Packing Tips Video Presentation
What You’ll Learn
In this 60-minute presentation below, I’ll share my favorite tips for packing for your next international adventure. I’ll share advice on luggage, what to pack and what NOT to pack including clothing, toiletries, tech gear, and of course art supplies.
My tips are based on my experiences traveling around the world for both work and pleasure, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Watch the video demonstration of how and what I pack below.
Main Tips Shared in Video
· 4 benefits from packing light enough to only have carry-on luggage: quicker, cheaper, lighter, less risk of loss and targeting by thieves.
· Create a checklist so not stressed in moment of packing.
· Pack at least 2 days before traveling so not rushed.
· Allow a full day to pack since you may need to wash, repair, purchase last-minute items etc.
· 2 main items carried: a personal item and a carry-on.
· Know size and weight limits from your airline websites.
· Make sure labels and unique identifiers on all luggage.
· Overall guidelines for items you choose to bring: durable, multi-use, lightweight, travel-sized, modest, high quality but not flashy or irreplaceable. All items should be things you know well and love. Avoid black since easily lost.
· Tour of my bags (yours will differ for destination, season, and activities) This is for any length trip of 5 or more days. Beyond that, your trip length is irrelevant since you will wash and purchase if staying for weeks or months.
· See the downloadable checklist on this page for a more complete list of items I summarize below.
· PURSE: documents, currency, phone, glasses, toiletries
· PERSONAL ITEM (tote, daypack, briefcase):
o Items needed during the flight (ie eye mask, entertainment, snacks, extra layers of clothing).
· CARRY-ON (a roller or backpack)
o Clothes: multipurpose, comfortable, pockets, layers, wrinkle-free, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, modest, neutral capsule wardrobe. Use natural fabrics like merino wool, bamboo, hemp, silk, linen, or modern synthetic blends.
o Note: clothes are a category most likely to overpack so pack those last after all else fits in.
o Toiletries: first aid, meds, cleansers.
o Tech: laptop/tablet, cords, chargers, etc.
o Miscellaneous junk drawer items (bags, fasteners, hidden money and copies of important documents.
· Leave room for gifts and souvenirs. Resist the urge to overfill luggage!
· Lastly, be ready for the possibility of required last-minute check of your carry-on at gate and know important/valuable/irreplaceable items to transfer to your personal item.
· Choose flight wardrobe strategically: comfort, layers, pockets. (wear your bulkiest coat and shoes to save space if luggage full since you can always stash them in the plane’s overhead).
· Once you return from a trip, debrief your checklist, budget, itinerary etc. to improve for your next adventure!
