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A mostly successful packing report

I’m not sure we do this here, but perhaps my packing list will be helpful to someone. I just did a two week solo trip to Italy that included 5 nights in Florence, 1 night in Venice, 1 night near the Venice airport because I was meeting people for a shared shuttle to Ravenna, a 6 night cruise that departed from Ravenna and ended in Civitavecchia, and finally 1 night at a hotel at FCO, which gave me a day in Rome. I did not want to check a bag on the way there and was limited to a 21” carryon with a max weight of 8 kg/17 lbs and a small purse. I threw a backpack into my suitcase and used that for my clothes and toiletries on the way home and checked a suitcase full of wine. I ended up bringing more clothes than I needed because I didn’t trust the unseasonably warm weather forecast. It was in the low 60s in the mornings and mid 70s (or warmer) in the afternoon. As someone who lives in the Midwest, that’s shorts and T-shirts weather.

My suitcase was exactly 8kg. I flew Turkish Air and they did weigh it at check in. I wore a Scottevest windbreaker and had a few items in my pockets to keep my suitcase under the weight limit. As soon as I checked in, I stuffed the jacket into my suitcase. I ended up wearing it during a thunderstorm while touring the Amalfi coast and my last day in Rome, although I would have been fine with a cardigan instead. I could have left it at home, but it was nice to have in the rain. I would probably bring it again as my “just in case” item.

On the flight I wore: cropped black knit pants, a merino tech wool t-shirt, a merino mid-weight cardigan (I barely wore this and should have left it at home), and sketchers sneakers.

I packed:
2 elbow length sleeve, just above the knee, merino wool (Wool& brand) dresses - I would have been fine with one, but it was nice to have some variety.
1 pair cropped merino leggings
1 pair regular length merino leggings - I didn’t wear these even once
1 pair merino bicycle shorts that I wore under my dresses when I wasn’t wearing the cropped leggings and to sleep in.
1 merino tank top to sleep in
1 very lightweight cropped merino cardigan - I wore this a lot because I could tuck it into my purse later in the day.
1 scarf that I wore maybe twice - it was good for dressing for dinner on the cruise
1 pair of merino flats that I wore to dinner on the cruise
5 pairs of underwear - I would have been fine with 2 or 3 since I washed them out most nights
1 bra in addition to the bralette I wore on the plane
5 pairs of no show merino socks - I also would have been fine with fewer pairs, but these do take a bit longer to dry

If anyone is interested in my nonclothing packing list, I’m happy to share that, too.

I washed the cropped leggings, shorts, and dresses once in the hotel sink and they easily dried by the next morning. I only washed the dresses because they are a bit big and tend to look sloppy after a week of wearing them. They were quite wrinkled when I unpacked them, but were fine after hanging in the bathroom while I showered. I walked 10-15 miles per day and I sweat a lot, but they never got stinky.

The best toiletry item I brought was skin so soft insect repellent wipes. I wish I had brought more because I ran out and got eaten alive the last evening. I love them because I don’t have to worry about a leaking bottle, they fit into a pocket, and they don’t smell like insect repellent.

Slightly off topic, this was my first international solo trip and I would absolutely do it again. My husband doesn’t like international travel and my kids are in college and high school, so can’t travel at this time of the year. I’m so glad I went on my own because I felt very safe and met wonderful people along the way.

Posted by
137 posts

Very nice packing list!
Did you feel too warm in merino ? Or was it a blend merino wool fabrics? Lately it’s been difficult to find 100% merino wool leggings and t shirts. I have bought them over 10 years ago and would like to find something new.

Posted by
21 posts

I tend to run warm, so nearly all my merino is quite lightweight and my dresses are a blend, but mostly merino. I love my 100% merino tshirts, but I think the dresses need to be a blend in order to wear well.

Posted by
2462 posts

Where did you buy all the merino wool clothes? I am especially interested in the merino cardigan.

What nonclothing items did you bring? That seems to be where my weight and bulk goes up.

