When I traveled with my parents as a child, I’d pack for every contingency possible. Every time they thought they were ready to hit the road, I had go back to the house and get something else. Clearly, traveling with me wasn’t easy in the least. Although I am no way near the way I was as a child, I’d like to say that I instantly learned how to travel light once I got older. However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned that simplicity is the key to an enjoyable traveling experience.
Not only is traveling light the key to an enjoyable traveling experience, but it enables one to have more freedom and comfort. There’s hardly anything worse than bogging yourself down with a mountain of luggage! That’s why my preferable choice of luggage is a small, yet spacious carry-on. Navigating the airports and hotels with my carry-on is now much more a simpler and comfortable experience for me. I also don’t have to be concerned with checked baggage fees, because all I usually have is my carry-on and a personal item, such as a handbag or camera bag that can double as a handbag.
How to Pack Like a Traveling Pro
1. I always bring at least one or two lightweight, yet spacious tote bags. I use one for souvenirs, while the other one is used to separate clothes that’re to be laundered from the clothes that are clean.
2. I get cold easily, especially at restaurants, so packing a jacket is a must for me.
3. I carefully and tightly roll my clothes instead of folding to them to create more space in my luggage, while staying organized. It also helps keep my clothes wrinkle free!
4. I’ll admit that I have a penchant for fun, vibrant patterns in clothes, yet sticking to the basic color schemes, especially in separates, will enable endless outfit possibilities. This will also help you pack fewer items.
5. Wear your heaviest items (i.e. sweaters, jeans, boots, and coats) for departure for lighter luggage.
6. I like to give my luggage a once-over at least a week before leaving for my trip. I make sure that I have everything that I need. I also remove anything that I may deem unnecessary, especially if there is something that doesn’t coordinate well with the other pieces that I have.
7. Although I do want to look my best, I also want to feel comfortable while traveling since I know that I’ll probably be doing a lot of walking. Therefore, I always leave my heels at home. My go-to traveling shoes are Tieks ballet flats. Much as I love ballet flats, I couldn’t justify the price for awhile since I didn’t have any prior history with this particular brand. However, travel bloggers have raved and raved about Tieks by Gavrieli Ballet Flats for the past few years. After heavy, heavy thought and consideration, I finally caved in and bought the Tieks Ballet Flats in Cardinal Red ($175). They may be pricey, but they’re well worth every cent! Also, I always bring a second pair of shoes, just in case.
8. I normally keep all of my liquids in a Ziploc sandwich bag, but I do love the idea of the Cinda B Flight Friendly Travel Pouch ($20) since they seem to be much sturdier. To ensure extra protection, I always wrap the top of the bottle in plastic cling wrap and put the top back on. This helps me avoid spillage.
9. I always wear nice costume jewelry, such as Amrita Singh, while traveling. I also place my bijouterie in the Cristina V. Jewelry Travel Roll ($168). The size of this jewelry roll is perfectly sized for a handbag, tote, or carry-on luggage, as it is lightweight and compact. The square compartments (each 2.5 cubed inches) are reserved for the pieces that matter the most. The jewelry roll folds into a roll easily and has a Velcro closure that will give your precious gems the utmost security.
You do pack like a champ! I am so bad – I just throw stuff in my suitcase and hope for the best.
I like the tips.. i am not allowed to pack, but if i was i would be able to follow these for sure..
You’re an amazing packer. I do my level best to be neat and geometric when I pack, but it never comes out like your packing. It’s close, though!
Liz Mays recently posted..Dr. Cocoa Makes The Medicine Go Down Easier #DrCocoaReliefWithaSmile
I usually try to travel with only a carry-on bag. I hate waiting for luggage at the corral.
LyndaS recently posted..Flourless Chocolate Cake
I also bring extra tote bags so I can have a smaller bag going around. I need to take note of this tips. I always just cram all my stuff inside my bag.
Franc Ramon recently posted..TYR introduces Carbon Collection for Triathletes
The Carefree product looks so efficient and convenient. I don’t like carrying lots of stuff during travels. If I don’t need extra things like accessories, it would be better to carry bold shirts with prints instead.
I sure could have used this post when I went to cancun in July! I am such a terrible packer!
Thanks for the great tips. I can use them for my vacation next week. I am a horrible packer and always over pack.
I ALWAYS roll my clothes. The amount of space you save is INSANE!
