folding, or how to cram your socks into your shoes to save space, compression bags, etc. I find I rarely need to do any of that stuff. I put the clothes in the cubes, put the cubes in the bag, take one last look at my lists, and go to sleep early enough that I can wake up in time to make my flight in the morning.
Have a good trip! Send me a postcard.
First off, a disclaimer. There is, of course, more than one way to pack for a trip, and more than one kind of trip. These instructions will be of no use to you if you are planning a six-month scientific expedition to the Arctic or the Amazon, have to attend four black-tie balls in five days, or have a lady's maid or valet. (if you have a lady's maid and are packing your own suitcase/valise/trunk ... why do you have a lady's maid?). These instructions are really only good for fairly boring businessy-type trips, or short vacationy-type trips. But, that said:
1. The first rule of packing is to know your own strength. If you are planning to carry on a bag and cannot lift it above your head, you should not be carrying on that particular bag. (Obviously, if you are disabled and know you will have help in any case, this doesn't apply to you.) But packing more than you can lift is a recipe for disaster and will cause irritation to all your fellow travelers. In a similar vein, if you cannot drag your suitcase without it toppling over, you might want to rethink that eighth pair of shoes. Not only will your transit to the check-in line be wobbly and fairly ridiculous, the airline WILL charge you for the overweight.
2. The second rule of packing is to know your own style. This, of course, is something you should know for your whole life, not just for traveling, but you should especially know it for traveling. I hate and despise those traveling clothes that strip every last ounce of your personality from you in the service of being "easy to pack". (That dress in the link doesn't even have pockets! How is that travel-friendly?) When you travel, you should look like a concentrated version of yourself, in that your clothes are the ones in which you feel most like you. You'll be out of your natural element, so you can't rely on environmental clues to give folks an idea of what you're like.
For me, this means I usually pack a lot of dresses (duh), bright cardigans to wear over them, and, for the airport, A-line skirts with pockets.
Wearing the same thing every day (and/or washing things in hotel bathrooms) is not worth it. If you wash something, it never dries (and who wants to spend their time doing laundry on a trip?), and if you plan to wear something every day someone spills something sticky or stinky on you. Better to just pack an extra dress.
3. In my opinion, jeans are overrated. Unless this conflicts with Rule 2 for you (in that jeans are the clothing in which you feel most like yourself), ditch the jeans. First off, jeans are boring. I don't care how designery they are, or what unique combo of leg width-wash-waist level you've chosen, they are, in the end (and on your end), just a pair of jeans. My other beef with jeans is that they often act as an (overused) safety net. How often do people pack a week's worth of clothes but then end up wearing jeans every day? Travel should be broadening! (And, I hate to say this, but if you're going to a major metropolitan area, wearing something OTHER than jeans and sneakers will help you not look like a tourist, if that is a goal for you.)
4. Check the weather. Seriously. You'd be surprised how many people just assume the weather where they are going is just like the weather where they are. (You can't assume, for instance, that San Francisco in June is going to be warm.) There's this thing called the Internet, and a large part of it is just weather forecasts. I also understand there is an entire cable television channel devoted to the weather. Don't just check the forecast -- check the average highs and average lows, too. And, on top of that, bring a sweater. Just in case.
5. Make a list. In fact, make several lists. I like to print out a calendar page (you can do this from Google Calendar pretty easily) and write down, for each day, what I'm planning to do, which then guides what I'm going to wear. A day spent in meetings will have a different wardrobe than a day spent traveling, sightseeing, or working in a hotel room. Pack the list! If you're traveling for more than a few days it's easy to forget what you were planning to wear when. Make the list very detailed, right down to your underwear. If the dress needs a slip, write "slip" on the list.
Make another list of things that you need that aren't clothes. I like to bring my vitamins (in an old-lady case
), Emergen-C, a stretchy exercise band (to help me counteract bad office chairs), a little sewing kit, etc. If you travel a lot save your "extras" list and print out a new copy for every trip. Why remember more than you have to?Do the same thing for toiletries -- there's no percentage in taking up mental space remembering whether you packed a toothbrush or not. Make a list and check "toothbrush" off it. If you travel more than once a month, keep a toiletry set all packed and ready to go. (When you come home from a trip, replenish it right away.) I like to keep two sets packed: one in a quart ziplock bag for carry-ons, and a larger one for when I check baggage.
If it's a work trip, you should also have a work checklist: laptop power supply, charger for phone, ethernet cable, etc., etc.
