30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 1: Packing Better, What Does It Mean?

30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 2: Define Your Trip Style

Take Action: Write it Down

Write down what destinations you’ll be visiting with the average weather for the time you’ll be there. Make a list
of big activities you plan to do on your trip (climb a mountain, scuba dive, ski, etc.). Note your overall trip style,
such as whether or not you’ll be hosteling, couchsurfing or indulging in lavish hotels. People on a budget will
also tend to do more walking, which means good walking shoes are a must. Plan a budget in advance.
Keep this page for future reference.

Take Action: What Does Packing Better Mean to You?

Define what packing better means to you. What is the biggest benefit to yourself for packing better? Feel free to
share it in the comments below.
 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 3: Research Airlines

30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 4: Choose Your Luggage… Wisely

Take Action: Do Your Research

Start looking for flights as early in advance as you can. Be flexible about where you want to fly in and out of and
use travel hacking tips to get the best possible deal. Make a decision on how many pieces of luggage you wish
to bring according to the airline baggage guidelines and fees. Think about your trip style, too! If you’re going on
a shopping trip, for example, you might want to leave a lot of extra space in your luggage; if you’re going to a
very remote destination, you might want to strive for carry-on only to ensure you aren’t left without anything
important once you arrive!
Take Action: Choose Your Luggage  Toothbrush/Paste
After thinking about your trip style and your estimated packing list, choose the right luggage. Are you going for a  Deodorant
suitcase, backpack, or a hybrid in between? After choosing, go back and choose the bag or suitcase in a  Razor
smaller size.  Brush
 Hair ties
 Facial Cleanser
 Facial Moisturizer
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 5: Prepare Your Packing List
 Basic makeup kit
 Motion Sickness Medicine
Now that you have your trip style defined, your itinerary set, your luggage picked out, and packing goals written
down, choosing what to mark on your packing list is easier to evaluate.  Sunscreen
 Birth Control
 Diva Cup, or a stock of tampons
 Glasses/Contacts/Cleaner
 Prescriptions
 Basic first aid kit
 Delicates: Several types of travel-specific underwear sit on the market today, but how many pairs
(and what type) you will need to bring is up to your specific trip and travel style. We recommend 2-
3 bras and 4 pairs of underwear (we’re partial to ExOfficio) to re-wash and wear.
 2-3 bras, one black and one nude, one sports bra
 4 pairs of underwear
 Basic camisole
 Tech Gear: You don’t have to bring any tech gear with you on your trip, but you’ll at least want a
camera or cell phone with camera capabilities in order to capture the good times.
 Camera, either a DSLR, point-and-shoot, or hybrid
 E-Reader, like a Kindle
 Batteries and chargers
 Flashlight or head lamp, which are more useful than you might think
 iPod with earbuds or headset
 Laptop or netbook if you can handle the tiny size
 Pack for Seasons
We suggest having a read through these packing list posts for more ideas: Inca Trail,Lapland, jungle
trekking in Asia, trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp trek, hitchhiking Europe, Outback
camping tours in Australia, trekking the Annapurna Circuit.
Add Versatile Accessories
Shoes: Packing shoes is one of the most difficult decisions when it comes time to create your packing
Remember, a streamlined packing list means streamlined luggage. list, but be realistic about what you’ll need. Bring shoes that are versatile enough to go from day to night
and useful for both walking around and wearing out.
Start with the Basics  Athletic shoes
 Toiletries: What you bring is entirely up to you and your needs. You may decide to leave the  Black flats
shampoo and conditioner at home in favor of buying it when you get there, or using the free
 Active sandals
product provided at hotels (if hotels are in your trip style). You may not have any prescriptions to
bring, or you may leave many of these items at home so you can go carry on only. We’ll be  Cute sandals
discussing this section in greater detail in future chapters, so don’t worry if you still feel  Heels
overwhelmed!
 Hiking boots
 Shampoo/Conditioner
 Soap or Body Wash
 Accessories: It’s not just the basic clothing items that make an outfit. We all know that it’s accessories  Compression sacks
that have the power to change and emphasize a look in a pinch. This is definitely one of our secrets
to staying stylish while traveling.  Ziplock bags
Everything Else: Whatever else you add should be something that’s going to improve your trip. As
 Scarf you’ve seen from our One Little Thing series, it could be anything! Here are a few ideas to get you
 Jewelry, ideally statement pieces started.
 Hat  Water bottle
 Sunglasses  Books
 Cardigan  Eye mask
 Blazer  Ear plugs
The Best of the Rest  Journal
Organization: A smart packer doesn’t just let everything float around in the middle of her bag. You have
to pack a few organizational pieces, such as packing cubes and pouches, to put several items into one  Baby wipes
space.  Day pack
 Zipper pouches  Money belt
 Packing cubes  Tote bag
 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 6: Choose Your Travel Clothing – Layers, Layers, Layers

Take Action: Packing in Layers

Analyze your packing list and find where layers would work best for your trip, and replace. Start with basics and
build from there. Update packing list.
Prepare your packing list with everything you will need, and for each activity. Then, cross off items that overlap,
and then cross off anything that seems excessive (2 dresses to 1 in thisTake Action: Prepare Your Packing
example).
List
So now that you have all these ideas
flowing through your brain, it’s time to
write out your packing list. Don’t worry if
this list looks obscene in size – we just
want all the ideas of what you think you
need to be down on paper.
Make a special section for each of the
big activities you plan to partake in
during the trip (hiking, climbing, scuba
diving, beach lounging, camping,
working out, etc.) and list out all the
clothing and accessories you need for
each.
Finally, find where items can overlap in
purpose from each of these sections
and cross off the extras. Also, be
realistic regarding your packing
goals (carry-on only, 1 checked bag
only, etc.) and cross off anything that
seems excessive.
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 7: Choose Your Travel Clothing – Technical Gear
 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 8: Choose Your Travel Shoes

Take Action: Research Technical Clothing

Take some time to research the different types of technical clothing on the market. Think about your upcoming
travel plans, and the activities you wish to pursue, and decide if a certain item of technical clothing can improve
you trip. Replace and update your packing list.
 .
Take Action: Take Only the Shoes You Need
Go through your planned itinerary and activities. Decide which shoes you will need to take and pare down to
the best of your ability. Look for taking fewer high quality shoes that can serve multiple purposes.
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 9: Our Biggest Packing Tip

Take Action: Cut It Out

Lay out all the clothes you think you need. Cut out half. Update your packing list.
 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 10: Accessorize, Mix & Match – Making the Most of a
Minimal Wardrobe

