The Insider's Guide To Packing
For many travelers, packing is one of the worst parts about the trip. But it doesn't have to be that way: with a little foresight and planning, your packing can be done in a pinch!
Here are a few tips from seasoned travelers:
If at all possible, you'll want to avoid checking luggage. Start with a single, 22-inch wheelie bag and a double-handled carry-on tote with a shoulder strap. To get through the airport with ease, you can strap your tote on top of the wheelie bag and avoid back strain.
Of course, limiting your luggage also means that you'll have to limit the number of clothes you have to pack. If you're traveling on business, this is easily accomplished by using your hotel's laundering and dry cleaning services if your trip is a week or more. Most hotels have same day service. Note that while these services are expensive, most companies will reimburse you for this expense if you are out of town for at least four days. As a bonus, your clothes will be well pressed instead of suitcase-sorry. If you're on your own and want to avoid these steep fees, look for hotels with washers and dryers that guests can use (not at all uncommon in resort locations), or simply wash out some of your clothes in the bathroom sink or tub.
Washable silk clothing is very practical for space, comfort and appearance. Even for men, silk shirts are great clothes for traveling. There are other man-made fabrics that do not wrinkle. Buy smart! Travel outfitters like L.L. Bean and TravelSmith offer wonderful washable, yet wrinkle-free options
Be a color coordinator! Pack around one or two basic colors, like black, beige or navy, taking the time to create outfits that are versatile. For example, a black wrap jersey dress is a trusty basic that can be dressed up or down, depending on the accessories. You can also mix and match several shirts with one pair of pants/one skirt. This saves on shoes, belts, and other accessories, as well. Go one step further like one globe-trotting executive we know who buys his suits with an extra pair of pants (especially easy to do at most made-to-measure places). Suit jackets typically get less wear than the pants (most men take them off except during business presentations) and he can easily go a week with one jacket by rotating the pants
It also helps to look for items that can do double duty. A cashmere or pashmina shawl doubles as a blanket for the plane. Sleeping in shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt that can also be worn at the gym can save space, too. And unless you're really into photography, perhaps the camera feature of your cellphone will eliminate the need for packing a camera.
Pack for your destination, rather than for your location. If you are leaving NYC in the heart of winter for a trip to sunny southern California, leave your heavy overcoat at home. Wear a wool blazer or lightweight jacket with a sweater underneath, plus gloves and a scarf to protect you from the cold as you go back and forth from the airport. You'll avoid the hassle of dragging around a bulky coat and the few minutes you have in the cold won't kill you. You can even find lists online that will remind you of what you should bring to specific places, like our guide to packing for a trip to Hawaii.
For business travel, keep your luggage light by using an overnight delivery service to ship all last minute items from your office to your hotel. You should also consider shipping all the literature and giveaways you've collected at trade shows back to your office. These services are also useful if you have lots of over-sized pieces, like skis or golf clubs, especially now that many airlines charge for checked bags.
If you travel frequently, keep your toiletry bag stocked with duplicates of all the items you need (remembering to refresh items like Tylenol as you use them), so you don't have that last minute rush around the bathroom just before it is time to leave to catch your plane.
You've heard it before, but it can't be said enough: leave your valuables at home. Even if you will be attending a gala event, don't be tempted to tote your best jewelry along on your trip. The hassles of keeping it safe from thieves and misfortune far outweigh the boost it gives to your evening attire.
Other items you can leave at home include bulky things like hair dryers, slippers and robes, since many hotels provide them (just check with the hotel in advance to be sure).
Here are a few tips from seasoned travelers:
If at all possible, you'll want to avoid checking luggage. Start with a single, 22-inch wheelie bag and a double-handled carry-on tote with a shoulder strap. To get through the airport with ease, you can strap your tote on top of the wheelie bag and avoid back strain.
Of course, limiting your luggage also means that you'll have to limit the number of clothes you have to pack. If you're traveling on business, this is easily accomplished by using your hotel's laundering and dry cleaning services if your trip is a week or more. Most hotels have same day service. Note that while these services are expensive, most companies will reimburse you for this expense if you are out of town for at least four days. As a bonus, your clothes will be well pressed instead of suitcase-sorry. If you're on your own and want to avoid these steep fees, look for hotels with washers and dryers that guests can use (not at all uncommon in resort locations), or simply wash out some of your clothes in the bathroom sink or tub.
Washable silk clothing is very practical for space, comfort and appearance. Even for men, silk shirts are great clothes for traveling. There are other man-made fabrics that do not wrinkle. Buy smart! Travel outfitters like L.L. Bean and TravelSmith offer wonderful washable, yet wrinkle-free options
Be a color coordinator! Pack around one or two basic colors, like black, beige or navy, taking the time to create outfits that are versatile. For example, a black wrap jersey dress is a trusty basic that can be dressed up or down, depending on the accessories. You can also mix and match several shirts with one pair of pants/one skirt. This saves on shoes, belts, and other accessories, as well. Go one step further like one globe-trotting executive we know who buys his suits with an extra pair of pants (especially easy to do at most made-to-measure places). Suit jackets typically get less wear than the pants (most men take them off except during business presentations) and he can easily go a week with one jacket by rotating the pants
It also helps to look for items that can do double duty. A cashmere or pashmina shawl doubles as a blanket for the plane. Sleeping in shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt that can also be worn at the gym can save space, too. And unless you're really into photography, perhaps the camera feature of your cellphone will eliminate the need for packing a camera.
Pack for your destination, rather than for your location. If you are leaving NYC in the heart of winter for a trip to sunny southern California, leave your heavy overcoat at home. Wear a wool blazer or lightweight jacket with a sweater underneath, plus gloves and a scarf to protect you from the cold as you go back and forth from the airport. You'll avoid the hassle of dragging around a bulky coat and the few minutes you have in the cold won't kill you. You can even find lists online that will remind you of what you should bring to specific places, like our guide to packing for a trip to Hawaii.
For business travel, keep your luggage light by using an overnight delivery service to ship all last minute items from your office to your hotel. You should also consider shipping all the literature and giveaways you've collected at trade shows back to your office. These services are also useful if you have lots of over-sized pieces, like skis or golf clubs, especially now that many airlines charge for checked bags.
If you travel frequently, keep your toiletry bag stocked with duplicates of all the items you need (remembering to refresh items like Tylenol as you use them), so you don't have that last minute rush around the bathroom just before it is time to leave to catch your plane.
You've heard it before, but it can't be said enough: leave your valuables at home. Even if you will be attending a gala event, don't be tempted to tote your best jewelry along on your trip. The hassles of keeping it safe from thieves and misfortune far outweigh the boost it gives to your evening attire.
Other items you can leave at home include bulky things like hair dryers, slippers and robes, since many hotels provide them (just check with the hotel in advance to be sure).
posted by Insider Travel Guides at 1:47 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home