And I am impressed. that you met the weight requirements. I am thinking of buying a new suitcase so I can do carry on only next year on an European airline.

Posted by
13809 posts

"I’m not sure we do this here, but perhaps my packing list will be helpful to someone."

Oh yes! We do share packing lists...successful and not-so-successful!

I did not know Skin-so-soft had wipes so I will have to look for them. I meant to get insect repellent wipes before my trip to Italy too but forgot. I got eaten up in Rome. Those are going on my master packing list under the "may need" column, lol!!

I'm so happy you had a great time traveling independently. If others don't care to travel or can't travel at certain times it's good to know you can go on your own! I really, really like traveling solo. Don't have to make any compromises, lol!

I'm curious about the colors for your capsule wardrobe? Before I discovered that yes indeed, Merino does make me itchy, I had the most beautiful teal Icebreaker Tee shirt. I wore it for 6 days straight in a Paris heat wave (97F!!) and no stink, lol. See?? You really could only do that when you are on your own, hahaha!

Posted by
4540 posts

You really could only do that when you are on your own

So, true, Pam! It's fun to pack for solo trips thinking "who's gonna even know?" I'm envious of those who can wear Merino wool. I'm in your group of "even that is too itchy."

Posted by
13809 posts

Well, to be honest it kind of grossed me out as well, hahaha. I finally washed it after day 6 even though it still did not smell. Just could not do it another day and it was like my Mom was sitting on my shoulder being completely appalled, lol!

Posted by
763 posts

Yes, what are your capsule wardrobe colors? Black and..... Also, where do you buy all those merino wool items? I hate shopping. Please tell me I can shop online!

Posted by
6228 posts

Meghan, so glad you enjoyed your solo trip! I've been traveling for decades as a solo traveler and would not give it up for the world. I love the freedom to do what you want to do, when you want - and wear what you want! :) Good tip about the Skin so Soft wipes. I will plan on getting some for my next trip, although because I don't travel in the summer, I usually don't have to worry about mosquitos (at least not when I travel - at home, they're a menace).

What brand of merino tops do you buy? I also have (and love) several of the Wool& merino dresses and plan on buying some of their tops before my trip next year, but I was also looking at Icebreaker merino clothing, which looks very nice.

Posted by
21 posts

I do have a lot of merino clothing because I've been slowly swapping out synthetic fabrics and my travel clothes are also my work clothes, so they get a lot of use.

This is the suitcase I used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GX6K5M4/ref=twister_B07GX1GH45?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 What I love about it is the handle is extra wide, so the inside of the bag is completely flat with no bumps from the handle. It weighs almost nothing and has held up well on many international trips. I've never had a problem bringing it on European airlines.

Here's what I packed/wore:

to be continued...

Posted by
21 posts

...part II

  • long sleeve cropped merino cardigan from Smitten Merino - mine is a charcoal and black micro stripe, which they don't currently have available: https://www.smittenmerino.com/en-us/collections/womens-merino-wool-cardigans/products/womens-merino-wool-and-bamboo-cropped-long-sleeve-crop-cardigan-cd00002?variant=42168361582791
    This is the most expensive piece of clothing I own and it is so worth it. I wear it several times a week. It's very warm, but so thin that I can fold it up and stick it in my purse. I wore this most mornings on my trip and then tucked it into my purse when it warmed up.

  • very old H&M chiffon scarf that has big flowers on it and includes a lot of colors so it matches pretty much everything: I didn't wear this as much as I thought I would simply because it was pretty warm on this trip. It was nice to throw over my dress for dinner on the cruise to make my outfit look a little nicer.

  • simple black merino tank top that I'm pretty sure I got from Amazon: I slept in this every night.

  • grey merino bike short from Woolly Clothing Co:
    https://www.woolly.clothing/products/w-bikeshort
    I wore these when sleeping and also under my dresses to prevent chub rub. They hold their shape well, are a bit longer so they don't ride up, and dry overnight when washed in a hotel sink.