Take Action: Mix & Match Your Wardrobe

Challenge yourself. See how many different outfits you create from your minimalist wardrobe. Find ways to
dress your outfits up or down with extra pieces of flair
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 11: Cubes, Sacks, Bags – Why You Should
Compartmentalize

30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 12: Multipurpose, Stuffable and Foldable Items

Take Action: Pack with Cubes, Sacks and Bags

Separate your packing list into categories and find a cube, sack or bag to help you organize it. Choose which
tool, whether it be cubes, sacks or another method, will best suit your trip style and needs. Watch the magic
happen as you compress your clothes to half the size.
Take Action: Packing Multifunctional, Foldable and Stuffable Items Take Action: Fold and Roll Your Clothes
What items on your packing list can you replace with space-saving items that are either multifunctional, foldable Fold a stack of clothing, being sure to take a photo of the before. Roll the same stack of clothing and compare
or stuffable? Make the switch now. images. If you’d rather see them side-by-side, then get two stacks of clothing that are about equal and see the
difference. If you want to make it truly interesting, leave your folded stack of clothes overnight to see if they
settle.
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 13: Rolling vs. Folding – Which Saves More Space?
 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 14: How to Prevent Wrinkles

Wrinkle Fighting Tactics

Rolling
Rolling your clothing can help minimize wrinkles since it keeps your clothing taut without hard creases.
However, depending on how the article of clothing is folded before it is rolled, you could end up with a big
crease down the front of your shirt. This is a common side effect of the rolling method, but if space and
organization is your main concern, then this isn’t a huge problem.

Folding with Tissue Paper

We learned a trick a while ago where folding shirts and slacks with a piece of tissue paper or plastic bag in the
middle can help to reduce wrinkles. This happens because the slippery texture reduces the friction on the
fabric, However, unless you have several layers of something in the middle of the fold, you will still end up with
creases of sorts from the folds.

Using Synthetic Fabrics

Many synthetic fabrics have an added bonus of being wrinkle-resistant. So, that technical clothing we talked
about in a previous post, the ones that are often anti-microbial, quick-drying and wicking, are also the kind that
help you get dressed right out of your backpack or suitcase without looking like a slob.
Types of wrinke-resistant fabrics:
 Nylon
 Lycra
 Polyester
Knits also do a better job of not wrinkling.
Bundle Rolling or Wrapping
The informative packing site of One Bag discusses another option of reducing wrinkles by bundle wrapping
your clothes. This method involves creating a pouch in the middle of wrinkle-resistant clothing (like socks, a
swimsuit and so on) and wrapping the rest of your wardrobe around it from least likely to become wrinkled to
most. What this does is it helps to keep your clothing taut while reducing the folds (and thus reducing creases).
While we see the benefit of this method for certain trips and articles of clothing, we don’t think it is the best for
packing into a smaller, compressed space.

