I’d be lying if I told you I have packing down to a science. In my mind, it is a fine art perfected by traveling many miles, forgetting necessities and key pieces of clothing, and, most of all, leaving behind the must-have items that I can’t believe I left home without. But I have logged many miles, have been to many places and have learned many tricks from plenty of people. The perfect packer? Hardly. An accidental tourist? Maybe. A world traveler? Absolutely. And a comfortable and stylish one at that. These are my tips on how to perfectly pack for any travel situation.
Plane to See
As flying becomes more and more difficult with the long lines, crowded waiting areas and sometimes delays, it is important to feel comfortable, yet look like you are flying first class. How you dress for a flight can make the difference between a cold, painful trip and a cozy, restful one.
For an In(style) Flight:
- Wear non-restrictive clothing that gives you freedom to move. Loose fitting, but not sloppy, clothes allow you to curl up, cross your legs, stretch and shift without being constricted.
- Wrap up with a large scarf made of a soft fabric, like cotton or, my favorite, cashmere. Planes can be cold, so a wrap can cover you up while you climb to a higher altitude. And, beyond the flight, a wrap is never a bad thing to have when you are on a trip.
- Tory Burch ballet flats are my constant travel companion. Not only do they cover my foot and make for easy on-and-off in the security line, but they are fabulously chic. Plus, if I’m connecting flights and there is running involved, they are essential.
- While I’m not one to wear a ton of makeup when flying, I do pack some key beauty essentials to help me feel great when I arrive. Cucumber face towels, lip and cheek tint and a touch of moisturizer for my thirsty skin all make me feel refreshed.
Well Train(ed)
All aboard and ready to travel! Taking a train always makes me feel terribly chic and stylish, as in the days of the Orient Express. But just like any other form of transportation, comfort is key. With small compartments and close seats, finding a way to relax on the train ride is a major part of the journey.
The Train(ed) Eye
- An always chic piece is a timeless trench coat. I love one with a removable lining, so you can add extra warmth when you need it and remove it when you don’t. The good news is trenches aren’t just for rainy days; they are for stylish ones.
- I don’t go anywhere without my iPad, but I most definitely don’t travel without it. When I plug in my favorite movie or spend some time on Pinterest, the hours seem to go by faster and we arrive at the final destination that much sooner.
- I like to wear clothes that are classic and cool when I travel. A pair of black jeans is simple and sophisticated for long journeys. They also tend to look far more pulled together and polished than a regular pair of faded blues.
- The clickety-clack of the train is inevitable, so a pair of good earphones is extremely important. Block out the noise; bring in the sounds of your favorite songs. Otherwise, it’ll be a long ride.
Float Your Boat
It can be a sea of change out there when you are cruising the vast blue sea. Plenty of options are necessary, and cruises have tons of activities conducive to lots of outfit changes.
Cruise Control
- Maxi dresses are the VIP of your suitcase, especially in warm weather climates. Wear one during the day when you are touring the ports and local towns or dress one up in the evening for dinner and dancing. Worn with casual flats or dressy heels, a maxi dress can be worn day after day in all different ways.
- Pack a hat. For protection and style, hats are a great way to show your personality and keep wrinkles and sun damage at bay.
- My sunglasses are my favorite accessory. Especially in warm tropical areas, there is nothing better than basking in the rays with the perfect pair of shades.
- Motion sickness happens to many people, this girl included. You don’t want to waste your fabulous time feeling sick. So make sure you come prepared with the motion sickness medicine of your choice. Another great way to combat sea-sickness? Green apples. Make sure you grab some at breakfast.
Hit the Road
I tend to think that if I am driving to a destination, I can pack a few more items, right? Wrong. A road trip should be light on packing, since you never know what you will find when you go and what you might want to bring home with you.
On the Road Again
- As American as driving cross-country, a pair of jeans is the singular most important article of clothing that you need for a road trip. You don’t even need to pack them; you’ll be wearing them day after day.
- I tend to be directionally challenged, so a GPS is the perfect co-pilot. Also, just so I can see where I am going, I like to have an actual map to look at, should the GPS lead me down the wrong path.
- A large leather tote bag is necessary for all of the souvenirs and treasures that I find along the way. Plus it keeps my personal items — wallet, keys, cell phone — in one place.
- I swear by packing a leather motorcycle jacket no matter where I’m traveling. It seems like the perfect addition to a road trip. Whether I need it for an extra layer of warmth or I want to use it as a way to change up the look of an outfit, a leather jacket is a great piece that has multiple purposes for multiple looks.
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Tips as you get packing:
- Pack ahead of time. Lay it out and make sure you have everything you need.
- Choose a single color or color family. It makes it easier to pull everything together.
- Add accessories to change up your outfits. They are the perfect way to transform a look without taking up a lot of space in your bag.
- Make sure you pack a pair or two of comfortable (and cute) shoes.
- Include a foldable bag to bring along in case you happen to buy a few extra items (always happens to me).
- Bring a little black dress on any trip. You never know when you might encounter a special occasion while traveling.
- Plastic bags are a lifesaver should anything leak or spill.
- Remember that if you forget something, you can always buy it when you get there.
