For anyone who knows me, I’m not a minimalist. I might pretend to be on occasion, but in fact I over buy and over pack. So, when it comes to packing, it can be a little overwhelming.
I think about where we’re going, what the weather will be like, the culture, what we’ll be doing and what I need for those occasions. I have yet to be invited onto someone’s private yacht for sunset cocktails, so why I continually pack an ‘outfit to impress’ is beyond me. After a day at the beach, we often don’t even make it back to the room to shower and clean up, but rather indulge in more margaritas, sink our toes in the sand, enjoy live music and food, still dressed in shorts and a damp swimsuit.
The wardrobe of the week for a beach vacation therefore is simpler to pack for. Leave the pretty dresses, heels and nice bags at home. Otherwise, they take up unnecessary space in my luggage never to see the light of day.
Most of us probably only end up wearing half of what we pack. My goal is to finally start packing a little lighter, and truly experience the blissfulness of minimalism. The ease of moving from place to place with less luggage (planes, trains, boats, cars) would instantly remove some of that traveler stress. And with the ever-growing risk of lost luggage, it makes sense. Even if airlines start charging for carry-on luggage you know your items are securely with you.
For the newbies out there like me, I asked three people I know and trust who have successfully travelled with only carry-on to provide their tips and expertise.
Here are some of their ideas:
- Go through the itinerary of your trip day by day, particularly if you are on a scheduled tour – note what you are doing on those days and what is appropriate to pack. You probably don’t want to wear a skirt if you are riding a camel. Write those clothing items down on your itinerary.
- What will you want to wear on the plane to be comfortable? Layers are always a good idea as it can be hot OR cold on planes. You can probably wear that same outfit back home. Always try and wear the bulkier items.
- Ie: sneakers or ankle boots, loose fit jeans or joggers, t-shirt, sweater, denim jacket.
- Keep versatility in mind and double up on the wear of some items – jeans, skirt, sweater, for example.
- Try to pack items that won’t wrinkle too bad.
- Pack more neutrals to mix and match, and one or two pops of colour.
- Two pairs of shoes If you’re wearing sneakers on the plane, pack a dressier shoe that’s still comfortable and a casual pair – i.e., flip flops for going down to the pool; strappy sandals or sneakers in the day or evening depending on what you’re doing.
- 1 hat, 1 scarf that can double as a shawl/blanket, 1 purse, 1 jacket, 1-2 swimsuits.
- For all your toiletries and cosmetics ensure you use travel size (no larger than 100ml for liquids, limited to 1 litre). Pack only what you need in smaller bags. Consider items you can get in non liquid form, i.e.: shampoo bar.
- Think about what you can buy at your destination cheap if you’re over on liquids or space, i.e.: sunscreen. And if you plan on shopping, pack even less and wear new items!
Packing Logistics:
- Roll your items to save space and organize in different size packing cubes.
- Make sure your suitcase is airline regulation to fit in the overhead bin and consider one that is expandable, has spinner wheels and internal compartments.
- Bring a backpack and a purse or tote as your two personal items.
I like specifics when it comes to packing, but it really does come down to personal style and what you have in your closet. There are also so many variations depending on your destination. Is hot and humid? Damp and cool? Urban? Remote? More conservative?
For my first attempt at this for a recent trip to Morocco, it proved challenging. But I managed to get it together in the end. AND I still didn’t wear one of the outfits I packed!
Here is my packing list that I’ve had for years that covers most of the places I travel so I never forget anything. I may still use this for longer getaways or if I’m going somewhere direct and staying put for awhile. And yes, it all fits without being over-weight (always my husband’s concern)!
Below it, is a revised “carry-on” packing list. Customize for your own needs if you like!
Krista’s PACKING LISTWhat are we doing for activities?
What will the weather be like? Culture?
- Passport
- Currency
- Visas and/or health documents
- iPad (pre-download shows for binging on your preferred streaming apps)
- iPod
- Headphones
- Wireless speaker
- Chargers
- Books
- Swimsuits, flip flops, sarong
- Sweater, Hoody, Vest
- Jacket (rain jacket?)
- Sneakers/walking shoes, heels, boots, sandals
- Jeans, shorts, skirts
- Dresses, tops
- Tights/leggings/bandeau
- Underwear, socks
- Sleepwear
- Black, grey or white tank
- Chambray blouse, white blouse
- Bags
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen, bug spray
- Beach bag or cotton tote
- Picnic blanket
- Water shoes
- Scarves, belts
- Flat iron or curling iron
- Golf clubs, snorkel equipment
- Mirror
- Umbrella
- Card games
- Flashlight
- Zip ties
- Ear plugs
- Snacks
- Mini first aid kit – band aids, Imodium, Advil, cold meds
- Soft cooler, frisbee
- Go mug / water bottle
- Electric converter
- Wine opener
- Nuun tabs (boost your electrolytes)
- Dog treats (for all the stray dogs!)
- Coffee (can be hard to find good coffee in some places)
- Personal products – toiletries and cosmetics
Carry-On Packing List (less of everything in smaller bags or packing cubes)
- Passport
- Currency
- Visas and/or health documents
- iPad
- Headphones
- Chargers
- Books
- Swimsuits
- Sweater
- Jacket
- 2 shoes
- Jeans, shorts, skirts
- Dresses, tops
- Underwear, socks
- Sleepwear
- 1 hat, scarf, belt
- 1 Sunglasses
- Jewelry
- Flat iron or curling iron
- Card games
- Flashlight
- Zip ties
- Ear plugs
- Snacks
- Mini first aid kit – bandaids, Imodium, Advil, cold meds
- Electric converter
- Wine opener
- Personal products – toiletries and cosmetics
- LIQUIDS: Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Serum, Eye Cream, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Hairspray, Foundation, Hand Sanitizer
Soon we may not have to worry about limitations with liquids!
The requirement to put liquids into 100-millilitre containers and take electronics out of bags has been a staple of air travel for nearly 16 years. However, at many airports around the world new technology is already in place that will allow that rule to be scrapped, and some are now beginning to drop the ban.
Best of luck packing for your next journey! Email me for any traveler tips.
krista.hopfauf@travelmasters.ca
Krista Hopfauf
Travel Agent
