Pack for a Long Trip

When packing for a long trip, the key is finding and packing clothing and items that are multifunctional, so that you don't have to cart around too much.

Steps

Carrying your things

  1. If you don't already have it, purchase high quality luggage that is easy to transport. Depending on the type of travel you are doing, choose either a backpack or a suitcase.
    • Suitcases are great for vacations that are wholly urban, at resorts or wherever else, while backpacks are better for backpacking expeditions, country travel, rough travel and travel in areas with few amenities and concrete paths.

Choosing clothes

  1. Find out information about your destination, including the weather conditions, typical local standards of dress, and what items can be purchased at a reasonable cost at your destination.
  2. Choose clothing in basic colours. Follow a unified colour scheme.
    • For example, choose bottoms in black or khaki, with a matching sweater or jacket if appropriate. This will allow you to take a smaller number of clothes.
    • Choose tops that will match all bottoms. As tops are generally lighter than pants, you will be able to pack a few more without adding extra weight.
    • Generally, three bottoms (black or khaki cotton pants, dress pants, and jeans) should be sufficient, with three long sleeved shirts, one to two sweaters, a jacket, and a few t-shirts to layer under clothing.
  3. Work out how many different outfits can be made using the chosen clothes. You may surprise yourself considerably!
  4. Choose three pairs of shoes. One for walking, one for business/formal wear and one for the weather you'll be encountering.
    • Consider hiring or buying boots if you encounter snow or wet environments. These can be too heavy to cart around on a long trip. All sports boots or shoes should be hired.
    • Flip flops cost nothing. Buy them when you're in the country or area rather than dragging them along with you. Then leave them behind when you're done.
  5. Consider offloading clothing. If you're doing a round-the-world trip, you are likely to encounter all sorts of weather, including cold, wet, hot and dry. This makes carrying clothing a bit of a logistical nightmare. What can make it easier is to either send home clothing mid-way, especially after cold country visits, or decide to give it away to people before leaving the country.
    • Choose clothing you don't mind giving up if you're going to give it away. Perhaps select a wardrobe of items you're never going to wear again, but are close to being donated anyway. Or, do a deliberate shop at the thrift store to purchase gear only for the trip and to be given away as you go. You won't be so invested in it that way but do be sure to choose stuff that looks fabulous on you, or you'll regret taking it with you.
  6. Keep accessories to a minimum. Don't travel with valuable jewelry unless you want to advertise the theft opportunity. Leave that stuff at home. Take only what is useful, such as a watch, a money holder, a scarf, a hat, etc.
    • Consider buying accessories as light, easily carried mementos of your trip. You can wear them and bring them home that way.

Other stuff

  1. Consider what non-clothing items you will need. When working this out, always choose the bare minimum. You do not want to be marring your trip with a bunch of unnecessary stuff that you're constantly worried about losing.
  2. Consider how much of your digital devices can manage all the tasks with just one machine. A smartphone or an iPad can do the work of many gadgets at once, making it easier to take less with you. Attach a keyboard to either and you've got your word processor too, all for a lot less weight than a laptop.
  3. Get small chargers that can charge various of the same things at once. That way, you carry less and have less cords and chargers to remember to repack each time.
  4. Pile your favorite books onto the eReader. No more carting heavy piles of books around, and you're always assured of a huge reading list, wherever you are.
  5. Consider whether you need food supplies. If you have a specific diet or medical condition, you might need some specialized food. Try to choose items that bring the most bang for weight, and find out in advance if you can get your specialist dietary needs wherever you're traveling. Use the internet to help you.

Packing

  1. Roll your soft gear. Generally clothing that is rolled takes up less space than folded clothing. You may also wish to investigate "bundling" techniques when packing. Pack smaller items in ziplock bags, press down to remove any excess air. This compresses items into a smaller package.
  2. If toiletries are readily available at a reasonable price at your destination, consider buying them there, and only take a few days supply with you.
    • Always place liquids inside resealable bags. These will contain any leaks that might occur. Leaks are inevitable when flying, due to pressure changes, so don't take any chances.
    • How much makeup do you really need? Mineral makeup can make it easier to have one or two items do many different contouring, highlighting and concealing jobs all at once, rather than carrying all the different containers.
  3. Lay everything you're taking out on the bed. Remove anything that seems as if you could live without it. Then take a photograph of it all on your smartphone. That way, you'll have a permanent visual record of what you've packed; no need to remember any lists when repacking at each hotel, campground or resort.



Tips

  • If travelling with a group, divide essential items between suitcases- this way, if one suitcase is lost, each person will still have some clothing and supplies. Also, ensure that you have one change of clothing packed in your carry-on, as well as any essential medications and other things.
  • Find out how locals dress to avoid looking like a tourist. In general, shorts are generally not preferred in most areas- consider taking long pants (and/or skirts for women). This also provides extra protection from the sun.

Related Articles

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Pack_for_a_Long_Trip&oldid=360612"