How do you pack for 1 (or 2) night stands?

For the occasional 1 night, when packing the night before I leave out a change of underwear and a top. These and a nightgown go into a ziplock bag in the morning; air squeezed out and they are the last thing packed. With all bathroom stuff contained in one other bag, it means just accessing those two items for the overnight. In the morning, dirty laundry gets stuffed into some cavity in the bag.
For road trips or travel full of one and two nighters, I pack a spare small nylon duffel bag. I either put clothing directly into there, or have 3 separate bags of clothing that upon arrival, I pop into the duffel along with my bathroom bag (any other things that I consider vital for life on the road) and leave the main luggage locked and in the vehicle (if safe to do so). Then every three or 4 nights I take the luggage, deal with laundry and sort it all out. Even with carry on size suitcase, I prefer to move things down to the duffel bag when possible.

I dont really unpack. Im puzzled by the question actually. Do most people unpack their whole bag? Like, put clothes into drawers in the room? Hm. Well, I keep different categories separate in 1 gallon ziplock bags when I pack for a trip (shorts in one, shirts in one, underwear, etc), so finding things in my suitcase (which is a backpack) is a matter of moving or removing a few ziplock to find an item. The clothes are rolled in the ziplock and air squeezed out, so they look a little vacuum packed (I haven't noticed wrinkling. I do usually pack a dress and one or two skirts). My toiletries are in a toiletry bag. I guess I put the ziplocks into the backpack in the order I will need them, now that Im thinking about it (so least needed would be farthest on the bottom, and toiletries toward the top), so if its been hot and I haven't needed the pants, they would be at the bottom, or if its been cold, vice-versa. My backpack also has compartments so I can put needed things like guidebooks and chords in a separate outer compartment that I can easily access.
Short answer: pack in individual ziplock bags/compartments :)

I do unpack when 3 or more nights, but everthing is in ziplocks or packing cubes, making it fast and easy in and out. Even toiletries are divided into 3 ziplocks: make up, meds, other. I gave up the bulky toiletry bag.
So, for one night, I put the necessary in a small bag and try not to open the main bag. I do have to take all toiletry ziplocks, though.

Actually, yes. For 3 or more nights, I do unpack and hang up all my clothes as I don't pack knits and hanging means wrinkles fall out and I can see what I have (and when I need to do laundry). I like the feeling of 'moving in' and getting my luggage out of the way. Sometimes I am in a place for a week, or on a cruise so don't want a suitcase hanging around for that long.
Also, this has come up from other people, so thought to gather the responses.

On the last tour I took there was a string of 4 nights of short stays. I had a nylon duffel style bag and a very lightweight backpack, maybe 5 oz. total. I put everything in them I needed for those days and left my suitcase on the bus. I also left the things I only needed during the day on the bus.

I do the same thing when I travel by car and have 1 or 2 night stays. I went to Budapest a year ago. I spent 2 long weekends in the city, but went to 3 smaller towns (4 nights) in-between, with just my backpack, leaving the rest of my stuff in storage at my Budapest hotel.

We often run into this situation, whether adding an overnight enroute or extending a cruise on each end. What we do is use a packing cube with just the clothes needed for one or two nights. After we resume our journey that cube goes to the bottom of the bag and the main cubes are unpacked.

It's all about the packing cubes and packing light. If you are going places with different weather/wardrobe requirements, I'll pack those separately so I'm not digging through stuff I don't need. I don't really unpack except for the things I need. I don't really mind the one night stays unless it means I didn't get enough time in the city. I have a reminder list on the inside of my suitcase cover. Like, "don't forget toiletries in the shower, shoes in the closet, food in fridge" "maps, transportation tickets/info, hotel address confirmation for next stop, on top" etc. This way everything is methodical and I don't waste time anxiously rushing about. Maybe I don't mind, because we've done a lot of road trips in the U.S. where until you get to the destination, it's all one night stays(and for us it was often tent camping). That said, if you have enough to do, even if its just sitting and soaking in, a multiple night stay is wonderful as I feel I get more immersed in the city. On my last trip (Spain), I had a 3 night stay, 4 two night stays, and a 1 night stay. I like to experience cities when the crowds might be lighter and in differing lighting conditions, and I do that by avoiding day trips and do more 1 night stays. That said, I'll do a daytrip when it makes sense to me in terms of the location.

