So, you have a big trip planned soon. You’re so excited to go on your tour and everything is in order. You’re just about ready to go, but there’s one more thing to take care of; packing. Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling. Often times, people bring way too much. They’re physically and emotionally weighed down by their luggage that it’s hard to enjoy themselves (or fit souvenirs into their bag!).
Don’t be like one of these people! Before you head out on your tour, we want to help you pack like a super-star. And, no matter what, remember one thing: Traveling light is key.
Let Go of the Load
The first time I moved abroad, I brought three large suitcases with me. I thought there was no way I could make it through five months living abroad without my “stuff.” Three suitcases? That’s ridiculous.
The next few times I went abroad after that, I was able to narrow things down and let go of the load significantly. It doesn’t matter if you’re going away for a week or a year. (Though, sometimes, I find myself actually packing more when the trip is shorter.) When you’re packing, just keep reminding yourself that the road is going to be much more enjoyable when you’re not carrying all that stuff.
Get Your “Carrying” Mechanism
Some people like a backpack, others like a rolly thing with wheels. Whatever you choose for your ‘suitcase,’ just make sure it’s comfortable for you. Also, keep in mind where you’re going. If you’re doing a tour of Europe or Southeast Asia, a lot of the hotels you may be staying at might not have an elevator. This would obviously be a problem if you’re using something with wheels.
Make sure whatever you choose, it’s light, spacious, and easy to carry on your person. Of course, make sure if you’re planning to carry-on, that the measurements fit the airline’s requirements, too.
Mix & Match
All your clothes when you travel (or anyway) should be easy to “mix & match.” You don’t need a hundred outfits to go on your tour. You’d be amazed how many outfits you can make with so little. And, sometimes it’s better to have higher quality clothing just so it always looks good no matter what you wear it with!
When it comes to shoes, I like to go with three, too. One nice pair that you can wear every day (in the winter, boots, in the summer, nice, comfortable sandals). Then, a pair of walking shoes, and finally, a pair for “going out.” It may be tempting to bring more than that, but you can always buy an extra pair of flip flops while you’re on your tour.
Can You Do Laundry?
Wherever you’re going and whatever you’re going to be doing on your tour, will it be possible for you to do laundry? Maybe the hotel you’re staying at will have laundry services, or maybe there will be laundromats near to where you’re staying. I’ve found in my experience, especially in Southeast Asia, it was really easy (and affordable) to get my clothes washed. Of course, that means you can bring way fewer clothes! Also, check out travel hacks like “travel underwear” which dries really quickly if you need to wash it yourself in the sink.
Cut in Half!
Still having trouble deciding what to bring/what not to bring? Lay out all your clothing on the bed, and literally, cut the pile in half. That’s what I did when I moved away to college (advice from my aunt) and it stuck with me each and every time I’ve gone abroad.
Make it Fit
Once you think you’ve got everything ready to be packed, it’s time to fit it all in that backpack or carry-on bag you got. Some people like to use packing cubes or space bags. But, that can sometimes be a hassle to take out every time you get somewhere.
Others use tricks like fitting socks inside shoes, rolling up clothes, or folding them on and over each other. Make sure all your things fit nicely, that you bag isn’t too heavy, and that there is at least some space for you to fit anything you buy on your tour!
Next time you pack for a long tour, let it be fun!
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
