Here's the deal, I do not claim to be that great at much of anything, so believe me when I say, I am the Master of packing light. I know it's hard to believe from a smalltownista that has managed to cram pack two closets, not to mention accumulate an embarassing amount of accessories, but it's true. Five days in Mexico on one back pack and I literally had to purchase a large suitcase for our wedding because it was such a lengthy trip. Up until that adventure, my luggage consisted of a carry on rolly bag. The hubs can even attest to this one. Now, I do not recommend going off the radar bat sh*t crazy about packing as I do, but I will share a few tips of the trade.
You may be wondering why packing light for a holiday is important. Well, if you don't mind lugging around your body weight in travel accoutrements, paying out the bum for lb. overage fees, and sufferring from general exhaustion after hauling all your junk from departure to destination and back again, then quite frankly, you need not read any further. However, if you do mind, then here are my secrets. . .
Packing light is ALL about planning ahead accompanied by a few tips and tricks that you are sure to tweak according to your own personal style. (Quick side note, the tweaking is a lot of fun and can typically involve retail therapy.) Your action P.L.A.N. consists of the following:
P: Plan ahead. Scope out the weather predictions for the time of your visit, yes, even if you are headed to the beach. Will the evening cool down require a light cardigan? Better to know now before you find yourself wrapped up in a beach towel shivering at sun down.
Piece together an idea of an itenerary. I am not a fan of having every moment jam packed with planned activities, unless it's a visit home of course, but because planning is key, a few clues are helpful. Even if your days consist of sheer nothingness, where will this nothingness take place and will you need to be dressy or casual? Will you need adventure attire? p.s. Ziplines can be the end of an outfit so dress accordingly.
To my fellow curly haired girlies, if you are travelling somewhere humid, leave your straightening arsenal at home. I feel this bares repeating, if you are travelling somewhere humid, leave your straightening arsenal at home!!! Seriously, straightening my hair on a spring break trip to Cancun made the 'Top Ten Most Hilarious Moments" list, lesson learned, lesson shared. Moving on.
L: Layout, leverage, leave it. Layout your available options, your must haves and possible outfits in the making. I prefer to sketch out my portable wardrobe, but again, I do not recommend for everyone to be as extremely anal retentive as I am about this process. Plopping everything on the bed or hanging them on the back of your door is just fine. If you are super tech savvy, I also like the Stylish Girl Iphone App for easy style planning.
Ladies, the layout is what sets us apart from men, like my hubs, who prefer the grab and dump technique. The key to laying out all your goodies is to be sure you do not forget any pertinent materials and to use a little leverage.
Leverage versatile items to slim down your bundle o' style. If you wash a perfectly non-stained pair of jeans after every wear, well, I have never met you, probably because you are always busy doing laundry. One pair should last you a couple of days so no need to go overboard. Can you pair a top with jeans for day time and with a skirt for evening? If so, you've got yourself two separate styles from one top!
Utilize your versatile togs to their fullest (TranquiliT is a classic line for this) and you will squeeze the most out of your suitcase space. Wrap dresses are an excellent choice as you can twist and tie them any way you like for a completely new look each time. Turn a dress into a skirt, turn a skirt into a top, once you start playing around with your layout you will come up with all sorts of creative alternatives.
Leave it behind. If you enjoy the comforts of your own home enough to want to bring them with you, (robe, slippers, pillow, cuddly blanket, etc.) maybe just stay home. I hate to be harsh here, but we all enjoy such comforts and part of the whole experience is to get a little outside of our comfort zones. Even if your opulent accomodations put your digs to shame, there is no place like home. However, if it is not necessary to your overall vacay experience, leave it behind.
If it is something you are waivering on, leave it behind, it did not make the initial cut or you would not be waivering. It is okay to let it go, trust me, the last thing you will be worrying about while basking in the glow of freedom is, 'ooh I wish I would have packed that extra tank'.
A: Accessorize! I am not talking about every chunky necklace in your jewelry drawer, I say this only because I have fallen victim to it myself, too many jewels can you weigh you down. If it is in your carry on, and your good stuff better be, it is slowing you down sister, lighten it up. A few key pieces will spice up any wardrobe, turn your 'over swimsuit wrap' into your 'dining out wrap' in a snap. Voila.
Scarves are my all time favorite travel accessory, they are versatile and weigh less than a pair of Tory Burch flats. Sport a scarf as a head band, a top, a wrap, a belt, a skirt, a bracelet, a coverup, and if roomy enough it can double as a light blanket. Truly a packing light Smalltownista's all-in-one dream come true.
N: Never pack more pairs of shoes for days you will be away from home. Shoe lovers, I know you don't like to hear this, but think about it. . .logically. Generally speaking, shoes take up precious packing real estate and can prove to be on the heavy side. Think, hiking boots, tennis shoes, chacos, UGGs, Wellies, etc. Those suckers are not light. Pare 'em down, no pun intended!
Never pack full size toiletries, unless you are headed to a special occassion (yes, I broke this rule for my nupitals). If you can't find your 'can't live without' products in a travel size, pour, scrape, fanagle some way to transfer it into an empty travel size bottle or jar or what have you. Whatever you have to do, down size. Yes, even if you do not plan on checking them through security. It may tack on a little time on the front end, but the pay off will be worth it.
This is where I have to give a little lee way. . .
*I tend to cut out a pair of jeans here or a pair of shoes there to make more room for books. If you are not a big reader or just choose not read on your adventures you can certainly rearrange your packing accordingly. I haven't quite gotten on board with the Kindle yet, but I am sure it would be a space saver. *
* Of course there are times when planning ahead is not an option, but if a last minute trip is an emergency what you will be wearing will be the least of your concerns. If it is a down to the wire business trip, not to worry, you are sure to have your every day posh and professional garb at your fingertips.*
With your action P.L.A.N. in place and a few tips to work with you will never be stuck struggling to keep your shoulder in its socket again. Happy Travels!
Fellow Smalltownistas, if you have any tips, tricks, or tidbits on packing light feel free to share your insights.
Or if you are spinning your tires in an over packing rut, I am happy to help, no seriously, I could answer questions about packing all day. Just shoot an e-mail to kristin@smalltownista.com
Toodles from this packing light Smalltownista.
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