I haven't had a one night stand since college!

The only time I pack slightly differently is if my one night stay is between flights, as my bag is all set up for security. In that case I put my change of clothes and pj's in the outside zipper of my bag for easy access that doesn't disturb my system. Otherwise, I have packing cubes so I have no need to unpack. I know exactly where everything is and it is easily accessible when opening my bag without unpacking.

Like others have reported, I use packing cubes and a gallon Ziploc for easy access on outside zipper of my luggage for PJ's, lingerie... I don't unpack for one or two nights.

I pack pretty lightly (personal item travel). No, I don’t change anything. Since it’s a 16 liter pack I just take the thing along.

I hang everything up or put it away at my destination. I can do this because I haven’t brought that much. I usually have my toiletry bag, my electronics bag, my airplane comfort kit, makeup, large packing cube with all my clothes. The rest of the small bits and bobs stay in my pack.

If I have brought my full sized carry on not much changes except clothes. I won’t take all my clothes for a one night side trip. Then I put all the items listed above in my day pack.

Disclosure: My clothes don’t really change for personal item travel Vs carry on size travel. Usually the extra space in the carry on bag is used for equipment. Paring down is easy.

Ha ha ha Emily, good one!

I was wondering if everyone just brings one rolling small carry-on suitcase on these trips plus maybe a backpack with purse inside it? I can't travel without my Macbook Air, which is pretty light and with its charging cable fits easily into my backpack. I seem to always overpack on clothes anticipating every kind of weather, but I'm sure that would be a mistake on these trips where you move around more often. I never unpack my whole suitcase when traveling around Europe. Not worth it. Just take out what I need for the day or night. If it is a carry-on then most things are visible.

We never unpack when traveling whether for two or six weeks. I just can't imagine doing that, all that extra work and confusion.

I’m actually going to have three 1- night stays in a row during my next 3-week trip to France. It’s by design; I want to stay in some less touristy towns in some B&B’s.

I don’t pack any differently because I pack very efficiently. Four outfits are more or less rotated throughout the trip, depending on the activities. After I arrive at my first location, I move my TSA ziplock of liquids into my LLBean medium size toiletries bag where they stay until I’m leaving to come home. Even though it’s slightly heavier than my previous makeup bag, it’s so organized that it’s worth it. (https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/73882?page=personal-organizer-toiletry-bag-medium&bc=50-507361&feat=507361-GN3&csp=f). Each morning I open my clothes packing cube and my underwear packing cube and take out what’s needed.

My carry-on suitcase has a separate bottom section where I place my small bag of clothes needing washing, and I place my nightgown in that section in the morning. (This is mine in blue: https://www.eddiebauer.com/product/expedition-drop-bottom-rolling-duffel---medium/82302254?showProducts=&sizetype=&size=)

The hanging toiletries bag is zipped back up and placed in the suitcase.

I have a bright red mesh zipper pouch that holds my adapters and phone/iPad cords. It’s always the last item that goes into my suitcase.

I can easily be packed in less than 5 minutes, regardless of how many nights I’m at a location. I used to be a process engineer, so think of how to make your packing predictable & repeatable in the quickest number of steps. Having less “stuff” is the first step to making this all easier because you don’t need to touch as many items to obtain what you need for the day. Each trip can become more efficient as we become more aware of how many minutes are spent doing certain packing steps - becomes smoother & less stressful. Hope that helps!

I'll have to get a red pouch for adapters, cords, etc. like Jean has. I'll also comment that I buy red whenever possible. Red wallet, red iphone cover, red ipad cover, etc., it tends to stand out more so things aren't forget.

I pack so lightly that taking my "big" bag in is no hassle for 1 night. There will be 2 one-nighters on each of the 2 back-to-back RS tours I'll be taking in June, plus one close to the airport the night before I fly home.