  • black merino flats from Merino shoes:
    https://merinoshoes.com/products/womens-flat-black-black
    I like these, but I don't love them. They were fine for wearing around the ship and dressed up my outfits for dinner.

In summary, I wore mostly black and grey with some ocean blue and burgundy. If I learned anything wearing the same dress for 100 days, it's that nobody is paying any attention to what you're wearing and even though I saw the same people every day of the cruise, they never noticed I was alternating between two dresses - or they were too polite mention it. Last year, I traveled with my mother and wore the exact same dress every day for two weeks and she didn't notice until I mentioned it.

I'll post a list of the other stuff I packed soon. I am great at minimalist clothes packing and terrible at minimalist packing of "other stuff"!

Posted by
21 posts

Also, where do you buy all those merino wool items? I hate shopping. Please tell me I can shop online!

I live in the middle of nowhere and have to buy everything online. Hopefully these links help you get started!

Posted by
2300 posts

Thank you so much for all the details. I’ve been wanting to try wool, but not sure where to start.

Posted by
16028 posts

Meghan, you are a powerful and effective advocate for the comfort, utility, and versatility of merino! I too am a believer, and might take a look at that Wool& dress—-I do not have one, and I like the elbow-length sleeves.

For those just getting started with merino but find the price a bit daunting, I suggest you look for reliable brands on sale rather than cheap, lower quality brands. I am not familiar with the brands in Meghan’s past, but I am sure they can be trusted. My favorites are Smartwool, Icebreaker ( from New Zealand), Iomerino (Australian) and Ibex ( sold mostly by outdoor clothing companies). I prefer 100% merino with a smooth finish over blends—-I have a pullover sweater from Woolovers, a UK company, that is 90% merino, 10% cashmere and it is scratchy. I don’t know if it is the fuzzy texture, or maybe they used cheap cashmere, but I cannot wear that sweater against my skin. An exception to my rule would be the “Sphere” fabric offered by Icebreaker, which has Tencel (a natural fiber made from wood) blended in.

Cardigans can be hard to find, as BethFH has discovered. Eileen fisher makes a nice open front long one, but it it over $200. For something less expensive, I found this long lean one at Banana Republic:

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=615264202&vid=1&tid=brpl000047&kwid=1&ap=7&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4LiFuMum-wIVWjetBh35dgd1EAQYAiABEgLdB_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#pdp-page-content

Or for a more classic style, scroll down to the $94 cardigan from Benetton:

I also saw one on sale from Brooks Brothers for around $100 but lost the page. . . .

My only merino cardigan is a long open-front one by Halogen, a Nordstrom brand, but they don’t carry it any more. I like the look for dressing up an outfit for evening, but it doesn’t provide a lot of warmth if that is what is needed. I looked around Nordstrom for more merino, ut most of it seems to be Eileen Fisher (very nice, but $$$).

Happy shopping—-there should be some deals appearing online in the next month. For example, I know REI will be offering 20% off one regular-priced item and one from the Outlet store.

https://us.benetton.com/merino-wool-sweaters-women/

Posted by
3067 posts

Thank you for sharing your lists!
I also love solo travel...my husband won't travel either.
I do like Merino wool, but I have to have a layer of something else between it and my skin.
Except for socks!
I just love merino wool socks as the weather cools down.
I do like that merino items are usually quite lightweight.

Posted by
13809 posts

Thank you so much for the extra information on your clothing! And wow to providing links to everything!

I love your color combo. I get good ideas from knowing what others are putting together and yes, one multi color scarf can cover a lot of outfits, lol! I've got one that is cobalt and aqua that works for almost everything.

And you didn't think we'd be interested in your packing list, hahaha!

For people who are just starting in to Merino, try a shirt or two first to make sure you can tolerate it. I know it's frequently advertised as anti-itch but that's not true for all of us. It is NOT as itchy as regular wool, that is for sure.

