Packing tips & hacks

Pack light, pack light, pack light! If you have your passport, vaccine card, and credit card, then don't stress.

Worried about forgetting something? You can buy just about anything you need in most destinations. 

Tips & hacks:

For international flights, the weight limit is usually 23 kg or 50 lb. For some on-tour flights, the weight limit might be much less. Ask us if you're not sure. If you start out at the top end of the weight limit, how will you bring back your awesome souvenirs?

Take a printed copy of the photo page of your passport, and tuck it away in your luggage. Just in case

Be efficient with space. Use packing cubes or roll your clothes; stuff socks into shoes
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Decide on a color scheme for your wardrobe and be sure everything mixes and matches so you have options. This concept is famously known as a travel capsule wardrobe. Learn more here.

Consider tossing in a bottle of Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen if you tend to need either. While inexpensive in the USA and widely available abroad, these painkillers are often quite pricey outside the USA.

Leave at home half the clothes you want to take. You won't need them. Consider building a travel capsule wardrobe

Going someplace dressy? Rarely, if ever, will a jacket or sport coat be required. Think about your specific itinerary. A collared shirt and slacks or a dress or pants & top that can go from day to evening with the right shoes or accessories are probably all you need for a nice dinner or evening performance.

Wear your heaviest shoes and pack your lightest. Forget heels, ladies. Wrap your shoes in lightweight recycled grocery bags to protect your clothes. Two pairs of shoes, TOTAL, is usually enough. Think comfortable walking shoes and, if you must, a sandal or flat that can go from casual to dressing up an outfit.

Take extra gallon and quart sized zippered bags. You'll probably need them.

Leave your expensive jewelry at home.

Leave your high wattage hair dryer at home or risk blowing out the hotel's electricity (we have actually had clients do this). Travel dryers are fine, but most hotels provide hair dryers anyway. Save the space and the weight for something more interesting

Is it going to be swimsuit weather in your destination? Be sure you also pack modest options; many warm destinations expect you to be reasonably covered when you're not at the beach, especially to enter sites. Skirts, dresses, or shorts to the knee and a light scarf to cover bare shoulders usually suffices when entering churches or temples, though some Southeast Asian countries may require legs covered to the ankle.

Check the 10-day forecast in your destination before you travel. It's always a good idea to bring lightweight sun and rain protection any time of year
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Check out our suggestions for packing your carry on!

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