If you have a winter trip planned, here are a few tips I’ve gathered over my 35 years of travel.
In my mind, the most difficult trips to pack for are the trips that will be taking you to a warm climate. Is it just me, or is it hard to think about sundresses when it’s 30 degrees outside? So, let’s begin with my very first tip… turn up your heat when you are deciding what to bring! Trying on shorts, sundresses and bathing suits is much more comfortable when the temperature in your home is accommodating.
Let’s talk about the wardrobe. Packing light is a skill that can be learned, and one of the easiest ways to put yourself in that mindset is to imagine that your luggage was lost and you had to buy your clothes once you arrived at your destination! Keeping your color scheme simple is the key. Pick three colors and stick to them. I like Black, white and a pale coral when I’m going somewhere warm. They all look good on me and I can mix and match.
I start with my outfit for the travel day. I make sure that I layer a sleeveless top under a lightweight sweater and then bring a large, colorful scarf to use as a blanket on the chilly plane, and as a pareo over my bathing suit once I arrive. For pants I choose something comfy, but not sloppy. I may be old fashioned, but I still think that a person should look nice when they travel. (I also plan that I wear this outfit only to travel.)
One of the keys to perfect packing is to only bring clothes that look good on you and make you feel attractive. We all know that we feel our best when we feel like we look good, and our clothes are also comfortable.
Shoes. This is one of the most difficult, but I can tell you that there have been so many times that I’ve gone on a trip with four pair of shoes and only worn two of them. I guess I’ve learned from my mistakes! Here’s my advice…
Wear a pair of closed toe sandals, cute tennis, or espadrilles on the plane. Make sure they are comfortable enough for daily walking excursions. One pair of flip flops for the beach, and one pair of sandals that look great with a dress for dinner. High heels look great, but in my mind have no business being on a relaxing vacation. But, that’s me.
Accessories can be kept simple and still beautiful. I like to wear the earrings, necklaces and rings that I wear every day and then I pack colorful scarves and a bright necklace, bracelet or two to change up my neutral wardrobe. (But don’t forget that these make smart purchases while you’re there!)
Make-up and toiletries should be kept small and simple. I like to bring sample sizes of things that I can use and then throw away when I’m packing to come home. Every extra bit of room for my souvenirs counts! I also make sure to put this small bag in my purse. It’s wonderful to be able to freshen your face before you land!
Speaking of souvenirs, I’ve found that a beautiful piece of jewelry, a colorful scarf, or even a new sundress pack beautifully and allow me to relive my vacation when I get back home.
A few things that will make the plane ride more comfortable are earplugs or comfortable earbuds, music or relaxation sounds that have already been downloaded onto your phone or laptop, (plan ahead), a book on kindle, or hard copy if you think you will finish it and can pass it along to someone else traveling. I always throw in a blowup neck pillow for a little nap, and a few snacks in case the airline doesn’t have a decent option. Just make sure that you leave the tuna salad and the Cheetos at home… don’t be that traveler!
Lastly, if you are traveling to a country that doesn’t use American currency, you will want to have enough money for a taxi or tip for the van driver.
Don’t forget your passport and your camera!
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