Posted by
21 posts

For those just getting started with merino but find the price a bit daunting, I suggest you look for reliable brands on sale rather than cheap, lower quality brands. I am not familiar with the brands in Meghan’s past, but I am sure they can be trusted. My favorites are Smartwool, Icebreaker ( from New Zealand), Iomerino (Australian) and Ibex ( sold mostly by outdoor clothing companies). I prefer 100% merino with a smooth finish over blends—-I have a pullover sweater from Woolovers, a UK company, that is 90% merino, 10% cashmere and it is scratchy. I don’t know if it is the fuzzy texture, or maybe they used cheap cashmere, but I cannot wear that sweater against my skin. An exception to my rule would be the “Sphere” fabric offered by Icebreaker, which has Tencel (a natural fiber made from wood) blended in.

This is some great advice and I also suggest making sure you are purchasing items that can easily be exchanged or returned. My smooth might be your scratchy and so on. I've had good luck with some bargain brands, but your experience might be different.

Posted by
5188 posts

Thanks sharing your packing information plus all the links!

I’m wondering…

I threw a backpack into my suitcase and used that for my clothes and toiletries on the way home and checked a suitcase full of wine.

Did all your wine bottles make it without breaking?

Posted by
21 posts

Someone asked for my nonclothing packing list and I have to admit this is an area in which I struggle. I have no problem pairing down my clothes to absolute necessities, but the other stuff adds weight so quickly. I think I did the best that I've ever done, but there are still things I will cut next time. I'm copying and pasting my list here (hopefully it will make sense to you) and then indicated if it will stay on my list or not.

In my small sling bag that was my personal item on the plane:
passport - keep
global entry card - keep, just in case
money/credit cards - keep
vax card - didn't need :)
headphones and charger - will bring, but didn't need on the plane
phone and charger - keep
meds for flight - I flew from ORD to IST to FCO and needed a full day of medication plus my OTC sleeping pill
eye mask - keep
ear plugs - keep
facemask - hopefully won't need next time
phone stand - will bring, but didn't need for this leg of the trip
planning book/notes - will bring, but didn't need on plane
glasses and sunglasses - keep
power adapter - keep, but didn't need on plane
compression socks - keep

in suitcase:
4 angel bags for wine - I used these and would have liked to have had two more
lightweight minimalistic backpack - I put all my clothes in my backpack on the way home so I could check my suitcase o' wine
mini travel flat iron - used this every day
extra facemasks - hopefully I won't need these next time
travel utensils - didn't use and won't bring again
ziplock bags - keep
medication - I used snack size ziplock bags instead of a pill organizer and that saved a lot of weight
packable grocery/tote bag - I often tucked this into my purse and it was great for carrying pop/water back from the grocery store and stuff like that. I'll bring this again.
empty spray bottle - I intended to use this to spray my dresses with water to help the wrinkles fall out. didn't use it.
insect repellent - will bring more next time
3 shampoo and 6 conditioners (gemz brand) - these are not liquid and I had plenty, but I wash my hair only every 5 days or so
hair brush and hair tie - keep

in toiletry bag:
toothpaste - keep
travel toothbrush - keep
travel hair spray - keep
static spray - last year I used this like crazy, but this year I didn't use at all. If I have room, I'll bring it again.
heat protectant for hair - I liked having it, but I could leave it behind if I needed room.
foundation - I mixed two shades in a small pot and had plenty. Will bring less next time.
beauty blender - didn't use
face primer - I brought a small amount in a pot and will bring about the same amount next time.
pressed powder - keep
mascara - keep
brow gel - keep
setting spray - keep
tweezers - keep
razor - keep (I used hotel body wash for shaving.)
sunscreen - keep
wool wash - I use a no rinse wool wash for my wool clothing and put a small amount in a travel bottle. I could have brought less, but I will bring it again.
travel size deodorant - I had just enough.
eyeshadow, eye primer, eye shadow brushes - didn't touch after the first day. will not bring again.
lipstick and lip liner - didn't touch even once. will not bring again.
leave in conditioner - I liked having this, but could also sacrifice it if necessary
Olay face wash sheets - I brought just enough for the days before my cruise because I knew I would have washcloths on the cruise. I loved these and would bring again.
small amount of Aleve and daytime cold medicine - keep
I will add some sort of after bite/hydrocortisone cream next time.