I typically go carry-on only with one big bag and one personal item. For my 3 internal European flights, I paid extra to check that bag if needed. Paying the extra cost up front is minimal compared to total cost of the 30+ day trip.

For me, traveling lightly means light luggage and few clothing items which are each as light and as non-bulky as I can manage for the season of travel.

In June I'll be taking a 4.5 pound Eagle Creek 20 International carry-on like this and a 2.2 ounce Sea to Summit personal item like this. Along with my 1.5-2 ounce Eagle Creek compression cubes like these.

At any travel time, there will probably be about 4 pounds of clothing on me and 6 in the big bag. I hope that means the bag will weigh less than 15 pounds with the other stuff I take. That's definitely light enough for me not to bother with leaving it in the hold of the bus.

I've already been Google mapping laundry facilities within walking distance of our hotels, but if those don't work out, the sink is my friend.

I want to echo Lo’s Sea to Summit sling bag. I take one with me even for personal item travel. It’s a keychain bag so is itty bitty when packed.
I use mine for various things. I put my stuff in there when I want to use my personal item for hiking or as a day bag. I’ll also use it for dirty laundry, shopping, etc. it’s a great little bag.

It depends on the type of stop over night....

Road trips - I'll pack a small roller carry-on with an outfit for each of us (sometimes it's me, husband and two kids - other times just me and kids) and essentials for the morning....all other luggage is left in the trunk overnight and only that bag and our electronics bag go in for the night.

One night stop before flight or train - I'll pack one of our carry-on bags (usually a smaller backpack - like the Daylite by Osprey) with what we need as we're departing the last place before our night overnight before a flight/train. Same as above, outfits and essentials for the morning....all other luggage is with us though, we just don't rummage through it since it's already packed for the flight.

If it's two nights in a row we'll have short stops, then just add in a shirt and underwear per person or decide if you'll just wear again.

Thanks for the replies. Interesting to see how people 'live' while on the road.
Personally, it gave me things to ponder.....particularly what was my own comfort zone. I travel solo, stay in apartments, have food allergies, and work down time and hobbies into travel, so I will always have more than clothes and a toothbrush (though restricted to a 21 inch bag). I realize I would hate never unpacking. Part of the apartment experience is to feel like a local for a few days, which to me means moving in. I often travel within 50C temperature differences which makes 4 changes of clothing almost impossible. But it doesn't mean I can't try that when possible. It might be 8 items to mix and match, however, and that will be the goal for an upcoming Caribbean trip.

I often travel within 50C temperature differences which makes 4 changes of clothing almost impossible.

There’s your problem! You don’t bring 4 changes of clothing. Bring summer weight clothing and layer in colder places. A filament weight silk singlet or a longer sleeve silk long john top easily hide under tops. Add in a cardigan and even a puff jacket as needed. The same for the bottom. Add in leggings when it’s cold. Or layer leggings under pants.

I also layer shirts. I can put a blouse under a scoop neck tee shirt. I can add a biouse or tee under a sleeveless dress. Or add a cardigan.

BTW - a 50 C difference is 122 F. Is the real issue the temperatures at home? Can you leave the heavy duty winter wear in the car at the airport?

Unpacking is easy if everything is in packing cubes.

What Cala said.

Yes, layers. I went to BO in Switzerland in January without a winter coat. Didn't want to have the bulk of the coat because I packed for a month in a carry on. Additionally, since we were also going to Barcelona and Paris and I wanted some versatility. A raincoat over anything adds a lot of warmth.

Minimizing the number of pieces and maximizing the number of outfits is usually my goal when packing - having the ability to layer definitely helps when traveling between varying climates, so does wearing bulkiest items on the plane. The best way I've found to maximize 'looks' and outfits is to also bring some scarves to change up how an outfit looks, so you're actually wearing the same thing, but the scarf makes it look different; also making sure everything I take mixes-and-matches definitely helps since I can grab anything and know it'll work with whatever is still clean if I haven't yet done laundry. Fabric weight is key too - layers with lighter weight fabrics gives you more items to bring than heavier, bulky one-off items.

