Travel Packing

In reality you can board your plane with nothing but a credit card and and a passport be fine most anywhere you go. There is something to be said about thoughtful packing so you can make your trip as pleasant as possible and avoid wasting time searching for much needed bits, though.

The weather is obviously the most important factor in your packing plan. Nothing ruins a trip worse than rain and wind. The combo of both can turn a once in a lifetime destination into pure hell. Research the climate and ask people who have lived there when is the best time to visit. If your availability doesn’t correspond with optimal climate then careful packing is essential to an enjoyable confrontation with the weather.

The right suitcase/backpack is your first weapon for enjoyable travel. Researching the airline restrictions for all the flights you will be taking and careful weigh-ins is paramount to saving $$$ on baggage fees. Some regional discount airlines in Europe for example have insanely slim checked baggage allowances and stiff fines for each kg over.

MOST of the time you can roll your luggage. All but a few staircases and cobblestone streets in ancient parts of the world will make your clever wheels obsolete. We personally uses hybrids, which are roller bags with backpack straps. Swiss Army makes a nice one in a few sizes. Backpackers are generally looked down on in most of the world. A stylish set of luggage will garner you the much needed level of service and attention at your destinations.

We travel the world using Victorinox’s Trek Luggage. You can find them in two sizes (go big if you’re going to be gone longer than a week). The straps fold inside and zip away. A day bag detaches from the front and you can lock all the compartments. The various straps tend to break off so make sure you secure them when checking the luggage.

Modular packing cubes are the best investment you’ll make other than your luggage. Eagle creek makes some wonderful folders for shirts and pants. Take your suitcase to the REI/Macy’s, etc where they sell them and figure out the most efficient use of space. My personal set up is 1 large folder, 1 small folder, 2 sock/underwear cubes, 1 toiletry cube, 1 dirty clothes cube, 1 tube cube , 1 shoe sac. I never search for anything in my bag, everything has its place and stays neatly wrinkle-free.