In the past, I would have brought a tablet and charger, clothes hanger, paper copies of all my reservations/tour tickets/etc, more makeup and hair stuff, supplements like vitamins that I don't even take consistently at home, real books (I used the kindle app this time), and lots of "just in case" stuff. I didn't miss any of that.

Posted by
21 posts

Did all your wine bottles make it without breaking?

Yes! I used a soft side suitcase and brought 4 angel bags for wine (available on Amazon and are reusable). I ended up buying 6 bottles and I have to admit I permanently borrowed a towel to wrap those extra two bottles after putting them in a plastic hotel laundry bag. They all made it through without a problem - and I had a connection at LHR! Next time I will bring 6 angel bags because I think that's the most bottles I can fit into that size suitcase.

Posted by
21 posts

I forgot to mention I did NOT use packing cubes this time. I intended to use a garment folder, but I needed to cut weight and it got left at home. The packing cube would have been nice on the way home since my backpack doesn't have any structure, but I certainly didn't need it. Every partial ounce was precious on this trip so stuff like packing cubes got left behind.

Posted by
1259 posts

Fabulous. A trove of excellent information. Thanks!

Eight kilos is a major challenge. Congratulations and welcome home.

Posted by
1259 posts

Meeting weight restrictions starts with a lightweight bag and the topic that can turn religious. But trying to stay under 8 kilos if your bag weighs 2k empty is going to be tough.

Posted by
4616 posts

Another Scottevest fan!
Thx for sharing such a great report!
Safe travels.

Posted by
185 posts

Thanks for such a helpful report and for the tip on the angel bags. You did a great job keeping to the weight limit! I have the Wool& Ellie dress and absolutely love it. I'm going to have to look at the Chloe now too! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your list.

Posted by
2462 posts

Lots of good information! Thanks!

So how do you know the correct weather for a particular merino wool product? The sweater you didn't wear is actually on sale so was wondering how cool it would have needed to be for it to have been appropriate.

Posted by
21 posts

So how do you know the correct weather for a particular merino wool product? The sweater you didn't wear is actually on sale so was wondering how cool it would have needed to be for it to have been appropriate.

That’s a tough one because everyone is so different. I was walking around in short sleeves while others were wearing winter coats. For me, a mid weight cardigan like that one is probably comfortable at temps under 50s, but it looks like you might live in FL and you might like it at a warmer temp. I think you just have to try things to see what works for you.

Posted by
945 posts

Thank you Meghan for all the great advice. This will certainly help me on my upcoming 3 week trip to Italy.

Posted by
3067 posts

You mentioned Olay makeup remover wipes.
I got some and love them!
They are dry, and when you wet them they are soapy.
I used them on my eyes to get mascara off and they did not irritate them at all.

I also packed travel cutlery…don’t know why as I never have before, but it was great to have when I had to isolate in a hotel room at the end of my trip with Covid.

Thanks for the detailed “other stuff” list!

Posted by
111 posts

This is a fantastic thread! I love everyone’s contribution on clothing and where to buy! I’m always looking for ideas and am interested in what works for others. I just completed my second solo trip and am still working on the perfect travel wardrobe. I live in Florida, but love traveling in shoulder season when it is usually colder than what I am used to. I run hot (like my friend Pam on the forum!) so it has been hard to figure out travel clothes because I live in a warm climate and don’t need clothes for 60 degree and below weather. When I was in Paris in October it was in the 60’s so I brought long sleeve tees and was sweating. What surprised me was how humid it was. I am signed up for Holland and Belgium in April and it will be cold. I think I will start trying to find some merino wool that will work for me. I bought a couple of Woolx tops in the past but they went back. They were itchy for me.