How to Get Rid of Wrinkles
Sometimes our best efforts will end in wrinkles, so at least it is important to take action to try and get rid of them
as easy as possible. The rub-rub-rub straight method with your hands isn’t always going to cut it (you know
what we’re talking about). We’ve discussed a few of these tactics in our looking professional while
traveling post, which you can read further to get more ideas for that type of travel.
Hanging Clothes on Arrival
Once you get to your destination, take your clothes out of your luggage and hang them up. Taking away the
pressure of being squished in a bag combined with the natural force of gravity will lead to fewer wrinkles.
Hanging Clothes Near Shower
During a hot, hot shower, hang your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom so that the steam helps to release the
wrinkles. Keep in mind that it might take a long shower or two to make this work well.
Pack a Travel Iron
Most hotels will have irons, and some hostels may, too, but if you’re going to be somewhere where it might not
be available, pack a travel iron to save a little space.This is only if it is necessary. If you’re the type of traveler
that also packs a flat iron, then you could potentially use it to iron out some lines.
Wrinkle Releaser
There are travel sized bottles of wrinkle releasing spray that can be applied to the areas in question. Once
damp, stretch, rub and tug the fabric a bit before hanging to dry.
Dampen the Area in Question
Dampen the winkled section before stretching and tugging the fabric taut. Let hang dry, or use a blow dryer to
speed up the process.
Use a Damp Towel
Lay your wrinkled item flat and lay a warm, damp towel on top. Press and smooth out the towel.
Toss in the Dryer
A lot of hostels will have a washer and dryer, so if you really need something de-wrinkled, try popping it in the
dryer for about 15 minutes with a damp sock or towel.
Take Action: Test It Out
Try the different packing techniques to prevent wrinkles to see how they leave your clothes looking in a day or
two. If left wrinkled, test out some techniques for removing wrinkles without an iron.
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 15: Travel Size Hair Products
Replace your normal shampoo, conditioner and brush
with travel sized bottles and a fold-up brush + mirror combo.
Ditch the Full Size Bottles
We firmly believe that virtually every trip can be taken without the need to pack full sized bottles of hair product.
Here are some questions worth asking if you don’t agree:
 How often do you wash your hair? If you wash your hair every few days and are only going away
for 1-2 weeks, then a full sized bottle of shampoo or conditioner is obsolete.
 Do you want to deal with extra weight from bulk bottles in your bag? We’ve seen them. Some of
those shampoo and conditioner bottles could pose as a weapon because of their giant size.
 Do you want to travel with the chance of spills and leaks? Regular bottles of shampoo and
conditioner, and other hair products, aren’t made with the idea of travel in mind. Get them up in the air, with a bit
of pressure, and pop! Leakage galore.
 Can you buy your hair product, or something similar, abroad? You’d be surprised what you can buy
in the most random places in the world. Pantene, for example, is a very popular brand that can even be
purchased in countries like Kyrgyzstan.
So what’s the alternative to bringing normal sized bottles of hair care products on your travels?
 Purchase travel size hair products, which are available in nearly every brand and for every hair
style. Many salon brands are now sold in travel sizes. You can purchase in advance and place into your carry
on.
 Buy product when you arrive at your destination; leave it behind when you head back home.
 Repackage your hair care products into special travel bottles. Pitotubes offer a set with a variety of
tops for squirt or spray, allowing you to pack everything from hairspray to shampoo. GoToobs are easy to
 squeeze and come with a nice no-drop valve, but tiny Nalgene bottles provide excellent protection from leaks before you leave and putting them in a plastic bag. Airplane cabin pressure is usually what causes leaks. Just
and tend to be our number one recommendation for travel bottles for that fact alone. remember to go with TSA compliant sizes!
Solid Shampoo and Conditioner – Solid shampoos and conditioners are convenient for avoiding the liquid
restrictions, if your scalp and hair can handle them. Lush makes a variety in some great smells and from all
natural ingredients.
Dry Shampoo – Dry shampoo is not an alternative to washing your hair, but it’s a great thing to have for those
in between showering or hair-washing days. It soaks up the oil in your scalp to make it look cleaner. Tip: Baby
powder is an alternative for those with light hair.
Extra Reading: Shampoo Options for Female Travelers; Leaky bottles? No, thank you!
Take Action: Choose Your Travel Hair Products
Evaluate your packing list. See if you can cross items like hair spray and blow dryers off your list. Look for
alternatives, such as buying at your destination, sharing with friends, or using solid versions. Invest in travel
sized versions of the necessities like hairbrushes, blow dryers, and shampoos, or repackage all your hair care
items into travel tubes and bottles. Learn to embrace your natural hair.
Fill travel sized bottles (the kind that are leak-resistant)
with your favorite shampoo and conditioner. GoToobs are featured in this photo. 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 16: How to Pack
Planning Ahead to Save on Space Liquid Toiletries
 Call or email your intended accommodation to see what types of products they provide. Many
women travel with a blow dryer or flat iron as their luxury hair care piece, but even some hostels will offer blow The same products repackaged into travel friendly containers.
dryers these days. If there is ever a thing that causes more stress on a female
 Split and share with friends. Are you traveling with another female or two? See if you can’t share traveler these days, it would probably be liquid toiletries. That
that pump hair spray or flat iron and cut back on wasted weight and space. includes everything: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body
lotion, facial moisturizer, facial cleanser, foundation, sunscreen,
 Check with other travelers who have been where you are going. Find out if your “preferred”
hair oil, hair spray, toothpaste, mouthwash, laundry wash,
products can be found in that destination and plan to refill as you go.
serums, and anything else that might come in a liquid, gel or
 Look for fun ways to embrace your natural hair on the road. Learn some easy and cute up-dos, or paste form.
integrate scarves and headbands into the mix. These are great ways to manage hair with minimal product.
What to Bring Cut Items Out
Travel sized brush – A popular model is the fold-up brush and mirror combo, but even high-end brushes can That list at the beginning of this section is extremely long, so to become the packing master you are, you’re
be bought in travel size. They can be more difficult for styling purposes, but save room, which is the name of going to need to pare it down. What can you do without on this
the game here at Her Packing List. You might also consider a comb or pick depending on your hair type. trip? Mouthwash is an easy one to cut out, in our opinion. If you
Headbands – Headbands are the ultimate travel hair accessory as they keep the hair out of your face, can learn to embrace your natural hair on this trip, hair spray could
make it more manageable, and help to hide your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th day hair if need be. The Buff is another good be the next cut you make. For those that are willing to deal with
option that can also serve as a neck wrap, scarf and beanie. the free hotel shampoo, conditioner and body soap, that’s
Hair ties – Look for types without the metal clasps, which prevent damage and the pain of getting hair stuck in another 3 off your long list!
the metal! Hair ties are essential for women with longer hair that plan to be outside in the sun and wind. Also consider whether or not you can pick an item up once you
Hair spray – Don’t pack aerosols if you want to go carry on only. There are some pump alternatives for arrive at your destination. Even if you have to spend a buck or
keeping your hair under control, but as always, we worry about leakage when it comes to packing those extra two more for it, or have to leave half of it behind when you leave,
liquids. Alternatively look for products like gels and pomades. that cost far outweighs the danger of it spilling or leaking in your
Blow dryer – Most hotel rooms have blow dryers and even hostels allow you to rent them, so consider that bag, not to mention having to check a bag instead of going carry-
before packing. If you do decide to bring your blow dryer, try to find a travel version that will take up less room on only. People who have had their checked luggage lost before
in addition to coming with dual voltage settings. will understand this maybe a little more than others.
Flat iron – Many traveling females swear by their straighteners and can’t leave home without it. Again, look for
a travel variety if you bring one at all, but we highly recommend trying to embrace your natural hair on the road
instead!
Liquid Shampoo and Conditioner – As stated earlier, if you decide to pack liquid shampoo and
conditioner, go with travel size. If not repackaging into special leak-proof bottles, we suggest taping the lids
 Look for Two-in-One items
Another one of our favorite things when packing is How to Pack Liquid Toiletries
to find items that serve multiple purposes. Can you When placing your liquid products in your luggage, even if they are in travel sized and leak-proof bottles, we
handle a shampoo and conditioner in one? Instead recommend having them in a special place of their own. A good toiletries bag is great because it helps
of a facial moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen, you compartmentalize your belongings while also providing an extra barrier between any potential leaks and
can you pack a BB cream instead? Some liquid the rest of your gear. If you have only invested in buying travel size products, we’d recommend also putting
