So I have to admit that one of my worst travel habits, that I have successfully changed in the last few years, is over-packing. I’m kind of a control freak and used to think I had to have everything I could potentially need during even the shortest vacations. The last time I packed like this was three years ago when I studied abroad in Barcelona and traveled all over Europe. My friend Corinne and I were those American girls with an embarrassing amount of baggage. Not only did we get nasty looks from our cab drivers and locals, it also cost us a lot of money while flying within Europe due to airlines extremely low baggage and weight allowance. Check out my blog on “Hidden Fees to “Low Cost” European Airlines” for information on how you can dodge this expense and not look like a total tourist with excessive baggage.
Fortunately I am no longer an obsessive over-packer and have also managed to become a little less high maintenance while traveling. I’ve realized that full size hair products, an absurd amount of clothes, and 5 pairs of heels is not necessary and is a pain in the ass to travel with. Please leave the hooker pumps at home. Trust me, Heels + Cobblestone Streets + A Few Cocktails = Suicide. Most old world cities aka all of Europe don’t have the most stable walking grounds and I would recommend a modest, but still sexy, wedge to wear on those nights out. It will save your feet from a lot of pain and the potential embarrassment of eating shit in front of a hot local club. I’ve definitely been that girl and it was not one of my finest moments. I’ve learned to pack the basic staples, tons of underwear, small size toiletries, comfortable shoes, and a few nice ensembles to hit the town in. It’s not like you’re heading to a foreign land where you won’t be able to purchase something you forgot or ran out of. Remember the less you pack, the more shopping you can do abroad at local stores. Also changing cities means new people and they aren’t going to have any idea that you wore that hot ensemble a few days ago while clubbing in Ibiza.
One thing that has changed my life when it comes to packing is Space Saver Bags. These are great to put dirty clothes in or items that don’t wrinkle easily. Every time I come back from a long trip my entire wardrobe, new and old, is rolled up in these bad boys.
I am also a changed woman due to my discovery of my red Samsonite “Spinner” suitcase. It has 4 wheels so it allows you to maneuver it easier and also push the bag upright rather than pulling the weight of your bags behind you. Splurge on this and you will not regret it. Once you go 4 wheels, you never go back!
The "Before" of Lexy and I packing
....And the "After!" All that in 2 small carry-ons...That's what I like to call skills!
I hope this entry was helpful and inspiring to leave all your excessive baggage at home and travel in style with the necessities! Please share your packing tips, as I am always looking to minimize items while traveling!
On October 18, 2009 @ 3:30 pm Tips For International Travel Virgins said
[...] My Insight to Packing Light Without Sacrificing Style [...]