#packing tips
I’ll be sharing some packing tips in this post: packing cubes, being smart with what you pack, helpful light travel websites, and YouTube videos to help teach smart packing tips. Links can be found at the bottom of the post or on my Pinterest page.
On Saturday, the pilgrims from the Diocese of Gary had their last informational meeting before departing for our trip. Everyone was excited and nervous and anxious and joyful. We talked about currency, electronics, hair dryers (YOU DON’T NEED ONE), and even Bishop Emeritus Dale Melzcek was there to give us tips about Italy. It was wonderful.
At one point, Kevin, our Diocesan Director, made each one of us promise that we wouldn’t judge other pilgrims by the state of their laundry. That prompted folks at my table to start talking about packing and laundry. Most people said that they could wear their shorts or pants multiple times, but needed a new shirt every day. From there, we started talking about laundry in the sink and how to pack light (at one point, we are going to take Ryanair, a European budget airline that is notorious for being very stingy on luggage). I suggested that someone could pack for an entire week in a backpack and I was left with gaping mouths. It can be done. Come, young grasshoppers: I shall show you the ways of packing light.
My insights come from a lot of places including personal experiences, Rick Steves, and various internet places. At the beginning of the month I traveled to Washington DC with only a 30L backpack and a sling purse. I wanted to pack super light and didn’t want to check a bag on the flight. I packed a whole week’s worth of outfits in my backpack, along with pj’s, socks and underthings, 2 pairs of shoes, toiletries, accessories, and even some electronics. It was a struggle, but I did it! I’m feeling more confident in packing for WYD because I already experience packing light and survived. Knowing that I will be purchasing things, I will be checking a bag. But, having these tips helps me feel more confident in light packing.
I also have creditably because Rick Steves liked a tweet of mine.
Tip 1: PACKING CUBES
The best thing I can say is use packing cubes. Think of packing cubes as drawers for your luggage. They help you sort your clothing, find items easier, and keep your belongings looking tidy. Packing cubes are made from different materials, but usually some kind of breathable fabric that’s sturdy enough to give it some structure but flexible so it can be flattened, like polyester or parachute material. Both of the packing cubes below are about 10" x 7" x 3" (the one the left is a compression packing cube, meaning it can be fully expanded to be about 4 inches tall, but then can be compressed by zipping it up).
It’s up to you what you put inside of them. Some people use small ones for socks and underwear, electronics, or nick knacks. I’ve used the packing cubes in the picture for t-shirts and shorts. When I went to DC, I fit all of my clothes (three dresses, three shirts, pj’s, and a tank top) into a cube 14" x 10" x 3" and my socks and underwear into one 8" x 4" x 3". Don’t believe me? I packed one of the packing cubes I took a picture of to show you how much you can fit into a packing cube.
I then packed the other packing cube. This time, I could fit more clothes (though, in fairness, both were packed to the brim so looked kind of lumpy and is not what the manufacturer recommends). Please ignore my unmade bed and bad photo quality.
On the left, you can see the uncompressed packing cube. On the right, a compressed packing cube.
Tip 2: Be smart with what you bring.
When I packed to show how to use the packing cubes, I didn’t put any thinking into what I chose. When I pack for WYD, I’m going to be more conscious with what I take. Even if you can fit everything you want into perfect packing cubes, it still may be overweight for the flight. Our trip limit for our checked luggage is 44 lbs, so being aware of how much everything weighs is important.
I’m a huge fan of Rick Steves, the guidebook author and host of “Rick Steves’ Europe.” He’s known for helping those on his tours become temporary locals of wherever they travel to and is a champion for traveling light. He and his tour guides only take one carry on size piece of luggage and a personal item when they travel. Often, their tour season lasts for 2 months at a time, so everything in their packs have to last 2 months. One of his guides, Sarah Murdoch, shared some of her travel secrets in an hour long presentation. She only takes a 20 lbs of luggage with her when she gives tours.
It’s sooo helpful! Here are some tips I picked up while watching it:
-When she is deciding between two pieces of clothing she will weigh them and will take the lighter of the two. Even when going to the store to buy something, she will bring a scare to compare weight.
-Just because the item says it’s travel friendly doesn’t mean it is light weight.
-Take neutral colored clothing that goes with everything else. Wear a fun colored scarf to add to your wardrobe options (and use to keep you warm on the plane or to cover your shoulders in churches).
