There are two schools of thought on how to pack for a long trip, wherever you’re going. One, bring everything and the kitchen sink so you won’t have to worry. Two, bring a very minimal amount, you can always do laundry there or buy stuff at your destination.
As someone who has known the weight of carrying a heavy bag on your back for 3 months and had my clothes torn by washing machines abroad, I opt for a different set of packing “rules”, if you will. We all want to look good when we travel and sometimes it’s difficult.
So without further ado, here are some packing tips that your back and your Instagram will thank you for later.
- Note the environment where you will be travelling.
On a scale of bikini to parka, what is the environment like where you will be traveling? When traveling to multiple countries in one trip I pack in the “mean”. I settle somewhere in the average (whatever that may be) and bring a few things outside of the mean. This way I can easily be comfortable in most environments without having to bring everything that I own. Perhaps I’ll bring some tank tops and jeans but a pair of shorts for hotter destinations and a warm jacket for colder destinations. The mix and match is key.
- Mix and Match
I like to follow this method: lay out everything that you think you want to bring on your bed. Pick up an item. If you can’t wear it with at least two things, don’t bring it. This helps eliminate over-packing and you’ll be shocked at how much you end up not bringing.
4 tops + two bottoms = 8 outfits!
3. Colors
I always recommend blacks, whites and grays. A) because they go with everything but B) it’s much easier for you to blend in. Solid colors or minimal stripe/pattern is best because they mix and match well.
However, it is important to note the destinations where you will be travelling. Adding a pop of color can be a fun and exciting addition to any outfit just be mindful of what the locals would wear, wherever you go. For example, I probably wouldn’t wear a neon orange maxi dress in Paris but I might in Ibiza.
You don’t need to break the bank while looking amazing abroad. Some of my go-to spots before I take a trip are: H&M, Forever21 & Old Navy. They have perfect basics, tees and sweaters all for an excellent price. So if I lose something on my trip, it gets torn, etc., it’s not the end of the world!
- Bags
I recommend one purse. One that is big enough to fit your daily essentials but small enough to be conveniently carried around all day. During periods of transportation (plane, train, etc) I put my purse in my larger backpack. One less item to carry. One less item to worry about losing or leaving somewhere.
I opt for a purse in a color that goes with everything that you’re bringing. Also try to get a cross body bag instead of a shoulder bag. I know cross body bags aren’t the sexiest but trust me, it’s much better than losing your bag or having it stolen. I absolutely love my Cognac cross body purse and I just put it on my right shoulder for pictures. This will also help relieve the strain on your back that your backpack would normally contribute to.
- Shoes
Three. Yes, I said three. Good walking or hiking shoes, good sandals that can go long distances and either your choice of boots or heels – if you must.
The goal here is to look fabulous without carrying around an insane amount of luggage. Hopefully, these packing tips will help you to be looking cute and packing light!
Safe travels,
V.
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