Packing Tips
I’m not someone who likes a lot of stuff. I lived out of a suitcase for 11 years while I was nomadic, so it was imperative that I make gear choices that are light, durable, and necessary. I don’t like a lot of bells and whistles, and quite frankly, most travel stuff is crap and stuff that you don’t even need. My travel gear list tried to stick to the necessities for the traveler who wants to remain light, adventurous, and simple.
And when it comes to packing, I have all kinds of tips for maximizing your space and organization!
Whether you are shopping for a trip for yourself, or a favorite traveler in your life this gear is what you need to make any trip awesome – even a work trip! These are all products I have used for various amounts of time as I traveled around the world.
Let’s start with some packing essentials
Roll Your Clothes
Roll your clothes to get maximum room in your suitcase/backpack.
Bring a Scarf/Sarong
Scarves make you fashionable and can be used for various uses – towels, beach cover-ups, sun shade, warmth, modesty cover-ups in Islamic countries, and they can be used to add a pop of color to a drab travel color palette.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are the key to packing happiness – turn your bag into a dresser… organized! I use and love Thule packing cubes
Two (uses) is Better Than One
My favorite travel items are the pieces that has double uses. My reversible tights, a water bottle that can also be a coffee mug, or shorts that I can hike, swim, and surf in.
Travel with Natural Fibers
Good wool products (socks, underwear, tshirts, PJ’s) are GREAT for travel. They dry really fast, don’t hold odor, stay warm in the cold, and cool in the heat.
Stick to One Color Palette
Pack in one color palette so that you can stay light and everything can go together in different combinations.
Backpack vs Wheeled Bag
Use a backpack if you are doing a lot of train or bus travel – it’s much easier to maneuver through stations and store.
Bring a Reuseable Water Bottle
Bring your own collapsible/refillable water bottle and stop using plastic! In developing countries bring a water bottle with a built in filter.
Carry Your Own Weight
You must be able to carry everything on your own. If you can’t lift your bag over your head and into a railroad car or bus overhead storage, then you shouldn’t be carrying it.
Skip the Money Belts
Money Belts are a waste, I’ve never used one – plus, who in their right mind wants to add bulk to your belly area?
This doesn’t stop at 10! See more of my packing tips I’ve compiled from decades of living on the road
When you live out of a suitcase, you don’t have room for stuff that isn’t awesome.
sherry Ott
Don’t leave on a trip without a pair of compression socks
I developed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after a long flight from Newark to Delhi. Blood clots formed in my leg and later traveled to my lungs while I was exploring India. I was lucky to get treatment in time — but I also learned that DVT is serious, preventable, and especially dangerous for women travelers.
That’s why I partnered with Vim & Vigr to design the Go Explore merino wool
