My packing depends on how early I start - when I start way ahead of time, I plan outfits, make sure things mix and match, try each outfit on and make sure it works, etc. When it's a last minute rush, I always throw in "just in case" items that I usually don't use. One thing I no longer pack is workout clothes. I realized that when I'm already walking 20K steps a day sightseeing, there is NO WAY I'm going to get up early and go to the hotel gym to do a separate workout! I do pack a set of lounge clothes and always have a pair of slide sandals in my bag. I use the stylebook app to create a packing list and save outfit ideas for the pieces I pack, which is super helpful when I'm halfway around the world and my brain can't remember what I was going to wear :)
Usually when life is exceptionally busy and I don’t have a chunk of time to carve out for packing. But now I keep a travel toiletry bag fully stocked as well as a travel medicine pouch, which cuts down on packing time. And I have so many packing lists in my stylebook app that I can often pull one up that is similar to what I need and just swap out a couple of pieces. I’m “almost” a master packer lol!
Great tips here! I just went on safari and really struggled with what to bring. Partly, because you are limited to one soft bag that weighs no more than 44lbs (small planes). I did lay out everything on my bed and took a picture before packing the bag. I also noted in my journal the few items I didn’t wear and what I wished I had packed. I may never go on safari again, but it was a good exercise. This post was a good reminder to do that for other trips.
I have a backpack (it’s actually a diaper bag backpack because it has loads of compartments including a thermal lined and the slot for a changing pad is great for my iPad ) that I put my must haves such as meds, my expensive jewelry, underwear (yup, forgot that once) toothbrush and paste, extra pair of glasses, fast phone charger. Anything else can’t easily be replaced if it doesn’t make it on the plane.
My packing depends on how early I start - when I start way ahead of time, I plan outfits, make sure things mix and match, try each outfit on and make sure it works, etc. When it's a last minute rush, I always throw in "just in case" items that I usually don't use. One thing I no longer pack is workout clothes. I realized that when I'm already walking 20K steps a day sightseeing, there is NO WAY I'm going to get up early and go to the hotel gym to do a separate workout! I do pack a set of lounge clothes and always have a pair of slide sandals in my bag. I use the stylebook app to create a packing list and save outfit ideas for the pieces I pack, which is super helpful when I'm halfway around the world and my brain can't remember what I was going to wear :)
Sounds like you’re doing well! Do the last minute rushes happen in specific circumstances?
Usually when life is exceptionally busy and I don’t have a chunk of time to carve out for packing. But now I keep a travel toiletry bag fully stocked as well as a travel medicine pouch, which cuts down on packing time. And I have so many packing lists in my stylebook app that I can often pull one up that is similar to what I need and just swap out a couple of pieces. I’m “almost” a master packer lol!
That's great!!!
Great tips here! I just went on safari and really struggled with what to bring. Partly, because you are limited to one soft bag that weighs no more than 44lbs (small planes). I did lay out everything on my bed and took a picture before packing the bag. I also noted in my journal the few items I didn’t wear and what I wished I had packed. I may never go on safari again, but it was a good exercise. This post was a good reminder to do that for other trips.
It sounds like you already have a good process. I hope the safari was amazing!
I have a backpack (it’s actually a diaper bag backpack because it has loads of compartments including a thermal lined and the slot for a changing pad is great for my iPad ) that I put my must haves such as meds, my expensive jewelry, underwear (yup, forgot that once) toothbrush and paste, extra pair of glasses, fast phone charger. Anything else can’t easily be replaced if it doesn’t make it on the plane.
That diaper bag idea is great! And based on some responses I've gotten on Instagram, you're not the only one who's forgotten underwear ;)
Great advice, as always, Paul. I tend to pack for my fantasy
life, not my real one. Working hard on that before we leave for France in a few weeks.
It’s definitely helpful to be grounded in the reality of your trip & agenda 😉
So smart, love the tips. I always make a list, but then toss it. Selfies - brilliant. Now to remember...