.png)
It can be done. I did it. And you can too!
For this last trip to Italy, the biggest challenge wasn’t deciding how long to stay, which cities to cross of the list, or which restaurants to try to get in to. No, the biggest decision was how much luggage to take. I lived in seven states by the time I was 14 years old, so packing is kind of second nature to me. So, when we decided to each pack for TWO WEEKS in a carry on, it was game on.
I have seen ALL the tricks and tips on the interwebs, the Pinterest posts with images of “How to pack for Europe in the [name your season]” and so on. I have seen the ads and rave reviews for the packing cubes. I have seen all the arguments for folding versus rolling.
Yet I still chose to ignore all of that advice.
Instead, here’s how I tackle packing on any trip, regardless of the length of stay:
How long will I be gone for, and what time of day will I be arriving (am I heading straight to an event when I land or do I have time to head to the hotel and freshen up)?
What is the weather forecast (I check 10 days out and again two days before)?
What will I be doing each day (my travel planning typically includes an itinerary so I know if a day is packed with museum tours or is a “free” day to wander)?
Are there any restaurants or places on my list that I need to be dressed up for? (my first time to Paris I was not allowed in the Sacre Coeur because I didn't have my shoulders covered, sad!)
Where am I staying (hotel versus Airbnb)? Do they have a hairdryer? Laundry service or a washer/dryer?
From there I write out a list based on the number of tops I think I will need, as well as pants and dresses, and other accessories like swim suits or jackets, and after that list is complete I add the shoes I think I will need. Once I have those items listed out, I then pair them up as outfits and associate the outfit with a day. For example, a long green maxi dress with a jean jacket (in case it gets cold), and my go-to travel Veja Wata sneakers makes for the perfect walking around any city outfit. So for this trip, I paired up outfits to the day on the itinerary to make sure I was both prepared and packing enough outfits.
I also make sure to bring items that can be worn multiple times, such as the jean jacket, which can go with just about anything, and the sneakers that are a great go-to pair of shoes that looks as cute with a dress as they do with joggers. While I try to do my best to bring those essential pieces that can be worn a few times, I do struggle with the photo issue – what will people think if I wear the white tank in Rome and again in Florence (quelle horreure).
But it’s always the little things we forget about – will I really need 27 pairs of socks and 19 pairs of underwear on a 10 day trip? Yes. The answer is always yes. If you’re adventurous and go for a hike, boom – there’s a pair of both. Then of course, you will refresh and head to lunch, which requires an outfit change. These are the items that you can overpack for and be fine.
If your hotel and/or Airbnb has a hairdryer, that is one less (bulky) thing to pack! And it’s an added bonus if either offer laundry service or have access to a washer and dryer. Two years ago when we were in Florence, our Airbnb had a washer (no dryer!) and it was such a relief to be able to wash a few essentials. This last trip, our hotel in Positano had laundry service for a reasonable fee, and we gladly took advantage of that.
So what makes the cut in my carry on suitcase versus the carry on tote – this is the fun! Since there is no chance of losing your luggage, you don’t need to worry about that extra outfit in your carry on. Now, your tote can be for your toiletries/makeup/etc along with items you’d like within an arm’s reach for the duration of the flight (extra pair of earbuds, Chapstick, all the snacks) and in the case of a red eye or international flight, I pack a long sleeve tee shirt to change in to after the first in-flight meal.
Speaking of outfits, if done right, your airplane outfit can be the same going to your destination and back. I am a strong believer in dressing comfortably, yet chic for flights, no matter how long they are. This means a good pair of leggings (nothing chincy or sheer here ladies) and a button down shirt and a nice scarf (that can then serve as a blanket for the flight if it gets chilly and your class of service doesn’t have one). I bought this J. Crew cape scarf (currently on sale!) for our last trip and it was perfect for the flights! Plus, I wear my bulkiest shoes for the plane so they don’t take up space in my suitcase.
Other things to consider packing for any trip are the right phone/watch/camera chargers, converters (including adapters for voltage) and no matter what the forecast says – a travel umbrella!
Do you have a list of your favorite things that are a must for traveling?
p.s. I live for my Away "Bigger Carry On". I have it in white and the Magic Eraser works wonders to clean it up after trips!
Comentários