After the events of 9/11, I made it a point to always pack so that I could carry my luggage on the plane, no matter where I was going, what event I was going for or how long I was staying. I’ve been known to pack a small carry-on suitcase for even a two-week stay! When I travel, I am always asked “how do you pack such a small bag?” Well I’ll tell you… The first thing I do is consider the aspects of the trip. Where am I going? What is the nature of my trip? What event(s) am I attending? What is the weather going to be? And how am I going to be getting around while I’m there? (Cause if it’s Chicago for the Christmas holidays and I’m renting a car to go from relative-to-relative’s house, then I’ll need to pack and wear a pair or two of practical boots!)
Once I’ve gathered that info, then I plan my wardrobe. I do this by first choosing a color theme. My favorite combinations are: brown, grey and camel, or black and white with red or camel, or all black with splashes of colors. This keeps me from taking more clothes, shoes, bags and accessories than I’ll need. Considering the places I’ll be visiting while away, I will then begin to build a trip-wardrobe that is interchangeable, like… one blazer to possibly wear with jeans, pants, skirt or leggings. Or, a pair of heels that can be worn with casual and more dressy attire. Once I throw in an optional outfit or two, then I will write or type out my wardrobe itinerary, listing the date, the weather, necessary changes for the day(s) of travel, and everything from accessories to underwear and sleepwear! (A girl’s gotta be prepared.) And I try to arrange my travel wardrobe so as not to have to bring more than the purse and/or jacket I plan to carry/take on the plane.
Whether you’re packing for a carry-on or you’ll have to check your bag, one key to remember when packing is to do so in such a way that nothing moves around. Since airline baggage handlers aren’t the most gentle people in the world, and it’s no telling what happens to your suitcase if/when it’s out of your sight, I’ve learned to pack so that everything arrives in one piece, just as it was before I packed it like… wrapping or boxing jewelry and slipping it into a packed evening bag; wrapping curling irons in pajamas or slipping them into house slippers for protection; and clothes, rolled and/or folded, all wrapped in plastic, protecting against any spillage or leaks that may occur while in transit, and also sparing a few wrinkles. My TSA approved toiletries bag is ready at all times and I usually slip it into my purse for convenience when going through airport security, or place it inside a larger bag along with hair care items. Lastly, I prefer my in-flight attire to be pulled-together, with incorporated pieces from the itinerary as well.A well-planned wardrobe will keep you from over-packing, being bogged down with heavy and unnecessary luggage at the airport, and most importantly, allow you the ability to simply expand your suitcase to accommodate those items you picked up while shopping on your trip!