washing products claim to serve as body wash, them in a ziplock bag for extra security.
shampoo, toothpaste, laundry wash and dish
washing liquid all in one. That could also cut back When packing your liquids for carry-on, it is wise to take the smallest size bottles and containers as possible.
on a number of liquid items you have to pack. Again, Nalgene has a great selection of 1 and 2 ounce bottles that are great for face creams, hair gels, laundry
wash and so on. Mix and match in order to
Repackage maximize the space in your small 1-quart
Repackaging your liquids, gels and creams has two plastic bag.
main benefits: it puts them into leak-proof containers and it cuts back on space and weight usage.
Most items these days are also sold in travel sized bottles, but those bottles aren’t always designed to avoid Take Action: Minimize and Pack Your
leakage to the best of their ability. For that reason, it is wise to invest in small leak-proof bottles, like those of Toiletries
Nalgene, and transfer the amount of product you need to them. When flying, the pressure has a tendency to Re-read this post going through all the
pop bottles and caps open, or cause just enough pressure so they leak. Quality travel bottles will help avoid this points with your packing list in mind. What can
issue. you take off your list, what can you substitute
Besides preventing leakage in luggage, the space and weight that can be saved when repackaging is for something else, and is there a solid
invaluable. A couple giant bottles of shampoo and conditioner can weigh up to a pound, and that’s not including version that might serve you better? After that,
any other full-sized bottles of product you might bring. When airlines put so much restriction on the weight and invest in some travel sized bottles and
size of your luggage, the smallest subtractions can make a huge difference in the amount of money you might repackage your liquids into a smaller and much
pay at check-in. Forty extra dollars for a last-minute checked bag is not fun to have to pay. more manageable size. Then, enjoy the
sight of how much less space your toiletries will
Remember: If going in your carry-on, these travel sized take up.
bottles must be no larger than 100ml or 3.4 ounces.
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day
Look for Solid Forms 17: The Essential Toiletries Kit
Many toiletries these days can be found in a solid, non-
liquid form. This means you won’t have to worry about Today’s post is pretty much
spills and leaks in your luggage, or about having other the culmination of the last
liquids to stuff into your tiny 1-quart bag. While solid few days of topics, so if you
shampoos aren’t for everyone, they are an option that haven’t done so yet, we
should be embraced by those who can. Imagine only suggest reading about travel size hair products and how to pack
needing to carry a conditioner with you instead of both! liquid toiletries. Now’s the part where we give you the list of items
Go with a bar body soap, as well. In addition to these you absolutely need to take with you, the essential toiletries
options, it is now possible to get things like toothpaste kit, along with a little advice on how to pack them all up nice and
tablets, solid perfumes, solid lotions and laundry soap neat in your luggage of choice.
sheets. Remember, every little bit counts! The Basics
Hair Cleanser and Conditioner: In other words, you need a
Move to non-liquid toiletries, such as a solid shampoo shampoo and conditioner of sorts for your hair. If too many
bar, Aroamas solid perfume stick and pocket laundry liquids make you worry, look into a solid shampoo bar. Dry shampoo might also be a good addition that can
wash strips. help you cut back on the amount of liquid shampoo you bring. Remember to take only what you need in order
Look for Different Carrying Options to conserve space and weight.
These options give you less chance of messy leaks in your luggage. Body Wash: We recommend going with a bar soap, like Dove, in order to clean that travel grime off from time
to time — and to cut back on liquids. If space is a worry, try hacking a normal sized bar in half instead of paying
For shorter trips, try toothpaste sachets. You can get a day or two out of every sachet. more for those special travel size bars in the shops.
Facial Moisturizer: Every lady needs a facial moisturizer of some kind. For extra bonus liquid toiletries will need to be located in a separate bag that can be scanned
points, get one with SPF built-in since you will more than likely be spending more time in the at security.
sun on your travels. Try to go with a moisturizer that you can use both day and night.
Face Wash / Cleanser: Bring along your favorite facial wash or acne cleanser. With new Think about checked versus carry-on. If going carry-on only, you will need to
diets, changes in sleep patterns and more public transportation use, breakouts are sure to have one see-through bag that includes ALL liquids and gels. This includes
happen when you travel. Keep them at a minimum by keeping your face clean. Depending on having extra space for anything that might fit that criteria in your medical kit
your skin type, a facial wipe might be a good option. (Brooke calls these her “bath in a bag” (post coming soon), like anti-itch creams. In this case, remove non-liquids,
since they can be used in a pinch to wipe down your body if you don’t have time to shower such as razor, floss, toothbrush and put those in a separate bag or organizing
before your next activity.) unit.
Toothbrush: This is a no-brainer! If you want to go minimal, go for a brush that is travel sized, Remember: Compartmentalizing your toiletries will help you to stay organized
or one that folds in half. on the road, as well as keep potential mess and leaks confined to a single
Toothpaste: Just like the brush, paste keeps you fresh and clean. Go with travel size tubes, or space in your bag or suitcase.
try something different like toothpaste sachets or toothpaste tablets. We’ll be talking about an essential beauty kit and medical kit in the coming posts!
Floss: Floss is a must-pack. Not only is it vital to your oral health, it can also function as string in a pinch to sew
up holes and tie bits and bobs together. Take Action: Trial Run Your Toiletries Kit
Razor: If you can handle going a few days without shaving, perhaps waiting to buy a disposable razor until you Get out your packing list and make sure you are only taking the essentials with you on your trip. Make a trial
arrive is an option. Or, get a good wax before leaving home and ditch the razor if you can. pack to ensure your toiletries bag is the correct size for your intended packing goal. Refrain from taking a
Deodorant: Go for the solid kind in order to cut back on your liquids. If you want something that lasts several toiletries bag that packs on extra bulk or is larger than absolutely necessary.
months, the crystal deodorants will do the trick. (Brooke is trialing one right now by Grants of Australia that is
said to last up to 4 months!) 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 18: The Essential Travel Beauty Kit
Q-tips and Cotton Pads: For cleaning your ears and removing makeup or dirt. Just put a handful in a ziplock
bag before putting in your toiletries kit. When determining what should go into your
The Extras essential travel beauty kit, you have to decide what
Hair Items: Leave-in conditioners, hair oils, hair sprays and dry shampoos. type of traveler you are. Are you a low key
Skin Items: Body lotions, cuticle creams and body sprays. traveler who is fine with lip balm and tinted
moisturizer? Or are you a fashionista who prefers to
Tips for Packing Toiletries bring all the pieces including every shade of eye
1. Go for the smallest toiletries bag possible. Just shadow and lipstick? As with every other packing
like choosing your luggage, having a toiletries bag that list, start with the basics and build your essential
is a size larger just means you are more likely to fill it beauty kit from there. Look for items that can double
with things you don’t really need. up, like blush and lip color or brown pencils.
We at Her Packing List like to keep our beauty kit as
Large toiletries kits are great for better organization and simple as possible, and you should, too! Why?
separation, but they can add a little extra bulk to your Because travel makes you happy, and happy people are beautiful!
luggage.
The Basics
We choose to go with a smaller toiletries bag instead so Sunscreen – This should be on your packing list no matter what time of year, no matter what destination. You
we aren’t tempted to fill it with stuff we don’t truly need. don’t want to worry about wrinkles or sun spots later in life. Go with a stick form sunscreen to cut back on those
That is the moral of the story for just about everything. liquids!
You’d be surprised what you can fit into a smaller bag. Lip balm – I pack a small container of Vaseline since I have sensitive skin, but any sort of lip moisture will be
This holds: Dr. Bronner’s Soap (shampoo and body better than none. Go with a lip balm with SPF to give your lips some added sun protection.
wash), conditioner, facial cleanser, facial moisturizer + BB Cream – Packing BB cream is a great way to keep your items low, as it is like lotion, sunscreen and
SPF, eye cream, leave-in hair oil, toothpaste sachets, foundation built into one.
floss, toothbrush, razor and crystal deodorant stick. And Eyeliner or brown pencil – Use your eyeliner as a brow pencil and lip liner if it’s in a lighter shade.
there is still a little room to fit something else if needed! Mascara – Find a travel sized tube of mascara available at beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta and commonly
2. Plan your toiletries packing according to your packing given away with big purchases. It’s a small item that can make your eyes stand out.
goals: checked or carry-on. If going carry-on only, your Concealer – A small container of concealer is good for hiding those blemishes.
Face wash – Always wash off your makeup to keep your skin clear. You can use liquid wash or even wipes, as about your own personal issues and the likelihood that you will need something important in a random country