Posted by
111 posts

Meghan, I have been looking for a sling bag. Which one do you have?

Posted by
21 posts

Lori, that was a last minute Amazon purchase and I loved it.

OSOCE Anti-Theft Waterproof Shoulder Backpack Sling Chest Crossbody Bag Cover Pack Rucksack Bicycle Sport https://a.co/d/3Xw8SpO

I have the small version.

Posted by
94 posts

Yep, we love knowing what packing secrets others come up with. You’ve given us lots of good information, thank you for sharing!
I’m a huge fan of merino wool, and living in the northern part of Idaho I’m wearing it about 3/4 of the year. I’m curious about your merino flats, as I’ve never tried them. They sound good in the description online, but what about them were you not crazy about?
I’ve got an upcoming trip to Scotland, and plan to take obviously casual waterproof hiking boots for most of our trekking around. Was thinking ‘maybe’ I want just a cute pair of shoes to wear out for dinner or a little shopping?
I’d love to get your thoughts! Thx!

Posted by
13809 posts

Lori, I think you are wise to consider what you might want to take in April to Belgium! This last April, Janet posted a TR for this tour and she ran in to some fairly cold weather. When I went in 2019 it wasn't all that cold for me but I did wear gloves, a puffy vest and a waterproof outer layer a few times.

I suggest you consider the Smartwool brand glove liners. I just ordered my 3rd or 4th pair. I need a new pair every 2 or 3 years because I manage to wear a hole in them in the thumb area. I wear them out because I use them for things they are not intended for...like shoveling snow, lol. They are meant to be worn under sturdier gloves but TBH unless it's really frigid or windy they are fine for an active activity like shoveling. I also take them with me to Europe in the Spring and Yellowstone in the summer, lol!! This is the only wool I can wear and I love these liners! They are also small enough they can be shoved in your pocket.

https://www.smartwool.com/shop/liner-glove-sw011555

You might also look at the 32 degree brand puffy vest/jackets. This is a brand thru Costco although their prices on the 32 degree website are equal to Costco. I have a couple of the vests (Terry, the one I had on yesterday was this brand!) and they are great for travel. For myself I prefer vests as I don't get quite as hot and can ventilate easier. (insert sweating eye-roll emoticon here!)

Meghan, that is a nice sling purse. I was looking at some yesterday at various Christmas Craft shows in my area but didn't buy any mostly because the fabric didn't speak to me. Basically, I wanted a travel design and what was on offer was dogs or horses, hahaha.

Posted by
3961 posts

Meghan, thank you for sharing all your successful packing items. I didn’t know about the Skin so soft wipes! Appreciate a product that I can avoid Deet.

I am intrigued by your Sketcher’s white Sneakers. What a cute style that is so wardrobe versatile. Speaking of wardrobe, loved your Capsule wardrobe idea. I also like Black/Grey + a couple of accent colors.

I have heard of the Wine Bags, but have not tried them yet. Sounds like they would be handy on our road trips to WA & Or. wine country.

I have yet to try Olay make up remover wipes. What I use is a liquid Philosophy Purity Made Simple. They do have wipes, but they are twice as much as Olay!

I also looked at your waterproof sling bag. Looks great!

I am a long time fan of SmartWool. @Pam- just ordered a pair of their glove liners at REI. 25% off. I love their “no show” socks that I wear year around. REI also has Superfeet inserts @25% off. I bought an extra pair. They are a godsend for my feet!
I am bookmarking! Thanks again.

Posted by
16028 posts

Janis, thank you for mentioning the Superfeet at REI. My husband needs another pair so he doesn’t have to switch the one pair he has back and forth from hiking boots to running shoes.

Posted by
21 posts

Meeting weight restrictions starts with a lightweight bag and the topic that can turn religious. But trying to stay under 8 kilos if your bag weighs 2k empty is going to be tough.

