Top 5 Packing Tips by Trip Whisperer

When you travel a lot for work and pleasure, you develop a packing system. I have one for the ‘carry-on only’ me, and ‘I have special events, season changes, and winter season, me.’

Here are my top packing tips, so you’re prepared for either type of traveler and occasion:

1.Organization

Look at the itinerary and planned activities that require a certain dress code or activity requiring special shoes like hiking. Go through your day-to-day to count how many essential outfits and pieces to be layered/re-worn. Select the color tones and style of the shoes that will maximize their wear time, since shoes (especially boots) always take up room and add weight.

Get packing cubes to section out your items as well as keep them tight, and unwrinkled by rolling items first, and include a collapsable bag to use for dirty laundry or room for the inevitable souvenirs, or items you purchase. If you have a bag separated for dirty, you can drop it straight into the washer when you’re home.

2. Essential Items in Carry On

Pack one change of clothes in your carry-on luggage, essential medicines, makeup, toiletries (under 3 oz), and any valuable jewelry. For a flight, consider your entertainment like Kindle, Netflix, and music to download in advance. I like to have a pair of soft, cozy socks with me, so I can take a break from shoes but not be barefoot.

Hot Tip: I have a whole drawer at home with 3-ounce travel items that I always replenish at Target or my local CVS. One of the items most people forget is travel-sized sunscreen! I’m fair-skinned so it’s something I have on me at all times. If you’re just showing up somewhere warm, you won’t have time to hit the shop before the sun hits in many Caribbean or desert destinations.

3. Clothing Options

Have classic items in your wardrobe. I call these capsule pieces. These include clothes where the colors are neutral and can match nearly anything, great layer items, worn again, and comfortable clothes. I like to wear a thin long-sleeved black shirt (Tahari) over my shoulders or a thin sweater, which looks chic and practical when you might need another layer.

Dress-Up Tips for Women: If you want to dress up an outfit, pack a scarf to elevate the look of an outfit. Statement earrings or pieces of jewelry can dress up those classic capsule pieces. Another is to bring a fancy clutch bag. They’re small and will add to an outfit if you have a special night out. I have a whole collection of vintage clutches that I tuck a few in my luggage that will match a few pieces.

4. Layers & Maximize Your Wardrobe

We all know the cabins of planes can be chilly and the temperature will change throughout your journey to the destination. Make sure what you wear can be something you can be comfortable in should there be delays and extended travel time. If you’re trying to go carry-on only in a cooler season, try to wear your boots that might take up the most room and layers/jackets to then tuck up in the overhead bin.

5. Bag Type Matters

Bag Tetris

Go with black or scuff-proof material. A soft side will help you expand within the size requirements and you will be able to squeeze better in overhead bins or in a shared car/taxi when traveling with several people. Be mindful of that when you’re booking a car in Europe or certain car services that charge by bag and will upgrade your vehicle to fit you, which can get expensive.

My favorite bag brand is Bric’s, an Italian designer shared with US News & World Report, and their black nylon X-Collection with leather trim is so chic. Make sure the carry-on has wheels and the purse or bag has a ‘trolley sleeve’ to slide it onto the carry-on with wheels. That will free up your hands and weigh less on you if you have a long walk to the gate. Typically, I use my allotted purse item with a backpack (Day Owl), which fits more, and tuck a purse(s) in with the luggage. I use my Mark & Graham Envelope purse to house all my money, sunglasses, passport, chapstick, which slides in and out of my Day Owl easily. I used the top little zipper pouch to keep my boarding pass and license sometimes, so I don’t have to keep opening my bag.

Once you have your system down, it will feel like a breeze through security and you look like a pro! Safe travels and don’t overpay for checked bags by earning status, get an airline card or check the carrier’s policies in advance on long-haul flights.