My Top 3 Travel Tips!

While packing for the weekend can be as simple as throwing a pair of jeans and three tops, a pair of heels, and some toiletries in a suitcase, packing for a trip that last a week or more can feel like a nightmare. Instead of waiting until midnight to start packing for a flight that leaves at 6 a.m., or being anxious about not packing the appropriate type of clothing, you can reduce travel stress by following a few tips that have made my traveling life a little lighter and simpler when packing for a long vacation. 

Tip #1: Don't wait until the night before!

You are probably going on vacation to de-stress, right? So why not start de-stressing the week before you travel! Packing can be made simple if you divide and conquer a different part of your wardrobe each day starting a week before you depart. So, one day, pack all your workout clothes and swimsuits, another day pack your day wear, and another day pack your night wear and shoes/socks. That way, you aren't overwhelmed by tackling a few weeks to a months worth of clothes in one night. 

Here are some things I do wait to pack the night before:

  • toiletries
  • carry-on bag
  • hanging garments

 

Tip #2: Research your hotel/ship before you depart.

Check on your hotel's or cruise's website to see what sort of laundry/dry cleaning accommodations there are and how much they cost. Many ships have self-service laundry machines, or next day dry-cleaning. If re-wearing clothing is just not something you like to do, this could be a great way to lighten your travel load, and keep that suitcase below 50 lbs! 

Check the weather for the length of your stay on weather.com, or on your iPhone app, and get a general idea of what the weather will be like. If you are going somewhere with a colder climate, I recommend packing layers. That way, you ca re-wear multiple garments and not waste space on a few thicker items. If you are going somewhere warmer, even tropical, stick to only two bathing suits, two or three cover-ups, a few basic pairs of shorts and t-shirts or sundresses, and maybe only one or two pairs of jeans. (I usually wear my darker jeans on the airplane, and pack my white pair).

 

Tip #3: Take advantage of your carry-on bags!

Most airlines allow one carry-on item and a personal item, meaning a tote bag or small suitcase and a purse. I like to think of my tote bag as my life-saver. When traveling overseas (or anywhere) I always pack an extra change of clothing, some undergarments, a toothbrush/toothpaste and extra contact lenses or glasses in my carry on bag just in case my checked suitcase gets lost or misses a connecting flight-- which I only made by sprinting across the Atlanta airport (another reason to wear your bulky tennis shoes or boots on the plane!)  I also like to pack my own snacks, such as a bag of almonds and an apple, so I don't have to eat lousy airport food. I also bring my own reusable water bottle so I can refill on the run, and save a few extra dollars!

 

Hopefully these tips can make their way into your packing and travel routine. They've made my life so much easier, and I know they can make yours too!

-Mary