I also have learned that when I'm traveling, I'm never going to see these folks again, so if I have the same thing on twice in a week, so what?

The number 1 rule - don’t pack outfits. Pack a 10-12 piece* capsule wardrobe from which you make many outfits.

You win when you can:

• create an outdoor adventure outfit
• create a dressy outfit
• create a museum touring outfit
• create an outfit for really cold weather
• create an outfit for hot weather
• create an outfit for the plane

If you can create 2 or more outfits in each category you rock!

• numbers do not include long underwear, tights, puff jacket or raincoat

Unless you are going somewhere posh (opera in some places, exclusive restaurant), you are the only one who cares what you are wearing. At home I tend to wear t-shirts and capris, sweats in winter, but when I travel to Europe I do like to take a bit more care, so I wear blouses and take a couple of accent scarves (too hot to wear them here at least half the year). The last time I can remember anyone seeing and remembering me over several days was in Paris, when I found a local bar that I spent 2-4 evenings a week at for 2 weeks. Trust me, with the amount of wine regular customers were drinking, they could not have cared less what I wore.

@Jean - I have a similar Toad & Co dress. I quit traveling with it because it took so long to dry when washed. I also found the neckline cut too deeply to be modest.

YMMV.

Chani!! Laughed out loud at your wine bar experience!

I love the newest packing cubes I'm using, the TravelFashionGirl Compass Rose Compression cubes. They aren't really compression and before anyone says they are too heavy - I can work with it. I pack lightly but I'm not competitive about it. They are heavier than the Eagle Creek sil-nylon ones but I love the way you can pack them upright in the suitcase, then just open the zippers and pull out what you need. I never unpack even when I'm staying someplace for 5-6 nights.

https://tinyurl.com/y7k9m67q

The times on a Rick Steves tour where we went in to Venice or to Monterosso (via train) and taking even my small 21 inch case was a pain for 2 nights, I packed jammies, unders and a clean shirt in a packing cube and took it in a small tote/day pack.

We seem to have devolved into a 'pack light' thread, but seems to be natural on this forum....and a chance to catch a potentially uninitiated traveler.
I know I contributed to the diversion, by stating I couldn't do 4 outfits, but it wasn't for the need of help in choosing a wardrobe. To me that statement meant 4 tops....not going to happen. I do pack capsule wardrobes of 3 bottoms and up to 7 tops of light weight wash and dry woven clothing. In fact I make them specifically with travel in mind. But when one does spend time in 2 extreme climates, those 7 tops become harder to define and one has to expand 4 to become 7; and I readily admit that all the 'layering' advice suggestions add weight and items. As stated, I also choose to carry what I consider necessary items. I don't ask permission to do so and I don't assume others will want to pack the same way. I acknowledge that everyone has their own packing style - thus the reason why I asked how people deal with one night stays.
I might be the only person who does NOT like 'travelgirl's packing advice. Those cubes would not work for me, though they clearly do for others. I will not shove my clothing into tiny spaces. This concept is not meant for woven fabrics or items you want to last long....at least, not shoved and stressed as her videos show. Not everyone is a size 0 - 12 knits only type of person. If it works for you - great. I'm all too happy to fold my clothes nice, lay them into a bigger cube that gets compressed and then hang them up when I arrive. I agree however, that the ability to pack upright is handy. It might be the solution for the one or two night stands....maybe I'll make my own pretty floral cotton version....

Maria, you seem to be quite frustrated by the pack light responses you are getting. But, you asked for strategies for the 1 or 2 night stays. For some of us, the response is, for the most part, we really don't pack differently for short stays, and then some included the tips and tricks that we use to make 1 or 2 nights stays easy which for the most part, is getting back to the packing light. I wouldn't pull 1 or 2 days of clothes aside other than nightclothes for a short stay, because often you don't have a decent handle on the weather until you get out of bed in the morning. So for me, to have pulled out an outfit with shoes, etc., would be rather pointless.