long as you have something. We covered this item in ouressential toiletries kit yesterday, so hopefully you don’t abroad.
forget that one!
Tweezers – Keep your eyebrows in check with a pair of tweezers. These can also come in handy for medical The Basic Kit
related things (like removing splinters). For shorter jaunts, city-bound, your travel medical kit might consist solely of some aspirin, pepto and band-aids.
Clippers and Nail file – Find some small clippers and a couple disposable files to travel with. Here are the items to consider:
Non-Essentials Pain pills: For the random headache and hangover.
Eyeshadow – A simple palette with at least three colors should suffice, which will allow you to mix shades. A Stomach meds: Think Pepto Bismol or Mylanta. Chances are you might have a few extra drinks, or a few
reader suggested putting broken eyeshadow in contacts cases to reuse them. extra servings of delicious food, on your travels that throw your stomach out of whack. Throw in jetlag, and your
Perfume – Try a solid perfume to save on liquids such as those from Lush or Aroamas! stomach might be even more confused.
Lipstick – We rarely pack lipstick, but if you prefer some color on your lips, throw in a tube. Perhaps a tinted lip Band-aids: For blisters, shaving cuts and other random small issues that might be in need of a quick fix.
balm will be the better option while traveling. Birth Control: Whether condoms, pills or both, you should always be prepared and stay regular.
Powder – Compacts are more difficult to pack as there’s the risk of breakage, but if you bring it, make sure Vitamins: A good multivitamin can be your best friend when you travel since our diets often go out the window.
there’s something in between the mirror and powder, like a brush or cotton ball. Combined with added travel stress, time changes and more public transport use, a vitamin might be just what
Blush – Not everyone wears blush, but as with the powder, take caution to prevent breakage and spillage in the doctor ordered.
your bag. Consider bringing a color that can double as eye shadow and blush to cut back on space. Extras to Consider
Take Action: The Essential Beauty Kit Anti-Diarrhea Meds: For destinations with sketchy food and water. These (think Immodium) can be a
Start with the essentials of your beauty kit, like the sunscreen, foundation and mascara. Add whatever else you lifesaver, but not a cure.
need to feel fresh and happy at your destination. Remember to place liquids in your TSA regulated plastic bag, Anti-itch Cream: For bug bites and small skin reactions. If heading to a mosquito prone destination, this is
which is just another reason to travel with less makeup! essential.
Cipro: The traveler’s antibiotic. This broad-spectrum tablet can cure a slew of ailments, but only take as
recommended by a doctor.
Probiotics: The kind that don’t need to be refrigerated. If you’re in a country that can do a number on your
stomach, or if you have to take antibiotics, then these are a great addition.
Antibacterial Gel: For applying to minor cuts and abrasions. When traveling in less-than-fresh locations, a
little antibacterial gel (think Neosporin) can make a huge difference.
Motion Sickness Tablets: For boat rides and long bus rides
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 19: The Essential Travel Medical Kit through the mountains.
Decongestants: Essential if flying with a stuffy nose.
Pick the pieces that will fit your body and your trip style. Electrolyte
Today’s topic is all about a little something that many people overlook when they first start Replacements: Again,
adventuring: the essential travel medical kit. We knew we wanted to prepare the essential essential in places where you
list for you ladies, but after further inspection, we’ve decided that there are too many variables might have stomach issues.
in order to be able to give one, finite list. Some women may require extra medications and have Blister Strips: If you’re doing
other health issues (chronic allergies perhaps) that cause their medical kit to expand, while extra walking or hiking, a
some ladies might simply be heading across country for a quick 2-week tour of a major city. blister strip can help alleviate
Since we can’t give you one fail-safe packing list, we are going to give you several ongoing pain and issues.
recommended items, plus a few tips that can help you to minimize what you actually decide to Wound Cleaning: Alcohol or
pack. iodine swabs, gauze and medical tape.
You’ll want to put a little time into this task. Why? Because a good traveler is always prepared. Water Tablets: In many locations it is possible to buy bottled water, but more
remote travelers will survive on iodine tablets.
Evaluate Needs According to Altitude Sickness
Personal Health Tablets: Certain destinations in
Before setting off on your mountains can cause altitude
travels, you really need to think sickness without the proper care
and attention.
Anti-malarials: Research your
destinations in advance so you
can be sure to stock up on the correct type of anti-malarial pills. Insect repellant is also important in these
destinations.
Yeast Infection Treatment: Go for a tablet instead of cream as it will be easier to carry.
Cold / Flu Meds: Only if you don’t think you can get these at your destination.
Extras: Tweezers, safety pins and mini scissors.
Further Tips
Only take as much as you will need. For most trips, this is just enough to get by until you’re able to find a
pharmacy to replenish.
Always visit a travel doctor before big trips away to ensure you have the knowledge and gear before a trip. It is
also important to make sure the medications won’t interact with something else. For example, some antibiotics
interfere with birth control pills. These are things you will want to know, ladies.
Take Action: Prepare Your Medical Kit
Take note of your itinerary and think about the situations you might be put in on your travels. Prepare your
ultimate medical kit, making sure to think about size and space in the process.
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 20: Health and Hygiene Packing Considerations
Feminine hygiene products are just the beginning of
items to consider. It all depends on trip style,
destination and length.
Feminine Hygiene
“That time of the month” will inevitably strike at some
point while you’re traveling, so take it into
consideration before you leave rather than when you
arrive. You don’t want to run around town, panicking
to find tampons or pads or trying to find somewhere
to dispose of them. You have a few options when it
comes to feminine hygiene.
Menstrual Cup– We love the Diva Cup here at Her
Packing List because it saves space, money and is environmentally responsible. One menstrual cup may cost
you around $40, but can last for several years without being replaced. The downside is that there is a bit of a
learning curve to using them. If you go with this option, try it out before you leave for your trip.
Sea Sponge– While less common, sea sponge tampons are also more environmentally responsible than pads
and tampons. This is a better option for those who don’t like the fit of a menstrual cup but don’t want to be
constantly throwing away tampons. They are all natural and don’t contain chemicals or plastics. Each sponge
lasts six to eighteen months and can be washed with water.
Pads and Tampons– If you prefer pads or tampons, you can either bring them with you in your bag, taking up
precious space, or risk not finding a brand you like while abroad. Tampons are difficult to find in Asia and are
usually sold without applicators in Australia. However, tampons without applicators take up less space. If space
is an issues, stock-piling 6 months of tampons is not a great tactic.
P Mates– There are a few brands of female urination funnels, including P Mates and Go Girl, which may sound
odd, but will be useful for when you’re using a squat toilet or going camping. These products keep you from
having to take off too much clothing and are small enough to pack easily.
First Aid and Sanitation
Another thing to think about is first aid essentials and items to keep you clean and safe from infections.
First Aid Kit– Assemble a basic first aid kit for your trip, which should include bandages, aspirin, antibiotic
ointment, burn cream and anti-diahhreal medication. Also include any prescriptions you will need on your trip.
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps– The liquid and solid soaps can be used for body wash, shampoo or conditioner,
detergent and nearly anything else.
Toilet Paper– Pack your own roll of toilet paper if you’re concerned about staying places that won’t have it, like
on camping or trekking trips. You can purchase mini rolls from most stores. An alternative is to always have a
pack or two of mini-tissues with you at at all times. Tissues are a life saver!
Water Purifier– Not all trips require a water purifier to ensure that you don’t get sick from drinking water, but if
you do, try iodine tablets or a water bottle with a built in filter.
Baby Wipes– Whether you prefer baby wipes or wet wipes, packing some sort of cleaning cloth is a good item
to stash in your purse or carry on.
Hand Sanitizer– A small bottle of hand sanitizer is another addition to your purse for when you’re walking
around and don’t have access to soap and water.
Washing Materials
Laundry soap– Many laundry detergents make travel sized packets that you can throw into a sink of water to
hand wash your clothing.
Sea to Summit Wash– This company’s Wilderness Wash is a concentrated soap that can be used for
shampoo, body wash and laundry detergent.
Travel clothesline– Once you’ve washed your clothing, you’ll need to dry them. A travel clothesline is easy to
hang up in your hostel or hotel room.
Sink plug– If you’re washing clothes in the sink, you’ll need something to block the drain with. Try a universal
sink plug or even place a bandana as an impromptu plug.
Other Essentials
Dry shampoo– When your hair is looking dirty or if you’re in between showers, toss some dry shampoo into it
to soak up the oils.
Travel deodorant– Keep yourself smelling fresh, particularly in hotter climates.
