Packing must-haves are completely dependent on the weather conditions where you are traveling. I usually use weather.com’s 10-day forecast at the first several cities we will be visiting to check on what we are in for. I have traveled through Europe when it rained for weeks on end and also during a crazy hot spell one summer where there was no air-conditioning anywhere. It pays to be prepared!
I also have a built-in app on my iPhone that I can add weather information to all cities on my itinerary in advance. This lets me know what things look like when I arrive and also let’s me know what the daily forecast looks like for the next week. Though in some areas, it is less reliable than others.
So back to packing. You already know most of the must-haves, but here’s the rundown. As a side note, I like to use packing cubes. They keep your underwear from exploding out of your suitcase when being inspected and keep your socks together. I also use clear plastic zippable bags for liquid items that need to be transported such as bug spray, suntan lotion, etc.
On your person: We also always wear wedding bands (not with any gemstones) to thwart unwanted attention. I usually wear a money belt under my clothes but don’t put it on until through TSA. Also, we like to layer our clothing because it is usually chilly on the plane, particularly if you are on an overnight flight.
In your handbag/man purse: Passport, immediate travel documents such as your flight information and visa, credit cards, your home country currency as well as foreign currency, nail file, ink pen, small calculator (for the taxi/market in case your phone dies), charger for your phone, small hand sanitizer and lip balm. I also bring along some stomach upset tablets and diarrhea pills in my handbag, just in case…because when you need them you REALLY need them, and you don’t want to search for them. I also usually carry a lightweight eye mask and earplugs if on a plane.
In your carry on: Prescriptions, critical toiletries, hairbrush/comb, critical make-up, sunglasses, change of underwear, pajamas and different shirt for the next day. Trip and travel information, your computer (if taking one), biz cards, KN95 face masks, lightweight snacks, sanitizing wipes (for the plane tray table), book or magazine. We usually also carry on our toiletry kits, putting the liquids in a clear plastic bag for TSA. Usually, I carry the computer so it goes in the overhead bin and Mom carries the snacks and trip literature, which we access from our seats. Remember not to put any scissors or sharp objects to include nail clippers, firm nail files, drafting pencils, wine openers, etc. in your carry on. Finally, I like to carry some breath mints along.
I also like to carry on my coat if we are going to a chilly clime and put it in the overhead bin. It is readily available and doesn’t add extra weight to my luggage. Be strategic when dressing for the plane if you have to check luggage and you are near the weight limit: Wear your heaviest shoes and layer bulky or heavy fabrics, that way you stay warm and your luggage stays light!
Lastly, I carry my travel book for the first location so I can study up one last time before arrival and can memorize a few useful phrases in the language of the country of arrival. It’s amazing how far a please and thank you (at minimum) can get you…also, it’s just common courtesy.
For your checked bag or suitcase: Destination appropriate clothing (don’t forget your swimsuit for spa day!), your regularly used non-critical toiletries, portable umbrella and raincoat, travel electrical plug converters for the country you are traveling to, small flashlight and binoculars,
We like to blend in when traveling for several reasons including our personal safety. No one likes to be pegged as a tourist. We usually wear black or neutral colored slacks and a combination of neutral colored shirts and other clothing that can be layered for warmth. We have also recently discovered golf skorts (skirts with built in shorts). They are attractive, nicer looking and cool in hot weather and won’t scream tourist like a pair of shorts. We have also recently picked up some very light weight sun-repellant and moisture-resistant shirts that can be worn as a cover or on their own.
For cold weather, I usually throw in a pair of tights to wear under my slacks to keep extra warm, a neck scarf that can be worn as an accessory on its own or as a muffler, a lightweight pair of gloves and a warm hat that covers my ears. Also, since we are seriously into comfort, we take along some clothes to relax in around the hotel room such as shorts, gym pants and a sweatshirt. No one wants to wear tight clothing after that last stop at the sweetie shop!
Here’s some things you may not have thought of: Lightweight carry bag for groceries and for the beach, laundry soap sheets and laundry soap for hand washing, packable hat for sunny days, lightweight scarf to dress up your outfit or for church visits where you need to cover your head/shoulders, copy of your credit cards and passport, mini first-aid kit, COVID test and odor neutralizing spray for use in the Toilet Room. Depending on where you are going, a small roll of toilet paper may be needed, but we take along several pocket-sized packets of facial tissues which work just as well. Moleskin for sore toes, Salonpas patches for sore muscles and electrolyte mixes for dehydration or when it’s just been a long day.
Since we like to sit down to a glass of wine and hors d’ oeuvres (meat, cheese and bread) in the evenings sometimes instead of going out, so we take along a wine corkscrew, sharp knife for slicing bread/cutting cheese and several food storage bags to keep things fresh and refrigerated.
As far as toiletries, I like to take cold remedies, Airborne, a thermometer, allergy pills and upset stomach, diarrhea and constipation remedies from home so I can be sure these work for my body. One word of caution: Some countries will not allow cold remedies with specific ingredients. I also take along ear swabs and a small washcloth (a lot of hotels don’t provide them). It’s also good to take along hydrocortisone and antibiotic creams. I bring along Dramamine just in case. Don’t forget any specialty meds for the country you are visiting such as high-altitude pills and malaria meds (and yes, you do need these).
BIG PACKING TIP: Using a packing cube, put a pajama, a couple pairs underwear, socks, slacks and a few shirts together and zip. Give it to your travel buddy to put in their suitcase and vice versa. We have used this tip often and needed it several times when one of our pieces of luggage was lost or delayed.
SECOND BIG PACKING TIP: Buy a lightweight good quality luggage scale. This will pay for itself many times over.
