Pack Lighter, Travel Better
I vow to pack lighter.
This year we're taking several week-long trips, and I will NOT pay to check luggage. That money will be spent elsewhere! Therefore, I must figure this packing dilemma out now. There are strategies, and with no children in tow, two coots should be able to manage for this is not rocket science.
Here's the best suggestions we've discovered and ones we are implementing. Here we go:
This year we're taking several week-long trips, and I will NOT pay to check luggage. That money will be spent elsewhere! Therefore, I must figure this packing dilemma out now. There are strategies, and with no children in tow, two coots should be able to manage for this is not rocket science.
Here's the best suggestions we've discovered and ones we are implementing. Here we go:
This is what happens when you don't pack an extra duffle. You buy a quickie cheap purple suitcase from a sidewalk vendor to get the goodies home!
Not a good look. And that plastic bag - the bane of my existence.
1. The Bag
A 360 roller for sure. Last year, Len and I purchased two bags - carry-on size, and vowed these will be all we will ever need. A great sale at TJMAXX, and we have identical bags that scream Two Coots. Plus, with our J.R. Tolkien luggage tag, we have permission to wander as much as we like.
Make sure you pack an extra roomy duffel for souvenirs. (We have the duffel from LL Bean - great!) If you need extra room on the return, you'll have it just in case - and if you must, you can check one.
From bad experiences comes our best advice: just in case, get an RFID wallet or sleeve to protect your credit cards. You think you won't need it - YEAH, you will. We figured that out about six credit cards ago.
Make sure you pack an extra roomy duffel for souvenirs. (We have the duffel from LL Bean - great!) If you need extra room on the return, you'll have it just in case - and if you must, you can check one.
From bad experiences comes our best advice: just in case, get an RFID wallet or sleeve to protect your credit cards. You think you won't need it - YEAH, you will. We figured that out about six credit cards ago.
2. The Clothes
Choose a color palette and layer, layer, layer. Mine (shocker!) is black, white and cream. We're upping our game this year and trying packing organizers/compression cubes by Eagle Creek. Roll your clothes. . . . it's the only way.
3. The Shoes
I don't need what I think I will need. I always have a pair of flip-flops in a zippered pouch in my suitcase for hotel rooms. I have a great walking pair of shoes that can double as dressy if needed (Jambu rocks - these are probably the most amazing shoes I have ever discovered) and I wear my heaviest and most cumbersome pair of shoes to pack on the plane.
4. The Makeup
Necessities only. One of each. I have a flat hanger that goes on the hook of the bathroom door. No need to ever unpack and it's all within reach.
5. The Toiletries
Medications are a must. One for each day - plus vitamins if you're a believer like us. Try this cool (and flat) AM/PM case from TravelSmith. Meds or Vitamins, it's perfect and it's the perfect size for two people. Always carry a small bottle of aspirin. It works on most anything. Take only one of anything. There will always be a store within reach and if not, you'll survive.
Samples - I grab them where ever I go and save them for travel. I love L'occitane and get multiple samples every time I order. Rip samples from magazines. Pick them up at cosmetic counters. Perfect for airline travel.
Samples - I grab them where ever I go and save them for travel. I love L'occitane and get multiple samples every time I order. Rip samples from magazines. Pick them up at cosmetic counters. Perfect for airline travel.
6. The Jewelry
I've learned from toting everything I have that I need nothing. I wear my usual pearl earrings (which by the way speaks volumes to hotel/air personnel when requesting upgrades - I was shocked to learn this), a watch and maybe a string of pearls and that's it. From day to night to everywhere in between, I'm ready. Plus when you're on tours, you sweat; sweat and jewelry do not go together.
7. The Day Gear
I have fallen in love with this bag: Cuyana leather tote. Traveling through airports and train stations, I use a small cross body ( just big enough for credit cards, passports, a little money), but once at my destination, I need a little more during the day. The leather tote rolls up in my suitcase taking up little room, and it's big enough even for my DLSR if I need it to be. Inside, a wallet, blistex, sunglasses, writer's notebook and pen, my Canon . . . . , and if abroad, copies of my passport and ID.
8. The Technology
This is where traveling becomes sketchy. With camera gear, it's a loaded answer. For international travel, we love our Think Tank International V2.0 Rolling Camera Bag. We keep everything stored in this even when we're not traveling. In addition, we always carry a sling bag for moving around with ease.
In addition to camera equipment inside, we put our phone and tablet chargers, an extension cord, a headlamp, anything technical or electronic. It's always in THIS bag.
In addition to camera equipment inside, we put our phone and tablet chargers, an extension cord, a headlamp, anything technical or electronic. It's always in THIS bag.
It's Two Coots hard-learned lessons from the field. If you have any you'd like to add, we'd love to hear them.
Traveling is definitely a process which continues to evolve.
Look for more ideas in future posts.
Traveling is definitely a process which continues to evolve.
Look for more ideas in future posts.