Vitamins– If you take vitamins at home, you should bring them with you to keep up your immunities.
Sleep sheet– Some travelers pack sleep sheets to protect them against bed bugs at their accommodation.
They’re also great for protecting yourself from questionable blankets and bed sheets.
Pack towel– Travel sized towels are a must-have for backpackers as they don’t take up much space and are
great if staying in hostels that charge for towel usage.
Take Action: Plan Out Health and Hygiene Extras
We’ve covered several of these items in previous posts, but our main concern here is your feminine hygiene
routine. Plan it out. Where are you traveling to, and for how long? Will you be able to get your feminine hygiene
product of choice in your destination, or should you pack enough in advance? Think about luggage space in the
process.
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 21: Packing and
Protecting Electronics
Travelers are bringing more and more electronics on their trips,
from iPhones to laptops to e-readers and everything in between
to capture every moment and keep themselves entertained. This
 adds to your packing list because not only do you need to keep electronics protected from the bumps and
turbulence that come with travel, but also from from theft.
Take Only the Electronics You Need
Electronics can easily weigh you down, and it means you are responsible for a lot more “money” being toted
around in your luggage. Not only that, but having too much expensive gear on your travels can help to make
you a target in certain situations. So, with that in mind, you need to consider what will be absolutely necessary
on your travels.
Some benefits of packing different devices:
 Laptops or Netbooks: Good for blogging, keeping in touch with friends and
family back home, personal entertainment, scheduling and organizing your travels, and never
having to wait for shared hostel devices. Great for when you’re working on the road.
 Phones: Also good for keeping in touch with friends and family around the world,
updating social networks (if you have data on the phone) and possibly for taking photos and
videos. Check out these iPhone add-ons and see if they might be a good addition to your
packing list. A good travel app (or 20) on your phone can also benefit your travels.
 E-Reader: A Kindle or other reading device allow you to save space in your
luggage when it comes to the number of books, if any, you carry.
 iPad or Tablet: These make for more compact ways to access certain apps,
access the internet and keep in touch with friends. These will not be as robust for editing and
backing up photos as a laptop.
 Cameras: Point and shoots, DSLRs, or video, these devices help you to capture
your adventures.
When choosing your devices, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:
1) Can you pack items that serve multiple purposes? Instead of a video camera, a phone and
a iPod, can you just take an iPhone get all the features in one device.
2) Will you use the item to its full potential? Packing a video camera to be used once or twice
probably isn’t going to be worth it. In the same sense, packing a laptop when traveling to
remote destinations without Internet or maybe even proper electricity is unnecessary.
For Your Smartphone, Tablet and E-Reader
Smartphone cases – Pack a case for your iPhone or smartphone that will keep it protected
from bumps, drops and scratches. Trust us – those iPhone screens were made to crack! If
you’re going to be active or near water, try a case from Lifeproof or Otterbox.
Backup battery– In addition to your phone charger, you can pack an extra battery pack that
plugs into your phone and recharges. Other versions are solar powered.
E-Reader and Tablet cases– If you have a tablet or Kindle Fire, you might want to try a
case that stands up so that you can watch movies.
Protect your tablet or iPad with a cover and screen protector.
Screen protectors– Whatever product you bring, it should have some sort of plastic cover to
protect the screen from getting dirty or broken.
For Your Laptops and Netbooks
Whether you’re packing a full sized laptop or a travel-friendly netbook, bring a padded case that will survive the
bumps of trains, plans and automobiles. Back up your documents and photos with a USB drive or external hard
drive.
For Your Camera
Whether you’re packing a DSLR or a simple point and shoot, your camera is an important item to protect while
traveling. Bring a lens cloth to clean of dirt and grime.Camera bags should firstly protect your camera while also
being versatile enough to carry other items in it. Tripods are another item to pack for stable photos.
Chargers and Universal Adapters
Don’t forget to pack all the chargers that go with your electronics, along with
auniversal adapter for your chosen destination. Make sure that the voltage
lines up because an adapter is not the same as a converter. You can try one
plug that changes for different countries or buy a set of multiple adapters. A
surge protector is also good to bring so you can charge many things at once.
Organizational Tools and Other Essentials
Grid It– Keep your cords and chargers organized with a Grid It’s bands and
zippered pocket.
PacSafe bag– The SlingSafe is a great bag for electronics as if has a sleeve
for a small laptop or tablet and is lined with mesh to keep it from getting
slashed.
Insurance– Any time you bring electronics, and every time you travel
anywhere, you should have some sort of insurance coverage to protect you
against theft, injury, baggage delay, flight cancellations and every other form of
mishap.
Waterproof pouches– You can purchase waterproof cases for your camera,
phone and tablet so that you can take underwater photos.
Lock– If you’re storing your valuable electronics in a locker at your hostel, it’s
better to bring your own lock, either combination or key, rather than counting on
having them provided.
How to Pack Your Electronics
Priority number one for packing your electronics is to make sure you have them
cushioned, dry and temperate. How you place these items in your luggage will
depend on your luggage style. Our biggest tip, however, is to keep anything
important and expensive on you at all times. That means placing your big
cameras and laptops in your carry-on luggage if at all possible. Not only does
this ensure your items will not get jostled around, it also means they won’t get
lost if the Bermuda Triangle should swallow your suitcase.
Have a separate pouch for your cords and cables to keep them organized.
When flying, have your laptop in a case that is easy to get out for security
screening.
Take Action: Protect Your Electronics
Think about the different situations your electronics might be exposed to on
your travels (rain, cold, getting tossed around) and get the gear necessary to
protect it.
 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 22: Travel Tools coverage. Luckily many hotels these days stock umbrellas for their
and Other Unnecessarily Necessary Gear guests. See other ideas for things to pack to keep you dry.
Pocket Knife or Multitool: A tiny multitool can serve more
purposes than you might think. Get one with a tiny pair of scissors,
pocket knife blade, and flat head screw driver.
Yoga Mat: Yoga mats are great for those that like to exercise when
they travel, but they can also double as a sleeping mat on a long
layover in an airport.
Reusable Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle is perfect for
the traveler that wants to cut down on disposable plastic bottles
and cut back on beverage fees.
Take Action: Pick Your Extras
What extra items do you plan to pack? Let us know which items you
choose, and why you think it will add so much value to your travels
Headlamp or Mini Flashlight: Staying in hotels? Chances are you in the comments below.
won’t require one of these. Staying in a hostel? A headlamp or mini
flashlight will help you find your belongings in a dark dorm room at
night without disturbing your roommates. Of course, campers and 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 23: How to Pack a
hikers will put these at the top of their list. For everyone else, even a Suitcase
small keychain light can come in handy more often than you think. As all packing lists and trips vary, so will this section, but
Sewing Kit: Hotels will often come stocked with a mini sewing there are some tips that we think all suitcase packers should
kit, but backpackers and hostel-goers should think about packing know:
a tiny kit of their own to fix random holes, lost buttons and tears. 1. Keep the items at an equal height and dispersed across the entire
Just a couple needles, buttons, safety pins and tiny bit of thread area of the suitcase. This will better ensure that your items
will suffice. don’t slide and move about during transit. If you can’t fit your items
Umbrella: Umbrellas are generally awkward to pack. There are tightly across the area of your suitcase then the suitcase is too big.
several pocket-size umbrellas that can be packed or carried in your 2. Don’t pack extremely heavy items at one end of the suitcase.
purse without much space-usage, but if you’re traveling to a place Instead, place heavier items in the middle with something soft and
where you know it will rain and you’ll be outside in it, then take sturdy at the bottom end of the suitcase (when it is being pulled).
one This ensures your suitcase doesn’t become top-heavy or get
that will drawn to one end when being tossed around the baggage
offer carousel.
3. Never pack breakable and valuable items in your
checked suitcases! When a suitcase is out of
your sight, you have no real guarantee it will end
up with you at your destination. You also have
no control over how the bag is treated in transit.
4. Don’t overfill. Filling a suitcase too full can put
stress on the zippers and often leads to luggage
explosions when tossed around the baggage claim
section.
How to Pack a Suitcase
When packing your suitcase, it is always wise
better to compartmentalize you r belongings so no loose
bits are floating around. This also helps organization and repacking
time.
You CAN Pack Light
There are a lot of clothes in this suitcase, and that doesn’t even contain the outfit and shoes you are
already wearing! With that number of items, you could piece together dozens of different looks.