I totally agree and was pretty darn proud of myself for doing it! I really wanted something on wheels for the return trip because I knew I would be lugging a heavy bag from the ship to my shuttle and from the hotel to the airport check-in desk. Since the walk from the "attached" hotel to the desk was a good 15 walk, I think I made the right choice for this trip.

Posted by
21 posts

I’m curious about your merino flats, as I’ve never tried them. They sound good in the description online, but what about them were you not crazy about?

The flats are great in many ways and I had no problem wearing them for casual walking. I did have to add a heel pad because my heels were slipping right out of them, but that's not a deal breaker for me. I think I'm looking for a unicorn shoe that is leather or merino and styled like a loafer with good arch support and that doesn't rub so I can wear them comfortably for a day of hard sightseeing. These flats are not that shoe. But, for dinner and a little shopping, they are great.

Posted by
13809 posts

Well, darn, Janis! I didn't even think to look at REI for the Smartwool liners...just ordered directly from the Smartwool website. Could have saved some money!

Posted by
275 posts

Meghan, thank you for posting this! I am planning a trip to the UK next year and this is really helpful. May I ask what travel sized hair straightener you have? Looking to get one for my daughter to use on her bangs when we go.

My goal is to have 2 wool dresses and some leggings be the main pieces I bring.

Off to view all the links you provided!

Posted by
21 posts
Posted by
862 posts

I do like Merino wool, but I have to have a layer of something else between it and my skin.

I am a fan of merino but have very sensitive skin. I find that the Uniqlo Airism vests make an easy baselayer under merino. The Uniqlo can be worn for around three days before needing a wash and dries in a couple of hours. The vests also do double duty as my PJs.

Love the packing list. I always have like 10 mental breakdowns while packing. And I tried everything: lists, different methods of packing, playing music. It is bad I am telling you. But I just love travelling, so I just have to endure the packing process.

Posted by
21 posts

Love the packing list. I always have like 10 mental breakdowns while packing. And I tried everything: lists, different methods of packing, playing music. It is bad I am telling you. But I just love travelling, so I just have to endure the packing process.

I love packing. If I could make a living traveling to people's houses to pack for them, I would do it in a heartbeat. I love the challenge.

Posted by
3067 posts

Meghan: I agree!
I would love to get paid (in flight miles of course) for packing other people's cases! ;)

Posted by
9462 posts

I love packing. . . I love the challenge.

Me three Meghan and SJ! And I like thinking about packing (which is part of why I love reading the Packing forum here so much !

Posted by
1 posts

Thank you for posting such a thorough packing list and all of the links. I like your comment about the 100 day challenge and no-one even noticing you were wearing the same dress....I will apply this to my next trip. I always overpack even though we always travel COO. This time we are taking a RS Tour and will be changing hotels after 2 nights and this means a lot of carting luggage around. We usually travel independently and stay at least 3 nights in one place and usually 5. I'm inspired by your post.

Posted by
7129 posts

If I learned anything wearing the same dress for 100 days, it's that nobody is paying any attention to what you're wearing …

Very true! And my normal routine traveling solo is moving hotels about every other day, so no one knows or cares that I wore the same two outfits at the last location. I usually bring a couple of colorful scarves for evenings to change up my colors. Since my occasional selfie is the top half of me, the scarves make it appear that I wore different items.

Thank you for sharing what worked well for you! It’s always great to see how other people pack, and I appreciate your comments about what you won’t bring next time. Unfortunately, I’m in the allergic to wool camp, so I go for other natural fabrics.

The Skin-so-soft wipes are going to have a sudden supply chain shortage - LOL!

Posted by
476 posts

I just saw this and I'm heading off to order the Skin So Soft wipes now for my trip in the fall. Thanks for that idea!

Posted by
4616 posts

Just ordered my Skin so Soft wipes !