So maybe you'd like your post to be, "for those that pack a more extensive wardrobe and like to fully unpack in each hotel, how do you organize for 1 or 2 night stays." I really don't think folks were criticizing your approach. They were sharing their strategy for flexible packing/unpacking.

I see Maria’s point. She laid out her strategy in the OP and first response, which differed little from others, but ended up with one person even saying “There’s your problem...” and a slew of light-packing religious rituals, when what she asked was how we handle one-night stands. Clearly, Emily handles them best.

I see Maria’s point. She laid out her strategy in the OP and first response, which differed little from others,

The post was ambiguous. Was it staying one night in a certain hotel or was it taking a side trip while leaving the main luggage in storage? That created the different responses. I took it for the second scenario and responded in kind.

I couldn't do 4 outfits, but it wasn't for the need of help in choosing a wardrobe. To me that statement meant 4 tops....not going to happen.

For many people “outfits” means 4 tops and 4 bottoms, one for each day. They don’t necessarily coordinate. Take a look around the blogosphere and you’ll see plenty of advice like that.

I might be the only person who does NOT like 'travelgirl's packing advice

You are not. I often find myself rolling my eyes at what she suggests. She brings along a lot of excess heavy “stuff” which means she has to use a personal item and a carry on. In addition, her capsule wardrobes are limited both in temperature range and activity range. I guess it would work for a fairly sedentary trip, but it doesn’t work for me.

But then again, her site is about fashion.

Who is travel girl?

Definitely see Maria’s frustration. A lot of questions evolve into conversations that wander around a variety of topics - not really for Maria anymore. It’s all very interesting for me to read and I enjoy it, but it wouldn’t be especially helpful if it were my question. :) However for an upcoming trip I will have a series of one-nighters in the midst of longer stays (most of it using trains), so this has been useful for me. I liked the tip on pajamas in an outside compartment for easy access. Simple but just hadn’t thought of that. Since I won’t have a car, my suitcase will have to go in with me every night. Makes a difference in packing for one night.

I liked the tip on pajamas in an outside compartment for easy access.

It works for early starts too. Set out your clothes for the next day and get into your pajamas. Then pack everything except the toiletry kit and next days clothes.

The next morning get up, get dressed, pack your toiletry kit and pajamas and go.

(I have 3 replies for this morning. I'll do each separately as they address different things.)
I now I write too much, so in my initial post I tried to be clear with my question. I guess like any communication, there is always room for error or a different interpretation.

So, to clarify, I actually wrote this with 3 intentions.
1. a bus friend has a 28 day trip of 2-1-1-2-1-1-2-1-1....well you get the picture. She has commented about not knowing how to pack so I thought I would ask the RS travelers their methods.
2. The topic sometimes comes up in general discussion, so I thought I would try to make one thread of relevant replies.
3. I might find something that I could add or change for my own routines. Old dog here, willing to learn new tricks.
The question really doesn't have a right or wrong answer, and whether the person packs light or heavy is irrelevant - if the replies provide help for anyone.
If you have it down to a fine art; that's great. Thanks for sharing.

jules M - 'travel girl' should actually be 'travelfashiongirl'. I can't link to it right now, but she blogs and does packing videos for organization and maximizing space in carry on only packing. As Cindy H mentions, she doesn't take too much consideration for reducing weight. Watching her stuff a lot of items into a cube to maximize weight just hurts. It stresses clothing fibres and wears out your clothes faster......let alone the wrinkles...
There are good tips however, and she definitely has a large following. She doesn't aspire to be a featherweight packer - but then I am going to go out on a limb and say most people don't. They just want to have a variety of clothing and stuff that is contained, organized and manageable.

