If you’ve ever wondered how you could travel with just a carry-on, Heather’s here to show you the way! If she can do it, anyone can!
She’s broken it down into sections, and any products mentioned specifically can be four below in the links section! Time to get out your packing list and start comparing!
What would you cut or add to Heather’s list? Let me know @ExtraPackofPeanuts!!
Today’s episode has been sponsored by our friends at Tortuga Backpacks!
When planning a trip, most people get excited about the destination or the itinerary but feel overwhelmed when it comes to packing.
Here at EPoP, we have tried many different strategies for packing – me more than Trav, because he is much happier with much less – and it always comes down to packing light.
Packing less doesn’t have to be a death sentence for fashion.
Here are my tips to packing less and looking great while traveling.
1. Neutral basics
This means grey, white, black and navy. This doesn’t mean you can’t pack colorful items – but it simply makes it easier to mix and match outfits if you have a neutral palette.
2. Minimal shapes
Jeans, button downs, wrap sweaters, slouchy pants, and basic dresses.
3. Pack a Punch
This is where you can add that color. Chose a colorful cardigan,sweater or scarf that you can easily throw over your basic pieces. I love the selection and the cause at Jacobs Scarves.
4. Accessories
My current favorite pieces to travel with are dainty necklaces. You can wear this every day for a polished look. I love everything from Layered and Long’s ETSY shop.
Also, I always bring a statement necklace, statement earrings, stud earrings, and a nice watch (silver or gold).
5. Shoes
This is the hardest part for me. I always pack too many shoes – even after agonizing over which ones to cut, I still end up with a number that makes zipping my pack or suitcase nearly impossible.
That being said, three pairs of shoes is sufficient (I guess).
A casual sneaker – such as these Nikes, these grey ones from New Balance or these navy New Balance from Amazon.
A dressy option – I love these from Zara and these wedges J.Crew (wedges are the most comfortable dressy option, especially for walking on cobblestone streets).
A plastic flip flop – (for the beach or just in case your accommodation bathroom is not up to par) My favorites are Havaianas.
*See what I did, I even snuck in an extra pair here!*
6. Outerwear
I try to pack something casual and something dressy.
My favorite picks are:
Utility jacket– for every day use in any country and any situation. It is the perfect jacket that always looks fashionable and put together. (Other options include this from H&M, a removable hood from Nordstrom, and these from Amazon).
A black blazer– this is perfect if you need a nice jacket for a night out and can transition into many different looks with a scarf or accessories. (Other options include this navy version from Zara, this black one from Zara, and this casual one from H&M).
Wool coat – this is only necessary if you are traveling during winter seasons. All other seasons you can layer sweaters under the utility jacket or the blazer.
A packable puffer coat – the compact puffer is great to throw in any bag if you think it’s necessary. Many companies make light, packable ones. I have this one from Land’s End. You can also layer it under your utility jacket.
7. Luggage
Main Bag
I go between using a backpack and a suitcase. Backpacks are great for Asia and South America where the travel is a bit harder and rolling a suitcase behind can be more difficult.
If we are traveling more slowly and in more developed areas (Europe, US, etc), I tend to pack in a suitcase.
Right now I am using a carry on size canvas Samsung, but it is looking slightly banged up and I would love to upgrade to a hard shelled case.
Tote Bag
If you have been following our travels through my Instagram, then you already know how much I love my Cuyana tote! It has held up perfectly over our last few trips and is well worth the splurge.
This is what I generally cram into my tote (which I use as my personal item along with my carryon luggage).
laptop
chargers
notebook and planner
kindle
passport
makeup
lotion
facial cleanser
8. Roll your items
If you pack your heavy items at the bottom (shoes and toiletries) and then roll all of your clothes on top, you can fit a lot more into your bag.
24 things that you should make sure to check off before leaving for your trip.
You’ll find through this episode that you should do as we say, not as we do. We’ve got a ton of travel mistakes under our belt, but with this list written out now, we’re sure to do better!
The last survey went SO well, that we’re doing it again! Click Here to fill out our survey (it only takes 5 minutes, we promise!) and get entered to win a 50 dollar Amazon Giftcard! We’ll randomly select one person who answers our survey to win!
I Need Your Help
Know anyone who’s about to go on a trip? Click “Tweet This” below to share this list with them and help them get a head start on their travel plans!
@PackofPeanuts shares 24 essential pre #travel activities and plans. Make sure everything’s in order and follow along!→ http://bit.ly/1sm3FUA
Who better to give packing advice than the man who has designed his own travel backpack?
Today we bring back Fred Perotta, creator of Tortuga Backpacks, to completely geek out on packing tips and tricks.
From the items that take up the most room in your bag to how long you need to pack for we cover tips that will leave you wondering where all that space in your bag came from!
We also discuss the new Tortuga Air, the new offering from Tortuga Backpacks. If you’ve been waiting to get either of these bags they’re going to be back in stock very soon!
Give a shoutout to Fred & Tortuga Backpacks for joining us on the show and help spread the word! We’ll all be packing lighter in no time! Click “Tweet This” below.
Thanks to @TortugaBackpack for the awesome #packing tips on the @PackofPeanuts #travel podcast! #Backpacking → http://bit.ly/1w34wMJ
