If you are on your way to becoming a globe-trotter, you may have discovered that you often arrive at your destination with the wrong clothing in your carry-on. So here are just a few tips to ensure that you end up with the right ensembles every time, whether you’re visiting Paris, touring the Outback, or seeking the lost city of gold.
- There’s an app for that. Weather is a key consideration when you set about packing, so download The Weather Channel app (for free) to your Apple, Android, or BlackBerry device so you can bring the right clothing for any weather conditions.
- Pack light. Keep in mind that if you need something once you arrive, you can always buy it. And that’s certainly better that hauling around a steamer trunk full of items that you’ll never use (especially now that most airlines charge for every checked piece of luggage).
- Bring the necessities. When going to Hawaii, you can bet you’ll need a swimsuit. Ditto on a rain coat in the Amazon and a parka in Alaska. In short, you can wager a pretty decent guess as to what items might be preferable for certain locales.
- Listen to your mother. Packing extra underwear is a worthy precaution. Consider that you may be doing quite a bit of walking, working up a sweat in the process. Your undergarments are the first thing to become soiled, so having extras on hand is a must!
- Get a Scottevest. This amazing company offers a variety of jackets that will hold all of your electronics (and in some cases, even a change of clothes). With more than a dozen pockets in every garment (made for your favorite devices) you won’t even need a carry-on. Simply slip off your jacket, slide it through the scanner, and be on your way to the gate in no time.
- Opt for wrinkle-free. Unless you want to spend your time in the hotel room ironing every stitch of clothing, try to find suitable garments in wrinkle-free fabrics. When it comes to something dressy, look for a flattering wrap dress in jersey-knit. You can twist it into a knot that takes up practically no space in your luggage, and then simply shake it out when you’re ready for a night on the town.
- Get ready to roll. Neatly folding your clothes will only ensure that they come out with lines or that they bunch up when you set your suitcase upright. So roll everything, from pants to shirts to underwear for maximum use of space and less potential wrinkles.
- Set yourself a limit on shoes. You only really need three pairs of shoes for any trip: comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and one pair of heels (unless you’re going on a ski trip or somewhere that requires mukluks, in which case you can forget the sandals and hiking shoes). So don’t weigh down your luggage with unnecessary footwear.
- Wear it to the airport. Whatever items seem to be the bulkiest should be worn while you travel to save you some room in your luggage. This means coats, boots, or other heavy items that take up a lot of space.
- Double-duty items. Some garments could have multiple uses. An LBD, for example, could work for a casual gathering (brunch) when paired with sandals and a cardigan, or get dressed up for an evening out with heels and an up-do. The more multi-use items you can pack, the easier it will be to choose the perfect outfit, wherever you are.
Sarah Danielson writes for tshirtprinting.net where you can design your own custom clothing at affordable prices. In her free time she enjoys reading, exercising, cooking and is currently writing a book on the joys of freelancing.