Posted by
21 posts

Rather than using a regular size flat iron to straighten my hair, I bring a very small one like this https://www.amazon.com/Wavytalk-Mini-Flat-Ceramic-Straightener/dp/B09CGK36WN/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=33J5WIR0PGT76&keywords=mini%2Bflat%2Biron&qid=1670876852&sprefix=mini%2Bflat%2Biron%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExT0JZQzFWSjBBNzBXJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzM2MTk4MlJXRTlXMU9SSjU2OCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDYwNjQ3STgyMVVGSDhYTzgxJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

I have very long hair and it takes longer to straighten it with this, but it works.

I didn't pack a mini clothes iron or steamer because they aren't allowed on cruise ships, but I didn't need one anyway.

Posted by
21 posts

Hello everyone. This is my first post so be gentle. I’m sure this has been covered before but here I go. We have traveled extensively but have never mastered the minimalist packing technique. My father, who I consider an experienced world traveler, has. A few months before one of his journeys he starts shopping the 50% off days at Goodwill. He picks up name brand shirts and pants for as little s $2 and that’s what he takes on his trips. After wearing them for a few days he leaves them in the hotel room when checking out in hopes that someone in housekeeping can use them. At the end of the trip he either has a fairly empty suitcase or one that is filled with souvenirs. Maybe some day we will have the course to give it a try. Happy travels everyone.

Posted by
21 posts

My father, who I consider an experienced world traveler, has. A few months before one of his journeys he starts shopping the 50% off days at Goodwill. He picks up name brand shirts and pants for as little s $2 and that’s what he takes on his trips. After wearing them for a few days he leaves them in the hotel room when checking out in hopes that someone in housekeeping can use them

That's an interesting approach, but it wouldn't work for me because I pack things I plan to wear multiple times during my trip. I try to limit myself to items that can be washed in a hotel sink and will dry overnight. I used to pack so much stuff and I first started by telling myself not to pack anything "just in case" because if I was in a situation where I needed a "just in case" item, I could go out and purchase it. Once I got over that mental hurdle, it was easier to pack the bare minimum. I've done the extreme of 16 days with literally one dress and a couple of layers to wear with it (that was for a challenge and not typical for me), but for the trip I posted about here I had two dresses, a pair of cropped pants, and some layers. It can be boring to wear the same things over and over, but it makes travel so much easier, especially since I tend to travel solo.

My next packing challenge will be for a 14 night transatlantic cruise. I know I'll be tempted to bring more stuff because I can't exactly pop out to the nearest shop to purchase something and I'm not schlepping a bag through multiple countries/cities, but I still want to avoid checking a bag. Plus, at this point it's kind of a game to see how little I can bring and still feel like I have everything I need.

Posted by
600 posts

@The Wondering Kampers, Welcome! I think your father had a great idea. I've sometimes traveled with clothing I was almost ready to toss, but frankly I'd prefer to be just a bit better dressed!

Gosh WHAT a great thread with lots of wonderful ideas, & thanks for all the detailed links! That was so kind of you. And WHY have I never heard of Angel Bags for wine??

"Headphones and charger - will bring, but didn't need on the plane" - After a long, long trip with a tipsy woman in front of me YACKING all the way to Hawaii, I bought a Bose headset, which I pack religiously in case I meet her again… Or her noisy children.

Posted by
476 posts

I have a small hair straightener I got in Italy 15 or so years ago when I learned the hard way that you can’t just plug any hair tool in and think it will work. I take it when I travel. I do wonder if it will work in Switzerland though since I think they have different electrical outlets. Guess I’d better find out before October…

Posted by
1305 posts

What a wonderful thread!
Thank you Meghan and everyone.
I also have the grey merino wool cardigan from Quince and I like it a lot. It replaced one from Uniqlo which shredded after 3 years of wear, which surprised me but I did wear it a lot.
The one from Quince is definitely heavier but could double as a cardigan since it buttons in the front. I've only had it about a month but the quality seems excellent and there are other nice looking items on their site.
I keep looking on line at the Wool& dresses but I think that separates work better for me for travel.