Your tickets are purchased, you have finalized your itinerary, and now it’s time to pack. Before you pull out three suitcases large enough that airport security might think you are in the human trafficking business, read these helpful packing tips. You might be able to get by with only one human-size suitcase!
Shop selectively, and if you do not think you will wear something more than three times, leave it at home. Every bit of clothing that you pack should complement every other item or at least have more than one use. For example, there is no need to pack both sandals and slippers since the sandals work easily as slippers.
You only need two or three T-shirts, a couple short-sleeved blouses, and a couple long-sleeved shirts. Better yet, leave the T-shirts at home, and purchase a few when you reach your destination. You probably would anyway, so now you have a handy excuse to shop for shirts! Choose shirts that have a wrinkle-camouflaging pattern or blended fabrics that don’t show wrinkles.
Dark-colored pants and shorts are a good choice because dirt and wrinkles don’t show well with dark fabrics. Pack at least one pair with an elastic waistband for that one night that you know you will splurge on a large meal. Convertible pants, with zip-off legs, save space in your bag. Pack a couple skirts that hide wrinkles, and make sure the waistband is comfortable. Vacation is a time of comfort, not stiff formality. Let your clothing help you relax!
Pack microfiber, silk, or stretch lace underwear since it dries faster than cotton and breathes better than nylon. Bringing two bras is a good idea; if one gets lost in the laundry or is destroyed by your companion’s pet dog, you really want to have a backup. A sports bra also doubles as a hiking or running top. If you decide to sleep in the sports bra, you really only need to bring pajama bottoms. If you need to run down the hall for a can of soda or extra towels, just pull on one of your new T-shirts really quick.
Take along a light jacket, but unless you expect very cold weather at your vacation spot or are going to play some winter sports, there is no need to pack a heavy jacket or coat. Choose a jacket in neutral colors such as black, beige, or navy that coordinates well with all of the outfits you packed. Darker colors can also hide stains, soil, and wrinkles.
Pack some accessories to spice up your outfits. Scarves can add a perfect splash of color to your bland outfits. They are easy to pack, and if you purchase them at your travel destination, they make excellent souvenirs. Shawls are another nice accessory item to focus on.
While packing seems like a chore, it can be fun deciding what to take with you on vacation. Make sure the clothes you pack make you look good, and remember that more is not necessarily better.
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