GUIDE: HOW TO PACK FOR TRAVEL

You are likely either an under-packer or an over-packer, but what if you could just be a perfect packer?

This is how I define “perfect packing:” LESS IS MORE – the fewer the bags, the better. STAY ORGANIZED – keeping bags easy to manage before, during, and after the fun. BE PREPARED – the best version of packing light is also packing strategically.

In this guide, I will share my tips and tricks for everything that you need to know about how to pack for travel!

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL BAGS

THE SUITCASE

I prefer to travel with a carry-on sized suitcase over a full-sized suitcase for a few reasons: 1) it’s easier to manage a smaller and lighter bag 2) many airlines charge additional fees for checked baggage 3) you will save time by getting to skip the lines at the airport counter, waiting at baggage claim, etc. 4) there is no reason to worry about lost baggage (I have been exclusively traveling with a carry-on ever since I lost a bag at the airport in Rome). My must-have details are a durable hard shell to protect your things and four-wheel spinners for ease in transit. Bonus features that I love are expandable zippers, rechargeable batteries, and internal compartments.

Jetset with the Away The Bigger Carry-On or the Bric’s Ulisses Expandable Spinner.

THE WEEKENDER BAG

First of all, a weekender bag is for so much more than a weekend trip. I honestly use my weekender bag as my personal item in-flight. The general rule for personal items is that it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. My must-have details are a zipper closure, heavy-duty shoulder straps, and lots of compartments. Bonus features that I love are a separate compartment for shoes and a luggage sleeve.

Jetset with the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag, the Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe, the Away The Weekender.

THE TOILETRY BAG

This is possibly the most important bag for your travels – vital for starting and ending the day feeling fresh. My must-have details are a large enough size for several travel-size bottles, an easy-to-clean material, and, again, lots of compartments.

Tip: I keep my toiletry bag stocked with all of my travel-size bottles (i.e. toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, face wash, face moisturizer, contact solution, etc.) so that I don’t forget anything or need to make any last-minute shopping trips.

Jetset with Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag or Calpak Mini Clear Cosmetics Bag.

THE EXTRA BAGS

Jetset with these packing cubes and these toiletry travel bottles (or these). And I can’t get enough of this Dagne Dover fanny pack – I prefer to wear it as a crossbody rather than around my waist.

HOW TO PACK YOUR BAGS

STEP ONE: CHECK THE WEATHER

If you’re going somewhere warm, you will be able to get away with packing more items. If you’re going somewhere cold, you will need a more selective wardrobe considering the bulkiness of jeans, sweaters, jackets, boots, etc.

STEP TWO: RUN A LOAD OF LAUNDRY

It’s best to have all your options ready and available.

STEP THREE: PLAN YOUR OUTFITS

Try them on. Take into consideration the activities you have planned (i.e. day one: travel outfit + dinner outfit, day two: daytime exploring the city outfit + dinner outfit, day three: daytime beach outfit + dinner outfit, etc.).

STEP FOUR: SET ASIDE YOUR TRAVEL OUTFIT

Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes to travel in. This is crucial for a cold-weather travel destination. Coat on, jacket tied around the waist, boots on, etc. You may not look cute or feel comfortable, but it’s going to be worth it.

STEP FIVE: FOLD AND ORGANIZE

I like to fold, but you can roll your clothes, too. Next, organize by outfit or type (casual, dressy, etc.) to make it easier to find what you’re looking for during the trip.

Your organized piles should easily fit into packing cubes. Talk about an aesthetically pleasing suitcase interior!

STEP SIX: PACK UP YOUR PERSONAL ITEM / WEEKENDER BAG

I like to keep my travel documents, toiletries, and charging cords in my personal item for easy access during travel. I also like to keep valuables (jewelry, laptop, camera, etc.) in my personal item to know that they are safe and secure. If you’re carrying a purse, make sure you can fit it inside your bag when boarding a plane.

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