6. Use packing cubes
. I know they seem gimmicky, but they are so useful. First of all, they make life easier for the TSA, and you really don't want to piss them off. Which would you rather have a stranger do: pick up your nicely-packed cube and peer under it, or rummage through a suitcase full of loose clothes, possibly dumping them on the floor? I've seen that happen, and it's ugly. 7. Shoes. Here's my rule for shoes: For any trip longer than three days, you need two pairs of shoes, but no more than three. (Four, maybe, if you have to bring a pair of fancy shoes for a party.) Two pairs is so that if your shoes get wet, or cause a blister (which they shouldn't because you have also packed an anti-blister stick
to use on your feet), you have a pair to switch off to.Also, if you bring the bare minimum of shoes and develop a sudden need for another pair, you now have an excuse to go shoe-shopping.
I don't have to say again that you shouldn't be wearing flip-flops in the airport, right?
You should not be bringing more handbags than you bring pairs of shoes, unless you are Judith Leiber.
8. Miscellaneous suggestions:
-- if you haven't worn the thing you are going to pack in more than a month, try it on before it goes in the suitcase.
-- always bring one more pair of underwear and socks than you think you will need.
-- don't stress about wrinkles. Most hotels have fairly decent irons and ironing boards, and it takes less time to press something than it does to worry about what's going to wrinkle and what's not. I can usually iron everything I've packed in less than half an hour, while watching the hotel television (and there's always an episode of Law and Order playing in every hotel room, everywhere, at every hour of the day or night).
-- shoe bags are nice. I'm just saying.
-- special travel pillows, special travel alarm clocks, special travel hair dryers -- all overrated. Unless you have a serious princess-and-the-pea sensitivity, you'll get along just fine with whatever's at your destination. (I don't get travel candles at all. Raise your hand if you think it's a good idea to light small smelly fires in a hotel room.)
-- think: what would be the most inconvenient and irritating thing to have find in the city where you're going, on the trip you're planning? ("sanitary" supplies? A spare power supply for your laptop? Your special moisturizer? ) Bring extra of that.
-- if there's any chance that you will be getting in late, make sure your toothbrush, face wash, and pajamas are the easiest things to find in your suitcase.
My suitcase from trip before last:
I know I haven't said anything about rolling vs. folding, or how to cram your socks into your shoes to save space, compression bags, etc. I find I rarely need to do any of that stuff. I put the clothes in the cubes, put the cubes in the bag, take one last look at my lists, and go to sleep early enough that I can wake up in time to make my flight in the morning.
Have a good trip! Send me a postcard.
i too make lists of outfits before i go to see how far i can (not literally) stretch what i'm taking.i love being able to say that i have worn everything i brought.
Posted by: sdn | 06/09/2008 at 11:19 AM
This is invaluable, Erin, and I'm going to show it to my daughter when she gets home. We had drama last week about her (17yo) having to fly to Canada with only a carryon bag. Oye.It wasn't pretty. This would've saved us some arguments, especially because she's a compulsive list maker. Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa @ the Vintage Fashion Library | 06/09/2008 at 11:25 AM
I also like to pick one color theme for the trip (assuming it's a trip of not more than three or four days) and stick with that, so that everything can go together--it goes with the "only bringing two or maybe three pairs of shoes" rule. That way just in case you spill something all over your pants the first day, or you realize that you're bloated and only the one skirt really feels comfy, or it's FREEZING in the meeting room and you must wear that sweater every day, you can really mix and match much more easily.
Posted by: meara | 06/09/2008 at 11:52 AM
Oh, Erin. You are a treasure. This made me laugh:Raise your hand if you think it's a good idea to light small smelly fires in a hotel roomAnd I'm sick at home today with either the beginning of a nasty head cold or some truly dreadful allergies. In either case, making me even crack a smile is a major accomplishment. *applauds you*--Lydia
Posted by: Lydia | 06/09/2008 at 12:01 PM
What are "packing cubes"?
Posted by: Kathleen | 06/09/2008 at 12:02 PM
For some reason all of the Amazon links above are not working. No idea why.Packing cubes are little zippered mesh cases. Very handy, and a set of three runs about $20.
Posted by: Erin | 06/09/2008 at 12:17 PM
It's slightly paranoid, but I always wear natural fiber pants (jeans usuallly) and sturdy shoes on the plane so I can easily escape incase of a crash (the sliding off the runway kind, not the plane falling from the sky kind.)I totally agree with Meara's color coordinating idea. Neutral bottoms make that pretty easy.
Posted by: vespabelle | 06/09/2008 at 12:19 PM
I save all the zippered plastic bags that bedding comes in. Sheet bags are often perfect for packing one day's outfit. Pillowcase bags for sundries. They are see-thru, free, reusable and fit perfectly into my luggage. An extra is handy for anything damp.
