034 Retrospective: living out of a suitcase for a month
Tips for efficient packing every time
I spent a month on the road this summer. This was done over two separate trips, but no matter how you slice & dice it, it’s still a long time to be living out of a suitcase, especially for Dorothy when there’s no place like home. Both trips involved multiple locations, hotels, weather conditions, itineraries, and one carry on.
I thought today I’d examine what I got right and what I could have done better. Packing, and packing like a professional traveler, has become a minor obsession. Pulling it off successfully makes for a more streamlined and pleasant vacation.
What I got right:
A “business in the front/ready for the afterparty” suitcase: Before my summer travels, I made an executive decision and bought a new carry on suitcase despite the fact I already had a perfectly good carry on suitcase. I traded up to the AWAY bigger carry on flex. I kept the suitcase zipped down initially, allowing me to use it as a carry-on for the first several legs, but as I got further into the trip, with smaller airports and even smaller planes, I knew I would have to check it no matter the size. I was able to expand the suitcase, giving me more room for impromptu purchases. Holding myself to a carry-on (flex) suitcase keeps my packing in check and I never run into a situation where my bag is over the weight limit. A smaller suitcase also allows mobility when traveling. I know it feels daunting initially, but once you travel lightly, you’ll never go back to lugging giant suitcases around again.
Utilizing Hotel laundry service: For most of my life, hotel laundry service was equivalent to the hotel mini bar- a line I did not cross. In reality, it was a false frugality (I still hesitate to indulge the mini bar purchases unless I’ve really thought it through because $12 cashews get me every time). Getting items laundered saves considerable packing space by allowing you to wear the major items multiple times.
Hand washing items: I wash my underwear and workout gear by hand. This allows me to travel with far less than I would typically need. Most are quick dry fabrics, so if I wash on the first night of a two night stay, they are dry and ready to be repacked before we are off to the next location. Drying in the sun helps, or I’ve found a heated towel bar indispensable when rain dominates the forecast. And no need for special detergent. Any hotel shampoo/body wash works well enough under the circumstances.
Bringing a suit: I’m of the opinion that everyone needs at least one strong suit in their closet. I had recently purchased a Grey/Ven suit on super sale (still available at Neiman Marcus for a ridiculously good price) and put it to the test this trip. I wore it more than anything else. As a suit, I wore it for 3 flights. As separates, I was able to pair the jacket with almost everything else I brought, and the same for the pants, which I kept wearing because they were so darn comfy. I did get the pants laundered at one of the hotels thanks to my inability to forgo chocolate when offered, but it was worth it as I wore them 5-6 times after that.
A wrinkle averse go-to outfit: There were many times that I arrived at a location, needing a quick outfit change before heading out to dinner or some pre-arranged event. The one thing that saved me in these instances was a one piece jumpsuit that remains wrinkle free no matter how poorly I pack. I could, and did, just throw it on & go, without worry.
Snacks/Supplements: The challenge with traveling for an extended period is falling out of habit with the wellness routine you’ve established at home. Like everyone else, I started out solid, eventually tapped out, and the next thing you know I’m getting two brownies every day from the local market (true story, but I did share them).
By bringing some of my own snacks, I keep myself sated on flights or when trying to adjust time zones. I also bring AG1 travel packs and vitamins/supplements because the inevitable stomach pains will arrive with the extra vacation alcohol and sugar surging through my system. Having most of my routine stay the same helps sideline serious damage and also make the transition back into my regular schedule easier once I do return home (and vow not to eat another brownie for a year).
What I got wrong:
Bringing heels: I made this mistake BOTH trips. I told myself surely I would wear them to a fancy dinner. This is where, “know thyself” should be heeded. I like to walk when I’m in a new place. I will always choose the outfit/flat shoe combo. Leave heels at home.
Overpacking: While I’m happy I limit myself to a carry on bag, I still believe I could improve in this area. I edited carefully and don’t allow single wear items, but I still have room for improvement. I could have left 4 tops, and a pair of pants at home with the heels.
Sneaker choice: A white sneaker will always have a place on my travels, but I chose a moderately comfortable elevated looking sneaker vs my most comfortable, but not very fancy, sneaker. In hindsight, I think something in the middle would have worked best. I’m on the lookout for one that fits the bill and will do a travel sneaker breakdown in the near future.
Half full toiletries: I keep a drawer of samples and TSA sized toiletries to use when I’m traveling. Unfortunately, It’s usually anyone’s guess how much product is left in the bottles for most of the non-refillable ones. Moving forward, I’ll use what’s left of these bottles after travel and replace my stash of travel ready items with full products so I’m not left empty handed mid-trip again.
Not including a mini steamer: I spent far too much time with an iron this trip. Instead of heels, next time I’ll bring a mini-steamer.
Enjoy this last bit of summer! If you still have travel on the horizon, pack lightly!
xo,
A