Just how much clothing is that?

1 Jacket
1 Black Quick-drying Pants
1 Pair of Capri Pants
1 Leggings
1 Black Pencil Skirt
1 Black Silkbody Dress
1 Dressy Top
1 Light Wool Cardigan
1 Light Summer Cardigan
1 Quick-drying Cute Top
1 3/4 Sleeve Black Top
1 T-shirt
3 Tanks (1 Silkbody)
1 Belt
1 Pashmina
1 Merrell Shoes
1 Tieks
1 Fold-up Flip Flops
Socks, Underwear, Bra

Take Action: Tame Your Suitcase Beast

If you haven’t done so already, downsize your luggage! After going through all the previous posts
about compartmentalizing and packing versatile pieces, put it all together into your suitcase. Go ahead, give it a
go. You might be surprised at how much you can fit into a smaller bag.

30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 24: How to Pack a Backpack

Choosing a backpack can be an overwhelming task in itself, but once you’ve decided on the brand and size,
the next job will be packing it well. Proper weight distribution in your backpack is what could make the
difference between comfort and serious back pain. The most important thing to remember is that just because
your backpack can hold a certain amount of litres doesn’t mean you should pack it full.
Compartmentalizing your gear will be a huge help when packing, and re-packing, your backpack.
 Step 5: Outer Pockets Smaller items like sunglasses, tissues, sunscreen and other essentials should be placed
in your outer pockets for easy access. Make sure all items are secured as it’s easy for these
smaller things to fall out or get broken. This is yet another reason to compartmentalize smaller gear
into combined pouches.
Step 6: Adjust Straps and Belts
Make sure that the shoulder and waist straps are
pulled tightly as the closer your pack is to your
body, the more comfortable it will be. Clasp your
hip belt and get ready for your trip!

Take Action: Pack Your Backpack

Find a backpack that will suit your needs and fits
you well. Test out packing this backpack
properly. Set out all the items you’ll be bringing
and line them up in order of weight and how soon
you will need them. Place lightest items in the
bottom, heaviest in the middle and more light
items on top. Place smaller items in your outer pockets for easy access. Adjust your straps to fit your pack
Step by Step: How to Pack a Backpack
closely to your body.