Posted by: becky | 06/09/2008 at 12:28 PM
No only entertaining but also useful!We may have to keep you.
Posted by: NoGrandmother | 06/09/2008 at 12:35 PM
I have a small (60" x 60") down filled microfiber throw that I fold in 4ths and then roll tightly and secure with stretchy headbands (need those too) stowed in my carry-on for the plane or wherever. So good to have your own blanky! Also, I have a small heart shaped pillow that is stuffed pretty firmly and has a button tuft in the center.....upside down, the v is a great place to put your neck and then your ear in the depression of the tuft and your hairstyle will last. When I'm traveling, I always sleep on my heart!
Posted by: b | 06/09/2008 at 01:13 PM
Must be Amazon is having problems. All the links were working around 10am (MT) when I was looking at them.
Posted by: Jessica | 06/09/2008 at 01:14 PM
I don't mind doing laundry during a trip. It needs to be Real Laundry tho, with suitable arrangements for drying clothes (line dry is fine).Otherwise, I use a very similar packing style. My partner and I can go on week long family visits with all our things in 1 carry on size bag. For longer trips, we prefer 2 bags. More bags means more space for airplane reading...
Posted by: Emily | 06/09/2008 at 01:21 PM
Cripes Baloney! I was trying to avoid thinking about posting my 13-year-old son by plane to Germany in about a month's time for a language exchange, and now you write THIS!I'm not so much worried about his packing (let's face it, I'll be doing it - though there is the mess that will be posing as the homeward bag ten days later - euch!) but his managing to do the airport/airplane/airport segue without losing his passport, wallet and cool - can you buy instant travel nous, street savvy and good quality common sense anywhere on Amazon? And when do you stop worrying as a mother? I was thinking maybe 'When their feet are bigger than yours' might be a useful rule of thumb, or 'When they can beat you in an arm-wrestle'. But we've moved past both those staging posts now. Help!
Posted by: Eirlys | 06/09/2008 at 01:22 PM
I take skirts for the exact number of days we will be gone. I take tops for that number plus one, along with a top of the "opposite" season, so, one long sleeved top with the short sleeved ones in summer. Wear the cardigan or jacket. One pair ballet flats, 2 pair heels; the flats are an absolute must have on return red eye flights. I dump all liquids and pastes on the way back, so I don't have to fool around with TSA to get the midget toothpaste back through security. I'm with you on the lists; my household laughs, but no one ever forgets anything with Mom's checklists. Oh, yes, and I packed for hubby and me in a small rolly suitcase for 4 days. He thought I was nuts to try, until it was closed.
Posted by: Marjie | 06/09/2008 at 01:33 PM
I would totally send you a postcard if I knew your PO Box number!
Posted by: Nadine | 06/09/2008 at 02:19 PM
I've been a rather careless packer recently, because I travel every week to university and back, and generally pack the same things all the time...But I still have some experience from all my holiday camp travels and similar events.Having toothpaste and toothbrush and pyjama in an easily reachable place is vital. Not just when you're going to arrive late. Every time. Believe me.When travelling abroad, I usually carry a small purse I've woven in art class - the point of it is, it's exactly the right size for my money purse and passport (and tickets and other similar things), so I always have them at hand.This might sound silly, but I usually carry with me my groundhog softie puppet that serves perfectly as a pillow... I wouldn't carry a special pillow, unless it's travel by bus - that can get VERY uncomfortable. Last time I travelled by bus I was really glad my friends lended me a pillow.Undergarment (socks in particular) rule is also important. When I go somewhere where I'm likely to get wet or dirty, I take more than one pair in addition. Usually two.As to shoe bags, I simply put my shoes to those plastic bags you always end up getting in stores, no matter how hard you try to tell them you have your own... Of course, it's not the best option for stilettos, but I don't wear those. :-)Because I usually travel by train, I generally prefer backpacks to suitcases. Suitcases are quite impractical when you climb into the carriages. Moreover, backpacks have the awesome pockets on the outside, where you can put all those little things that you'll need to have at hand. But that's really only a railway travel guideline.Heh, I sound like a know-all-understand-all-don't-tell-me-anything kind of person. That wasn't intended.
