Simple and practical guide for packing

𝔸re you a trolley, backpack or hybrid traveller ? Regardless, you might want to consider these tips when you will pack for your next trip ... hopefully soon ! ✈

𝔸s a kid, the excitment for me usually started around the time my mother decided it was time to pack.  She had a list for every single type of trip we would embark on: summer holidays, city trips, family gatherings, etc., but despite her obsession with lists, we persistently ended up packing a lot more than what we needed.

Having to carry big pieces of luggage is uncomfortable, come on! And if you think that this does not apply to you because you are travelling by car, consider this: you still need to carry your stuff to your room, don’t you? Hotel rooms, especially if you are on a low/medium budget, keep on shrinking when it comes to size and space available.

1. Pack versatile clothes

Pack clothes that can be easily mixed and matched when it comes to both colors and needs. Blue, grey and claret are my favourite ones, but I could also go for green, ochre and black. Unless you are going to high mountains, cotton clothes are ideal for many types of destinations: they can be worn as single pieces or combined into several layers, in case the weather gets chilly on the way. Bright colors are a big no no: don’t even look at the white clothes in your closet as they could be visibly dirty after just a few hours out. Instead, patterned pieces of clothes are preferable: small stains are less likely to be visible if your t-shirt has flowers on it.

 

2. A large piece of fabric can be your best friend

It can be a scarf, for example. Or a vintage cotton rug you bought second hand. Found a nice piece of grass to rest for a moment? You can turn your piece of fabric into a picnic blanket. Is the aircon too strong in the bus ? Use it to keep you warm. Going to a holy place ? Use it to cover your head and your shoulders.

 

3. A swimming suit, always !

If you are headed to the seaside, that’s probably one of the first items you will think of, along with sunglasses and sunscreen. If you are going to a colder destination, chances are you will find a heated swimming pool, spa or hot spring in the area. Sooo rewarding after a long day out !

 

4. A sewing kit is a big go

Don’t underestimate the power of a tiny sewing kit: it doesn’t take a lot of space and will come in handy if you lose a button on make a small hole in your clothes.

 

5. Make sure you have what makes you feel comfortable

Mentally, above all. While I am a strong advocate of « less is more », I believe that it is crucial to take with you what will make you feel at ease. As an example, I am hunted by the idea of losing my glasses so I usually carry an extra pair.

𝕊o now that you have selected what you want to carry, it’s time to arrange everything in your luggage. First, do a test run and adjust by prioritizing if you realize you have too much stuff (do not fill your luggage 100%: you want to leave some space for souvenirs). Should you realize that you have laid out more than what you can fit in your luggage, here is a tip: leave out all the « just in case » items.

Secondly, and regardless of whether you are using a suitcase, a packpack or a hybrid luggage, arrange your stuff in separate packing cubes - it will be easier for you to quickly find what you need.

Feeling impatient about your next trip? You are not alone 😎