We are getting ready to travel overseas again. I usually have at least one out-of-country trip a year, possibly more – but obviously that behavior curtailed in the last two years.
You should know that I love traveling. I hate packing. I HATE packing.
To address this weird dichotomy, I have strategies in place to help simplify the process for me. They’ve developed over years of looking for solutions. When I traveled more often, they helped make my packing process streamlined and efficient. I’m out of practice so this has been a bit more of a chore this time around as I have to intentionally recall my handy go-to tricks.
I figured since I had to be so thoughtful and intentioned about the process this time, I would share my Must-Haves in case they helped anyone else.
Planning App
Plans are nothing; planning is everything.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Planning stresses me out almost as much as it helps me. But I’ve learned that proactive planning allows me to enjoy the process more than procrastination does.
I can take WEEKS to prep for a trip because I break my tasks down into a list of small tasks that I can knock out a little bit at a time. I couldn’t do this without my favorite travel planning app simply called Packing Pro.
I’ve used this handy app since 2011 and it is the single biggest thing that helps keep me sane during travel planning. It’s essentially an organized, electronic list of things I need to do and collect (to pack) in preparation for a trip. (The Pro version allows you to manage multiple people which I imagine would be handy with kids or grandkids. I have neither so the free version has provided all of the functionality that I need.)
What I Like Most
I can build new lists from old ones which means as I refine my packing, I can leverage the work I’ve already done. I have lists which are specific for beach trips, overseas, winter, long weekends, etc. If I happen to forget something, I just add it to my list for next time and then I don’t even worry about it!
Refillable Bottles
I like to travel light – that is, with carry on luggage only. Though the travel part is a little less carefree this way, when I step off the plane, I’m not held up by waiting for luggage to load on the carousel. I also never have to fret about lost luggage. Space is therefore at a premium. Anything that starts to save me space goes to the top of my list.
I am annoyed that we are still limited to a liquids container. Did you know that technically you are limited to 10 containers?! I used to collect sample sizes and small packets of product for traveling but life got a lot easier when I discovered refillable bottles. I can pack only what I need and save valuable space in my “liquids bag”.
There are two products in the Human Gear line that I like: Human Gear GoToob and Human Gear GoTubb.
The GoToobs come in a variety of sizes which let you pick and choose your volume need by length of trip and/or product need. The smallest tubes are great for a week’s worth of face wash. The medium size will hold enough shampoo or conditioner for me for an entire trip.
The biggest question of course is, do they leak? A resounding no. I’ve used this product for over a decade and wouldn’t travel without them!
The GoTubb is great for creams that don’t squeeze out of the tubes as well. I even use them to carry ibuprofen or earrings. The lid covers the entire tub and clicks down solidly. To open them you have to squeeze both sides lightly. They do not open by accident or leak if they aren’t overfilled.
The other super handy container is Refillable Perfume Atomizers. They are not all made the same and your need will depend on how your perfume or cologne is bottled.
I have one spray that comes in a large bottle. I can decant the amount I need into a perfume atomizer that has an internal bottle. I find many of them tend to leak so I can’t recommend a specific one.
On the other hand, I cannot rave enough about the bottom fill perfume/cologne atomizer when you have a bottle with the spray nozzle. You just press the spray nozzle into the bottom of the atomizer. You can actually tell how many applications you are getting.
What I Like Most
I like being able to bring my favorite scent with me regardless of how it is packaged. I don’t have to contend with bulky and fragile perfume containers. George uses them for his cologne and has these on his must have list oo! These make great stocking stuffers for your travel enthusiasts!
Packing cubes
Finally when it comes to my jigsaw puzzle packing, I like to use packing cubes. I’ve use Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes, Eagle Creek Pack-It Garment Folders, and Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes for at least fifteen years, if not longer. The range of products fits a range of different needs, based on where I’m going and what I’m doing.
The compression cubes are wonderful if space is really, really tight. These cubes have a secondary compression zipper. First, you fill the appropriate size with carefully packed items. Once the cube is zipped shut, you zip the second zipper to compress the clothing inside into a brick. It especially helps with clothing that has more volume and seems “compressible”.
The packing folders are wonderful for business trips. If you need to keep shirts, pants, skirts, dresses wrinkle free, these garment folders all you to fold clothing precisely and then it wraps it into a folder by neatly tucking it into a folder with velcro on both sized. You save a little room, but the real power of these folders is ensuring you clothing comes out of your suitcase wrinkle free. I mostly use these on business trips as well but they are a godsend for men who travel with button down shirts.
Lastly, the very general generic packing cube is the organization tool that started it all almost two decades ago. These come in a variety of sizes, shapes, material, and color. These allow me to separate things in my suitcase for easy retrieval. I use them to organize electronics, “unmentionables”, personal hygiene products, etc.
What I Like Most
Once I get into a rhythm using these packing organizers, I find I can pack quickly and efficiently. It’s much easier for me to see/know how much can fit into my luggage without question. Not only am I organized as I pack, but I stay organized at my destination and when I return home. It’s a dream!
I have to mention two packing essentials that are unrelated to organization. I pull these out and make space for them for any travel that lasts more than a couple of hours. While this is definitely true with air travel, I find they are also handy with car travel. I can’t properly pack without them figured into the mix.
Neck Pillow
I will admit that the vain part of me really hates the look of the neck pillow. But if you have to sleep on a plane (or in a car), you really can’t beat it.
Of course not everyone can sleep on planes or in cars, but if you’ve ever traveled with me, you know that I’ll doze in and out whether I want to or not. I think it’s how my body copes with mental boredom and physical inactivity. Lol.
I’ve tried a lot (tons!) and Cabeau Evolution Classic Neck Pillows are my favorite.
It keeps my neck from lolling around on a plane or even in a car. It compresses into its own stuff sack and is relatively small which is great for air travel. I don’t pack them on short trips but if a trip will be more than a few days, my neck pillow goes in! I own several of these because I’ve forgotten them in the past and they are always an airport purchase. After I had about three I realized I just needed to put it on my packing list so I could stop forgetting it!
What I Like Most
The extra “bump” fits my neck better than other pillows. It hits my cheek which helps keep my head upright. The toggle lock at the front allows me to secure it as tightly (or loosely) as I need. Most of all, it prevents me from messing up my neck which WILL ruin a vacation for me. I’ve even been known to use them in hotel rooms if the pillows are too flat.
Back Support
One of my co-workers once said that traveling with me (in my 30’s) was like flying with an octogenarian.
The other thing I figured out pretty quickly (besides the lack of neck support on airplane seats) was the fact that the universal seat shape isn’t universally good for all body shapes. I’m not sure what the mismatch is precisely – only that there is one and long periods in airline seats will do a number on my body alignment.
While a rolled up jacket often will serve the purpose on shorter flights, on a flight of any substantial length I toss in my Therm-a-rest Self-Inflating Lumbar Support.
Again, you have to set vanity aside. I can tough it out for a couple of hours, but then I’m happy to sacrifice looks and glances for comfort. I’ve used this particular backrest for at least twenty-five years. I only recently replaced mine so they are a great value!
What I Like Most
The Therm-a-rest compacts down into the size of a flattened water bottle. This fits perfectly on the side pocket of my carry on. It’s not large and obvious but it provides just enough lumbar support to keep my back from hurting from uncomfortable seats on long flights. Is it worth the space? For me that’s a resounding yes!
This list isn’t exhaustive by any means, and I’m always open to trying new things. But for me, these are tried and true staples in my packing routine that have earned their cherished spots only after many, many, many years of use and abuse.
What are some of YOUR must haves? Leave a comment below!
Next up – now that I’m organized, what do I pack?!
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