Posted by: Hana | 06/09/2008 at 02:26 PM
Eirlys - no sparks of brilliance from this end, just some encouragement - I think as a 13-year-old I was a better traveler than I am now simply because I was terrified of looking like a kid so I tried so hard to be on top of everything. S'long as all his ID is tucked somewhere easily available yet not pick-pocketable (back pocket is out) he should be fine. Good luck telling him all that stuff though!And I love this list. I'm a light packer and so many people just can't believe you can travel with anything smaller than a steamtrunk. For a weekend trip. My current record is managing a 8-day cruise and Disney World trip in a backpack. Skirts were my friends (nice enough for cruise, cool enough for park, and pack well) and two pairs of shoes got me where I needed to go. Everything was folded then rolled to fit in as tightly as possible. Ziplock bags held the undies and socks (I pack by type rather than day). I'd much rather fit a lot in and then spend a little time ironing then pack loosely and still probably iron. The one downside to packing tight? EVERY TIME I pack especially tight I win the extra-security check lottery. And because my suitcase packs from the top, it means pulling EVERYTHING out. Sigh. Last time the TSA person (who was, btw, very nice) called over her friends to see how much I'd stuffed into a little bag. Thanks??
Posted by: Alicia | 06/09/2008 at 02:42 PM
Eirlys: Sorry to tell you, but I think you never stop worrying (at least I don't - & my daughter's 21 & in England for the summer.) I've also started worrying about my mother lately. Which brings me to my retentive packing tip: I usually copy my list & add to suitcase so I can check it for homeward travel.Thanks, Erin - I must look for packing cubes (never noticed them before...)
Posted by: Kathleen | 06/09/2008 at 02:47 PM
Although I do make lists, I am very much a more casual dresser when traveling. My vacations are usually a good part adventure vacation - 15 hr flights, teeny tiny boats; trekking to tribes, backpacking everywhere, sleeping on couches, floors, etc. I need clothes that can take a beating and be respectful to different cultural values. I do usually carry 1 kaki coloured pant, 1 button down, and a wrap skirt to pull over my pants if needed. I do laundry - it's either that or have the whole backpack smell like you wouldn't believe!! 3 pairs of shoes - no matter how long. 1 hiking boot, 1 day shoe and 1 slip on for the plane and showers.If I stayed in cities, I would probably bring more me clothes. I just can't make pretty fun me dresses and then have them get thrashed in the mud. 8 )
Posted by: CatMacGregor | 06/09/2008 at 02:48 PM
Wow, this is great Erin as well as all of you who commented. I don't travel much and so when I do, I take waaay to much.The least useful thing I ever packed was a flashlight for a camping trip in Alaska in July.This summer I have a trip to Europe that includes a very formal wedding in Paris, France (Islamic couple) and two weeks of renovating a building into a Buddhist prayer center in England. If anyone has lists of what I should pack I'd love to see it!Annie
Posted by: Anonymous | 06/09/2008 at 02:49 PM
When checking bags, I always take one change of underwear in my carry-on. Simply priceless if you get stranded without your luggage.I also always pack everything in ziplocs (especially the 2.5 gallon ones, if you can find them). Ziplocs are waterproof, so your clothes remain dry in case your bags get wet.Also, tuck a clean copy of your packing list into your suitcase so that you can verify that everything you packed gets re-packed.
Posted by: Lady Miss Alicia | 06/09/2008 at 03:02 PM
Good advice, I am a notorious over-packer which creates for needlessly heavy and overstuffed suitcases.
Posted by: BonVivant | 06/09/2008 at 03:21 PM
Travel clothes without pockets are unpardonable. You need pockets. Nice, deep, secure pockets.I always roll stuff up--socks and underwear per day, rolled inside the dress or shirt I plan to wear that day, so even if I have to find my clothes in the dark, whatever I pull out will match.The weather thing is important, too--I had a friend visit in October, from somewhere in the upper Midwest. I live in South Texas. All she packed were heavy fall clothes and, when she got here, it was 90+ degrees and 90+ percent humidity. I didn't think to say anything because she's an experienced traveler and I thought she'd check. Oops.
Posted by: Latter-Day Flapper | 06/09/2008 at 03:26 PM
Great tips, Erin! For myself, I just bought a box of the extra large ziplock bags and packed each outfit in that and squeezed the air out. Then when you are done wearing, you can put your dirty laundry back in there.Also...if you have a black bag like every other human, I clear taped brightly colored paper around the handle. That way if they try to grab it off the baggage carrier it obviously isn't theirs. That's how Northwest found my bag after they ripped off the tags in transit and it got lost.
Posted by: Stacy | 06/09/2008 at 03:42 PM
I love small smelly fires! Especially in hotel rooms -- the last couple of times I traveled I bought scented candles and found they made my hotel room feel less institutional and more "mine".Other than that, thanks for pointing out packing cubes -- i'd never heard of them, but I'll get some before my next big trip.
Posted by: NK | 06/09/2008 at 03:51 PM