FamiGami recently posted..Sol Republic Tracks Air Headphones Review
Ugg, I do not pack well at all! I need to learn to pack like a pro!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) recently posted..Easy Tomato Side Dish – #glutenfree
Your tips are great, I am going away soon and will keep them in mind. Thanks!
Paola recently posted..Happy Monday!
These are really good tips for packing indeed. I always roll the clothes so you can fit more. Thanks for sharing.
Great packing tips. Your right too, rolling your stuff makes so much more room.
Nolie recently posted..How To Organize Seasonal Clothing Fall Edition ~ Homemaker Monday Link Up
Your plastic wrap over the bottle is a good idea. I usually tape them shut, but I’ll try that next time!
Those are some fantastic tips for traveling! I never thought to wear heavier, bulky clothing so you wouldn’t have to take up space-genius! I also love that jewelry carrier. I have a LOT of jewelry and hate having to travel with it!
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement recently posted..Namaste: 3 Forms of Yoga for a Healthy & Balanced Life #silkproteinpower
I am definitely an over packer. Those are great tips when traveling!
Thanks for these ideas. We don’t travel much but when we do I will have to remember this.
You did a great job. I’m getting better with packing, we still always end up with too much stuff though.
Thanks for sharing these awesome tips. Next time i have to pack i will be using you tips so i can fit more clothes in my suitcase.
Wow! This is the second blog I’ve seen with tips in how to pack. I never knew about the rolling of the clothes, but I love the tip about the jewelry. Now that’s a good one to know! Thanks.
XmasDolly recently posted..Show Off Tuesdays! Give-Aways & Reviews!
I use the packing cubes now when I pack. They are so great to keep everything separated and when you put the dirty clothes they have mesh on them so they don’t smell horrible when you open them up to launder the contents at home 🙂
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) recently posted..Pollo Tropical® Comes to Frisco, TX
I definitely want carefree vacations too! Thanks for the tips
Christie recently posted..Publix Italian Week Through 9-17 + Coupons #FlavorExcursion
Wow, you pack good! My husband would be impressed. He is a good packer like you and is always getting after me. I’ll have to show him your luggage. 🙂
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I need to use these tactics. I need to pack my kids up for Disney this week!
My fiancee travels alot… and these handy tips for packing has given me so much relief. Now I can manage packing just like a pro 🙂
Payal Bansal (TrendsnHealth) recently posted..20 Perfectly timed Photographs of Kids Meeting their Newborn Siblings for the First Time
These are such great tips! You pack like a pro and so organized!
You definitely know how to pack like a pro! With four kids, I definitely have to pack carefully as well, otherwise I’ll be lugging ten bags, for sure!
Karly recently posted..Create & Share DIY and Recipe Party {23}
You have it down pack, I’ve got to get it together…sigh
Raijean recently posted..Swa-Rai Presents Halloween 2014: Nutty Bat Cookies
Those are some great tips. I wish I was as organized when I traveled and I wish I traveled light. I don’t ever.
vanessa: thequeenofswag recently posted..Easy Low Fat Raisin Croissant Recipe!
I’m getting better at packing, but my husband is much better at it than I am. 🙂
Donna recently posted..Crest Sensi-Stop Strips Stops Tooth Sensitivity & a $25 Walmart GC Giveaway @Crest #SensiStopStrips
These are great packing tips, I wish I was that neat. I’m most definitely an over packer.
Leslie recently posted..New York Fashion Week Beauty Lounges
I try to pack well and be organized with everything I’m bringing. Normally, I forget at least one thing. That’s probably slightly on purpose so I’ll have an excuse to go shopping when I travel.
Crystal recently posted..His & Hers Tailgating Essentials
These are great tips! Thanks. I try to do as many of these as I can.
Theresa Gould @ Faith and Family Reviews recently posted..GoodNites* TRU-FIT* Review and Giveaway
Great tip to add plastic wrap to your liquids and then put the top back. I don’t normally roll luggage but did so on my daughter’s last trip and it worked out so much better.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs recently posted..Unaccompanied Minors Program for Children Flying Alone
I always wear my heaviest clothing too. I really want a pair of those ballet flats.
Kathy recently posted..National Preparedness Month and a Twitter Party #PoweringSafety
I’ve never tried to roll my clothes but I’ve heard that it is the best way to keep them from wrinkling.
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