-If you don’t want to stick out as a tourist, stay away from khaki. And never wear flipflops out (they are considered shower shoes. I’m probably going to take a pair but as shoes for the hotel).
-Don’t freak out if you have to buy something. You may find that you like the European option more than the American one. Also, it’s a fun way to meet the locals. Remember, part of a pilgrimage is the people you meet along the way!
-Laundry can be as easy as taking a shower: Sarah said she washed her underwear and socks each time she took a shower. She got in, let the clothes get soaked by the shower water as she bathed herself, and then rubbed them together using her hands while using detergent. She let them rinse in the shower water and rung them out to remove the excess water. She also mentioned ringing them with a microfiber travel towel. That helped shortened drying time.
Now, I’m not saying that you should pack only a carry on, but be smart about what you bring. Ask yourself, am I really going to use this item enough to bring it with me or can I buy it when I get there? I like Rick’s philosophy of planning for the best of what could happen instead of the worst. Assume it won’t rain so don’t pack an umbrella, buy it if you need to, when you get there. And yes, you can pack light. Thousands of people do this each time they travel. Don’t believe me? Go on YouTube and search packing light.
I’m going to include some links for videos about traveling light below and on my Pinterest page. Again, most are for traveling with only a carry on, but they can serve as guides for packing light.
My next post will be about how to pack all of your toiletries into one, one quart bag and one small bag. Also, I’ll share with your my tips for consolidating your toiletries. If you have any tips, please feel free to share!
Websites
-Her Packing List: A travel website by women, for women. I stumbled upon this website while researching day bags and am so thankful for the helpful articles. They have reviews of travel gear, give you packing lists from people who’ve been to the locations, have travel tips, and tips specifically for female travelers. Guys, you can find this site helpful too, but be aware that there’s a lot of talk about bras and periods.
-Rick Steves: Besides his videos, you can find soooo many helpful articles on his website, including packing lists for light travel.-The Everygirl: This is a website that is for, well, the “every girl.” The link I’m recommending gives you three simple tips for organizing your carry on. Again, Gary Pilgrims, remember, we can only take a 20 lbs carry on, so being smart with what you pack will be helpful.
Videos: Besides Rick Steves’ videos, the best videos I’ve found for teaching you how to pack light are done by a company called Tortuga Backpacks. They are a carry on back pack company, so their videos do feature their products, but their tips are universal.
-Rick’s talk about packing light
-Tortuga’sHow to Pack a Carry On. The guy in the video is pretty relaxed about his packing, but I wanted to show you that you canpack super light for a long trip.
-Tortuga’s first video for stepping down to a carry on bag. This is the first of what will be a series of how to go from taking a huge suitcase to a carry on. Again, useful tips for being a smart packer.
-Tortuga’s video on how to do laundry when you travel.
Packing Cubes: I’m listing the places I’ve seen or bought packing cubes from. You can also probably find them on Amazon. Sites like Rick Steves or Tortuga also sell packing cubes that are made to fit for their own backpacks, but can also be used on their own.
-The Container Store: They favor the Eagle Creek systems, and so far, I really enjoy mine. As of writing this, they are having a sale on some travel items. If you want to see them in person, there are some stores in Chicagoland. Prices vary, but can range from $8-$13 a bag depending on the size. They also sell in sets which can go up to $40, depending on the set. They are costly, but are worth it! Eagle Creek is a well known travel brand and lots of travelers swear by them. They also come in different sizes
-Ikea: Ikea sells some travel products, including packing cubes and toiletry bags. Their packing cube set ($10, but they go down to $8 if you are an Ikea Family member, which is free so become one if you go), includes 4 cubes, one of which is double zipped, so one side can be for clean clothes, and one for dirty.
-Target: Target currently sells 2 sets of packing cubes. One is for clothes (I don’t have a personal recommendation for this one), and one is for smaller items (I use it for electronics and for scarves). The large set is $25, the smaller is $10.
*I’m not sure if I need to put this, but I haven’t been paid to recommend any of these products or services. I just really, really, really like them.
Coming up short on gift ideas for a lady traveler (or travel lover) in your life? Looking for an extra stocking stuffer or two? Check out my newest blog post for a few inexpensive ideas guaranteed to make women with #wanderlust smile on Christmas morning:
>>>7 last-minute gift ideas under $35 for ladies who love travel<<<