Back on 1/18, Jean mentioned she pretty much took '4 outfits and rotated them depending on the activity'. Clearly, I should have identified that comment because I (vaguely) referenced it in my 1/19 reply.
Thanks for the replies. Interesting to see how people 'live' while on the road.
Personally, it gave me things to ponder.....particularly what was my own comfort zone. I travel solo, stay in apartments, have food allergies, and work down time and hobbies into travel, so I will always have more than clothes and a toothbrush (though restricted to a 21 inch bag). I realize I would hate never unpacking. Part of the apartment experience is to feel like a local for a few days, which to me means moving in. I often travel within 50C temperature differences which makes 4 changes of clothing almost impossible. But it doesn't mean I can't try that when possible. It might be 8 items to mix and match, however, and that will be the goal for an upcoming Caribbean trip.
I thought the reply was friendly, thanking people for the replies and that I found them thought provoking. I commented on 4 'changes' of clothing rather than the four 'outfits' Jean mentioned, and low and behold, I suddenly had a problem I didn't know I had. No one asked if I found that problematic and if I would like some solutions. There was just the assumption that I didn't know what I was doing and that my goal should be their goal. I solve my problems to my satisfaction (or ask for help) and I don't aspire to being a featherweight packer, but glad it works for those who do. I just wish that they would realize that not everyone wants to travel that way. There is a whole spectrum out there and many of us are happy running with the pack.
I am glad I asked the initial question, because clearly there are variations on travel methods and packing....which is what this is all about. Future readers might have a reply resonate with them. If so, then my goal has been achieved.
Thanks for the relevant replies. As mentioned, it was thought provoking and made me realize things about myself and my travel comfort zone.

Safari njema (safe travels)

Maria, I'm sorry the responses were not what you are looking for. I can certainly commiserate with perhaps feeling a little attacked for personal travel style choices. I'm pretty set on and happy with the way I travel and can feel a little bullied for my own choices. I'm odd in that I almost always use public transportation and will somewhat often use one and two day stays when it makes sense for my itinerary.

And I googled (actually BING, but that's a whole different choice, haha) travel girl and certainly didn't see much to add to my planning. Hated the way her website was designed. I do follow Adventures with Sarah, a RS travel guide who is doing some branching out on her own.

Jules m, thanks for the support. Most responses were relevant and useful to the post. No problems there. I also know, ultimately, people posting are wanting to help....sometimes, however, we are overzealous.

There was just the assumption that I didn't know what I was doing and that my goal should be their goal.

Maria - no one said that. I think you are adding a lot of extra emotions and beliefs (and assumptions) on to something that should be taken literally and at face value.

Assume goodwill as much as possible because most people are that way.

Here is another angle regardless of length of overnight stay away from home, foreign or domestic, or your personal packing style. I experienced a hotel fire about 15 years ago in Rome and realized that, middle of the night, the smell of smoke, alarms, staff pounding on doors, being 3 flights up- despite how organized I had always thought I was I barely was able to grab the family passports and my purse as I ushered us out the door. Out on the street in a skimpy nightgown and barefoot- fortunately it was summer and only about 20 minutes.
Now I mostly travel solo, but regardless, I always get my stuff/outfit together for the next day, shoes ready, all vital money and related items put into my packable day pack ( zips into a small pocket size when not in use), and have it next to the bed. Thankfully there has never been another emergency, but now I don't have to think, just grab it while putting on shoes.
If time and if not unpacked into drawers ( my preferred method even on longer stays) I could take the suitcase, too...
Anyway, after an uneventful night I can just repack a few ancillary items and the day pack if not using. Agreed an outer pocket is really handy for the overnight!

First off.. I looked at this and thought someone was having more fun on thier trips then I have.. :).

But to answer the question as it is intended. I pack with Cubes and or Compression bags. And I will set up a bag for single night stay locations if possible. So I can just pull that cube out and basically leave the bag alone. If it is the first night that is all I do. If it is in the middle of the trip somewhere I make sure when repacking at the last hotel before the single night I put the cube for said night in a place I can get it without having to take anything else out.

I try to organize my cubes/bags to match my stays. And then re arrange them as needed so what I want next moves to the “top”. But I am a bit OCD about packing based on where I will be, for how long and what I will do. Basically I can tell you what I will most likely were on any given day unless weather changes things in me, before I leave on my trip.