I don’t know about you but packing for a trip was one of my most anxiety-provoking nightmares. I’d toss everything I thought I could possibly wear into a much too small suitcase, sit on it until it barely closed, and cried because I knew I was overpacking. How can I be more streamlined about this? It’s just packing for a trip after all! What’s the problem? Do I really have to pack for every occasion and situation that could possibly come up? The answer is…NO.
A few years ago, I attended a travel expo in Boston. I looked at the agenda and saw that they were having a seminar on Packing Tips, I had to attend. As I sat in the wooden folding chair that they had set up classroom style, I thought…I might actually get something out of this…I’m so excited!
The moment came. Angel Castellanos hit the stage with his packing paraphernalia. He began speaking of his experience with travel and then the magic happened…I was mesmerized.
He pulled out things called packing cubes, folders, organizers, and pouches. He began explaining how to use them and what they could do to change your anxiety-filled packing experience. For me, it opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking about packing. I know for some people packing isn’t that big of a deal but for anxious me, this new info was awesome!
I’ll share some of his tips. There are obviously variations according to your style, but these are his pointers for packing a carry-on bag. Who wouldn’t rather do a carry-on if you can possibly get away with it?
Anyway…here are his tips:
 Select a versatile wardrobe
Put everything you want to take with you on the bed and then eliminate half of it. (this was completely scary for me) then start with your favorite color scheme, mix, and match.
- 2 tops x 2 bottoms = 4 outfits
- 3 tops x 3 bottoms = 9 outfits
Try to make as many outfits in a color scheme as possible. Utilizing each garment and eventually, your whole travel wardrobe will be flexible and versatile. You can eliminate a lot.
Categorize shoes
Women have a different challenge than Men. For men it’s pretty easy; Dress shoes, Casual shoes, Athletic shoes.
For women, if you can categorize your shoes, you will not only minimize the number of shoes but reduce the excess.
- Dress shoes
- Walking/Athletic shoes
- Flats/Sandals
You’ll be prepared for most basic situations. You don’t need to pack different colors, go for a neutral. (This was the most difficult for me)
Toiletries & Make-Up
Separate your dry toiletries from your liquids. Try using a Ziplock bag for liquid toiletries. This comes in handy when you need to show your liquids at the airport.
Packing Tip 101: Use Packing Cubes
Folding and rolling has long been a packing tip. Using packing cubes is the best way to fit everything inside of a carry-on or roller bag and keep everything you’ve rolled together. These cubes keep everything tidy. Develop your own system to organize, minimize wrinkles, and breeze thru security. The cubes make life a whole lot easier and really the only way to keep things together after you’ve folded and rolled.
Pack the Personal Bag last
Pack whatever you have left in your personal bag. This is a soft-sided bag that should fit underneath the seat of the aircraft. Make sure you pack your medicine and electronics in your personal bag. Don’t pack them in your carry-on in case that bag gets gate checked.
Wear your thickest or heaviest items on the plane
- Jeans or Yoga pants
- Long-sleeve top
- Fleece/Jacket
- Heavy shoes/boots
After the conference was over, I felt like I had the information I needed to be a better and more efficient packer. I went online and purchased some packing cubes and they have changed my life! After this pandemic is over, I’ll be ready to travel again and pack more efficiently.
If you would like more information and more tips for travel, please visit Angel’s website:
https://angelstravellounge.com
Enjoy the journey!