Last Updated on August 11, 2021 by Kickass Traveler
Do you pack the night before? Do you start packing a week or two out? If you are like me, the difference in preparation has to do with the duration of the trip.
Rules of Packing
- Weekend trip: Pack two days before.
- One to three weeks: Start packing a week before. I mentally pack a month out, and my Notes App starts filling up with lists of things to take at least three weeks before. Like a squirrel, I make a big pile on the floor (that is a real picture of my packing pile). For my trip three-week-long trip to Rwanda in 2019, since I was traveling for work and also sight-seeing, I started packing three weeks before because of there were two distinct piles – one for tech stuff and the other pile for the different types of clothes I might need. For my three-week trip to Australia and New Zealand, I started packing two weeks before the trip.
Packing = throwing everything on the floor. My routine includes starting a pile in my suitcase, thinking of things I may potentially need, and tossing them into a pile. A day or two before the trip, I go through the pile to create mini-piles as I sift through items that make the cut. I put on some music or Netflix as I work, and off I go.
Piles – Organizing the items
- Pile 1 – Undergarments
- Pile 2 – Casual clothes
- Pile 3 – Dressier clothes
- Pile 4 – Workout clothes
- Pile 5 – Shoes. Shoes are the heaviest item and take up too much space, so I start with a few pairs and then I narrow down my choices to one wedge heel, one causal pair, sandals, tennis shoes, and a pair of comfortable, sturdy boots like my Taos that I travel in for colder weather. Always, always bring a pair of flip flops – you may encounter a dirty floor (or shower) or you need to throw something on your feet for a quick dash to breakfast. I have a particular phobia of stepping on something in the middle of the night, so that is reason enough for my flip-flops to go in my hand-carry.
- Pile 6 – Toiletries. Toiletries are so varied and important that they deserve their own pile. I use two toiletry bags if the trip is longer than a weekend. When staying in a hostel, renting a house, or using Airbnb, you’ll need to bring extra things (Q-tips, body wash/soap, shampoo). Depending on the hotel/rental, if there is shampoo provided, it may not be right for your hair. With my dyed hair (hiding all the gray), I need special anti-frizz hair. Lucky you if you don’t.
Miscellaneous leftover piles
- BPA-free water bottle
- Lightweight rain jacket and travel umbrella (unless you can guarantee sun)
- Jacket for the plane or colder temps
- Scarf for the plane and to dress up a dull outfit. I travel with a gray one and a tan one. They are lightweight and great to throw on when heading out to dinner.
- Travel blanket. I have a small travel blanket that comes with its own carry case. I use it on the plane (cleaner than the airplane blankets) and also as a cozy thrown if the air conditioner is too strong.
- Anti-bacterial wipes/hand sanitizer and face masks
- Books, Kindle and/or iPad, laptop, and any paperwork or documents that may have been printed – all of these go in hand-carry (except the books.) Depending on the amount of room in my suitcase, I may bring a hardcover book with me as I like to read it and then leave it behind for the next guest. Once the book(s) is gone, you can use that room for souvenirs. When I left the US permanently, I brought my old, sturdy Kindle. It is lightweight, has a long battery life, and doesn’t require wifi.
- Jewelry pouch (all the fancy stuff stays at home for me)
- Medications. If you want to travel light, these handy
- Snacks (don’t underestimate snacks). Peanuts are great for protein (although be kind to your fellow travelers and keep these off the plane). Snack bars are great because you can eat them while leaving the wrapper partially on (in case you haven’t washed your hands). My favorite in the states was the GFB bar (gluten-free bar), and I also like the Rx Bar for its hardiness. Both of these are hard to find outside the states, but international supermarkets will carry a variety of snack bars.
- Bathing suit (and cover-up). You never know when you’ll find a pool/hot tub/hot springs.
- AirPods or noise-canceling headphones
- Disposable earbuds for loud hotels (or sleeping on planes).
- Eye patch. I love this one that I have dubbed the “B cup” but if you want a fancy eye patch WITH built-in speakers, this one can’t be beat (pun intended).
Am I missing anything? Always! My last tip for you is to go through your piles two days before your trip, and fine-tune one day before.
Happy travels!
Vic – xoxo