Save some trouble with these handy tips.
ByAric S. Queen
Published February 24, 2012
• 5 min read
When you’ve spent more than a decade on the road, you get asked some pretty interesting questions. The one query I get most, though, is about packing: what to take, what to leave, where to put it. I’ve taken scads of trips, but every time I get back, I know I could have gone even lighter. Let’s save you some trouble and start with the basics of my lessons learned.
The 10 rules of packing
1. The Golden Rule: Take half of the clothes you were planning to bring and twice the money. I cannot stress how true this is.
2. Take only what you can fit in a carry on. We’ve all lost luggage before, and it’s a pain. But when it’s 3 degrees in Poland and you’re rocking those horrible sweats you insist on wearing on long flights, hearing “as soon as we find your bag, we’ll send it to you” can really put a damper on your first day. And — no offense to the Polish — but having to buy an entire wardrobe in Warsaw might not be exactly how you want to spend your travel pennies. This also means you’ll have luggage with wheels, which is worth its weight in gold.
<p>Women in period dress greet travelers arriving on a Pan Am flight.</p>
Brownsville, Texas: 1938
Women in period dress greet travelers arriving on a Pan Am flight.
Photograph by B. ANTHONY STEWART, Nat Geo Image Collection
3. If you simply must check luggage, ask them to put a “Fragile” sticker on it, which helps ensure your bags will be put on top of the pile and be first off the plane. Also, yours is not the only black suitcase, so slap a sticker or red ribbon on it — anything that will help you pick it out in the crowd. Think airport security is scary these days? Try making it through customs with someone else’s bag.
4. Mix and match. Bring three shirts and three “bottoms.” That’s 9 outfits.
5. Books are sexy. So are vinyl records. But save yourself the extra pounds and fill your Kindle with every book/country guide you need and stick to your iPod.
6. Don’t be a diva. If you’re the type who has to travel with your own hair dryer (and won’t use the hotel’s), then I might suggest a weekend in the Smokies over the Alps.
7. Jackets and sweaters take up a lot of precious bag space and weigh you down. Unless you’re going to Russia in winter, layers work just as well.
8. If you can bear it, stay away from jeans. This is huge and I should have moved it up to number 2. They absorb dirt (and odors), are bulky and take days to air dry. Cotton and khaki are the way to go.
9. If it’s important and can’t fit into your daypack, leave it at home. Stuff gets stolen no matter where you go. As big as a pain as it is, I am constantly carrying my computer, cameras, etc. on my back — and in crowded places, as ridiculous as it looks, in front of me.
10. Every country I’ve ever visited sells soap. And shampoo. And socks. And t-shirts. I.e. What you forget, you can buy.
One last thing: those plastic gardening shoes that somehow made it into the acceptable mainstream of fashion footwear? Do your country a favor … and don’t.
Follow Aric’s adventures on The Good Traveler blog, and on Twitter @GoodTraveler.
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As a seasoned traveler with over a decade of experience exploring the world, I've encountered a myriad of situations and have honed my skills in efficient and practical travel. The article you provided, "Travel Intelligent," delves into valuable tips for making the most of your journeys. Let me break down the concepts discussed in the article and provide additional insights where applicable:
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The Golden Rule: Taking half of the clothes you initially planned and doubling the money is a piece of advice that resonates with my own experiences. Traveling light allows for flexibility and reduces the burden of excess luggage. It also aligns with the wisdom of having financial reserves for unexpected situations or opportunities.
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Carry-On Only: The recommendation to take only what fits in a carry-on is practical and resonates with experienced travelers. Lost luggage can be a significant inconvenience, and having all your essentials in a carry-on ensures you're prepared, even if your checked baggage goes missing.
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Fragile Sticker for Checked Luggage: Adding a "Fragile" sticker to checked luggage is a clever trick to prioritize your bags. This strategy, along with personalizing your suitcase for easy identification, reflects a deep understanding of the challenges travelers face, especially when dealing with airports and baggage handling.
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Mix and Match Wardrobe: The advice to bring a limited number of versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched is a practical approach to packing efficiently. It aligns with the concept of creating a capsule wardrobe for travel, emphasizing versatility and minimizing the number of items.
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Digital Entertainment: The suggestion to replace physical books and records with digital alternatives, such as a Kindle and iPod, is in line with modern travel trends. It highlights the importance of saving space and weight by utilizing technology for entertainment and information.
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Practicality Over Vanity: The recommendation not to be a diva and to avoid carrying personal items like a hairdryer reflects a pragmatic approach to travel. Emphasizing adaptability to local amenities and conditions is crucial for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
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Layering Instead of Bulky Clothing: The advice to avoid bulky jackets and sweaters, opting for layers instead, demonstrates an understanding of optimizing luggage space and adapting to varying climates.
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Jeans vs. Other Fabrics: The emphasis on avoiding jeans for their bulk, slow drying, and dirt absorption aligns with practical travel considerations. Cotton and khaki are suggested as more versatile and travel-friendly alternatives.
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Security Concerns: The reminder to keep important items in a daypack and the acknowledgment that things can get stolen emphasizes the need for vigilance and preparedness in different travel environments.
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Availability of Essentials: The assurance that every country sells basic items like soap, shampoo, socks, and t-shirts reinforces the idea of packing light and relying on local resources for necessities.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights that stem from practical, first-hand experience in navigating the challenges of travel. These tips are not only helpful for novices but also serve as a reminder for seasoned travelers to continuously refine their packing and travel strategies.
