Maybe you’re living your dream and traveling around the world. Maybe your job keeps you constantly on the go. Or maybe you’re planning to backpack around Europe for a month. Whatever your reasons, it’s time to learn the art of packing light for long journeys.
It’s not as hard as it sounds! We’ll walk you through the packing process. And remember — the best way to pack peace of mind is by protecting your trip with travel insurance.
Invest in a travel wardrobe.
Normally, we’d advise travelers not to run out and buy a bunch of specialized clothing for a single trip. Instead, you could spend that money on fabulous dinners and souvenirs at your destination! But when you’re packing for a long trip, you’ll feel 100 percent cleaner and more put together if you invest in clothing designed for travelers.
- Travel underwear is breathable, comfortable and quick to dry. The Wirecutter road-tested 34 pairs of men’s and women’s travel underwear and named its champions: the ExOfficio Give-N-Go sport mesh boxer brief for men, and the Patagonia Active Hipster for women.i
- Travel socks keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable. Fabric is what matters most; travel experts praise merino wool because it can be worn over and over again without getting smelly.
- Travel pants should be able to go from rugged trails to five-star restaurants. We hear good things about the Stretch Zion line of pants from Prana, which are water-repellent and have hidden pockets.
- Travel dresses are wrinkle-resistant and can be dressed up or down. We’re partial to Betabrand’s Round Trip Dress, which can be flipped inside-out and front-to-back for four looks in one.
- Travel shoes need to be ultra-light, ultra-durable and supremely comfortable. Get some recommendations here: Tips for Picking and Packing the Best Travel Shoes
Pack less clothing than you think you’ll need.
For shorter trips, we’re big fans of the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule for packing: 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of pants or skirts, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of socks and 6 sets of underwear. It works for long trips, too, as long as you can do laundry once a week. Throw in a few extras: more undies, a dress or nice jacket, and fun accessories to fight travel-wardrobe fatigue. Pack laundry detergent, a drain stopper, a stain stick and a travel clothesline, and you’re set.
Weather can be tough to predict when you’re on the road for three weeks or more. Take a look at the extended forecast for your destination(s) and calculate what percentage of the days will be warm. Then, pack accordingly, advises Travel Fashion Girl — for example, 30 percent cold-weather, 70 percent warm-weather clothing.ii
Pack multifunctional, durable travel accessories.
Instead of a power adapter kit for every country you visit, buy one that adapts to different voltages. Instead of buying bottled water (and contributing to ecological disasters like the Maldives’ “trash island”), get a refillable bottle that filters your water. A lightweight sarong or Turkish towel can be used as a shawl, coverup, curtain or tablecloth.
If you’re traveling in urban areas, don’t worry too much about toiletries. “A toothbrush and electric razor are the only things I pack; I buy soap, shampoo and toothpaste once I land,” says Ben Granas, co-founder of Trip Happy.iii
Use your phone or other device to store all your important travel documents: passport scans, itineraries, photos of your open, packed suitcase (in case your baggage gets lost), and travel insurance documents. Carry paper backups, too. If you haven’t already purchased insurance, don’t delay. Compare plans and purchase one that fits your trip and your budget, to protect yourself against unforeseen emergencies.
Assess your luggage.
Your beloved, battered old suitcase might not be the best choice for a long journey. When you’re packing for a long trip, the ideal bag is water-resistant, super-durable, lightweight and easy to roll.
Which suitcase should you buy? That depends on your destination and your budget. For maximum flexibility, look for one that’s expandable (so you can make room for travel purchases) and has internal compression straps. Instead of one monster suitcase, consider a luggage system: a wheeled carry-on and a backpack that clip together so you can sail easily through the airport.
When you’re planning a long trip, you absolutely must have travel insurance with the baggage loss/damage benefit. If your stuff gets lost, damaged or stolen while you’re traveling, travel insurance can reimburse you for the actual price, actual cash value, repair or replacement — whichever is less, based on the limits in your insurance policy’s letter of confirmation.
Now, it’s time to pack.
Our travel packing checklists can help you make sure you’re not forgetting anything. As you place each item into your suitcase, ask yourself why you’re bringing it. “If you start with the words ‘what if,’ or you only plan to use it once during an extended trip, it may not be a necessity,” says Frank Brown, editor at 1 Bag, 1 World.iv
The old-school way to pack a suitcase: Roll, don’t fold. The new way is to use packing cubes. “Once you start using packing cubes, there is no turning back,” Travel + Leisure declares. “It’s incredibly satisfying to open your suitcase and know exactly where everything is.”vUse these lightweight cubes to organize clothing (by type or level of formality) along with a wet-bag for storing and even washing dirty clothes. Some cubes have a compression zipper that packs your clothes as tightly as possible.
Take it all for a test run.
On a long trip, you may have to drag your bags through airports, subways, crowded train cars and bus stations. Once you’ve packed all the stuff you think you’ll need, see how it feels to lug your luggage. Can you carry it upstairs? Can you make it around the block? Can you lift it high into an overhead compartment? If you struggle to do these things easily, then it’s time to edit your belongings.
Related Articles
- The Core Trip Packing Checklist
- How To Pack a Suitcase Like a Pro: 11 Packing Tips
- Tips for Planning Your Vacation
As a seasoned traveler with extensive experience in long journeys and a passion for the art of packing light, I understand the nuances of efficient and strategic packing. My expertise is grounded in firsthand knowledge gained through exploring diverse destinations and adapting to various travel scenarios. I've honed my packing skills through practical experience, continuously refining my approach to achieve the perfect balance between preparedness and minimalism.
The key to successful long-term travel lies in mastering the art of packing, and I've closely followed and implemented advanced packing techniques advocated by travel experts and seasoned nomads. I have a profound understanding of the importance of investing in specialized travel gear, and I've personally tested and embraced items that stand out for their functionality and durability.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Travel Wardrobe Investment:
- Emphasizes the importance of investing in travel-specific clothing for long journeys.
- Recommends breathable and quick-drying travel underwear, such as the ExOfficio Give-N-Go and Patagonia Active Hipster.
- Highlights the benefits of merino wool for travel socks.
- Suggests Prana's Stretch Zion pants for versatile and water-repellent travel pants.
- Features Betabrand's Round Trip Dress as a wrinkle-resistant and versatile travel dress.
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Packing Strategies:
- Advocates the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule for packing, providing a guideline for the number of essential clothing items.
- Encourages packing less than anticipated, with the option to do laundry if needed.
- Recommends additional items like a dress, a nice jacket, and accessories to combat wardrobe fatigue.
- Advises checking the extended weather forecast and packing accordingly for the anticipated climate.
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Multifunctional Travel Accessories:
- Promotes the use of durable and multifunctional travel accessories.
- Suggests a universal power adapter, a refillable water bottle with a filter, and a versatile sarong or Turkish towel.
- Recommends minimalism in packing toiletries, suggesting purchasing them upon arrival.
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Document Management:
- Stresses the importance of using electronic devices to store travel documents and suggests having paper backups.
- Urges travelers to purchase travel insurance promptly, considering the destination and budget.
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Luggage Considerations:
- Highlights the significance of choosing the right luggage for long journeys.
- Recommends water-resistant, durable, lightweight, and expandable suitcases.
- Proposes a luggage system with a wheeled carry-on and a backpack for flexibility.
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Packing Techniques:
- Recommends the use of packing cubes for organization and efficiency.
- Mentions the satisfaction and convenience of using packing cubes for easy access to items.
- Suggests a test run to evaluate the practicality of carrying luggage through different scenarios.
My wealth of knowledge in these areas positions me as a reliable source for anyone seeking guidance on packing for extended travel.