Step 1: Set Out Items By Weight

30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 25: The Perfect Carry-on (Packing List)
Hold each of your packing cubes or compression sacks to see what weighs the most and how soon you will
need them. Color code them to help you remember. If your backpack is front and top loading, place first item
You’ll first need to choose a carry on bag that will be versatile enough to wear at your destination. You’ll fill it
through the top. The rest of the items can be placed in the front loading section as it will be easier.
with the essentials to get you through the next ten to twenty hours of flying, as well as what you’ll need to start
Step 2: Light Items in the Bottom
off your day in a new city.
If you’re bringing a sleeping bag, a down jacket or other items like lightweight clothing, these should go into
your bag first. They should also be the items you won’t need immediately. Lightweight and bulky shoes are also
Choosing the Right Carry On
good for the bottom of your bag.
The ideal carry on bag will fit comfortably underneath your seat or in the overhead storage bin and will be
Step 3: Heaviest Items in the Middle
comfortable to carry around. It should also have plenty of compartments for your belongings. Both backpacks
If you’re camping, this is where you would put your camp stove or tent. Electronics, if you aren’t carrying an
and purses make good carry on bags.
extra messenger bag for them, should also be placed here. Surround these items with as much cushioning as
possible to prevent breakage in transit. See our post on packing and protecting electronics for further
assistance.
Step 4: Medium Weight Items in the Top
Place what you’ll need to access first on the top like a jacket, umbrella or a quick change of clothes for arrival.
What to Pack In It  Extra clothing – An extra top, bottoms and underwear will ensure you have a change of clothes
For Comfort should something happen to your checked luggage.
 Eye mask – To support sleeping in bright places.  Tissues – Always.
 Ear plugs – To cancel out noises around you. Ear buds and relaxing music can be a good  Vaseline – Or lip balm.
alternative.
 Lotion – Skin dries out on planes.
 Pillow – To support your neck while sleeping.
 Toothpaste and Toothbrush – Unless your airline still provides travel packs.
 Sarong – It can double as a blanket in a pinch.
 Wet Wipes – For freshening up in between flights or when you just land.
 Journal – For writing your thoughts or making note of important information.
 Deodorant and/or Perfume – Go with the solid kind!
 Mini sanitizer bottle – Don’t travel without it.
 Travel brush or comb and hair tie – For last-minute fix-ups and tangles.  Valuables and breakables like jewelry, glasses or electronics – Never leave these out of your sight.
Remember to protect your electronics, too.
Important Documents  Book or e-reader – To pass time.
 Boarding pass  Deck of cards – To make friends.
 Passport or driver’s license  Water bottle – To refill and save money on beverages.
 Copy of complete flight itinerary  Snacks – Just in case the in-flight meal is horrible.
 Address of hotel or hostel  Grid-It organizer – To keep all things organized in your carry-on.
 Guidebook In addition, we recommend taking any medication that you cannot be without in your carry-on. This
 City Map includes your birth control – or at least enough to get you through a few weeks depending on your destination.
Snacks and Entertainment Remember: Any liquids will need to go into a clear plastic bag for security purposes. Keep these bottles under
3.4 ounces (100ml).
Tip: Never take your money belt out in public. Don’t let someone know you are using this as a hiding spot!
Take Action: Pack Your Perfect Carry-on Luggage Straps:
Select a bag that will suit your needs as the perfect carry-on, whether it be a purse or a small backpack. Protect your suitcase from a luggage explosion with the addition of luggage straps. If you ever overpack a
Remember, this bag will probably function as your daypack at your destination. Assemble items that will make suitcase, or use a suitcase with extra wear and tear, the chance for an explosion somewhere along the
your journey more comfortable, but remember that any liquids will need to be placed in your liquids bag at baggage handling process is much higher. Keep your bag in tact by tightening an extra strap around the
security. outside. Not only does this take the pressure off the zips, it also helps to keep the luggage closed should a
zipper come undone. If you purchase a brightly colored strap, it can help you spot the bag on the luggage
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 26: Securing Your Travel Belongings carousel.
Tip: Keeping your gear compartmentalized in your luggage also means that if your suitcase or backpack should
Packing better is not just about carrying less, it’s about packing smarter. And, you can’t pack smarter if you explode, your single pairs of underwear won’t be just strewn about on their own.
don’t consider the safety of your belongings at the same time. Today’s post covers the ways you can secure Luggage Wrapping:
your belongings, whether that’s your passport or your laptop. A sure-fire way to keep your belongings secure when you have to check them is to get it wrapped in plastic. We
only recommend this if you get to the airport and are really concerned about your luggage last-minute.
Tip: Double check that you don’t need anything from your luggage before wrapping!
How to Secure Your Travel Belongings Take Action: Secure Your Belongings
Luggage Locks: Take a minute to think about your trip and the situations in which you might find
When checking a suitcase or backpack with zippers, lock them up with a TSA-friendly yourself. Will you be doing tons of shopping and taking home a stuffed suitcase? If
lock. We recommend the cable locks as they stretch and wrap around zippers and hooks so, invest in a luggage strap. Will you be traveling through busy areas, such as
with ease. Even if your luggage doesn’t have lockable zips, having a lock on you will do packed trains and undergrounds? If so, invest in a good money belt (to hide your
wonders when you need to lock your backpack in a hostel locker. Sure, many hostels money) or a good daypack (that has protective straps and locks). No matter what
offer locks for rent, but why spend extra money when you can bring one yourself? the trip, we definitely recommend that a good lock should be on your packing list
Tip: Always lock up belongings in the hostel. Even if your dorm mates seem like nice regardless.
people, you really can’t know until something goes missing. Don’t take that chance!
Special Purses and Daypacks: 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 27: Leave Space in Your Luggage
Protecting belongings is often as simple as removing the chance for a quick
pickpocketing. Several travel bags these days come with extra zipper clips to make it
hard for opportune thieves to get at your belongings. Check out the Travelon bag, or Even if you don’t plan it,
the Pacsafe Slingsafe for examples. The Slingsafe 300 GII also comes with a strap that you will probably come
detaches and can be locked around a chair or other stationary object when you aren’t wearing it. home with more than you took with you. There’s
Tip: Never leave a bag or purse hanging off the back of a chair. This is the perfect place for pickpockets to have something about the science of packing that
their way. means your items will nearly double on any
Money Belts: given trip. You’ll have more dirty clothes
Money belts and bra stashes are worn under the clothing and are used to hide cash, passports and credit cards and buy souvenirs for friends and family back
from thieving hands. They may not be the coolest, or the most comfortable, but those who didn’t have them in a
bad moment often wish they did.
home. You may even do some shopping for yourself. So always leave enough space in your bag for the items
you might bring home.
Know Before You Go Think ahead.
Before you leave, research what you might be interested in buying and what your country allows you to bring
back. Rethink that Iberico ham from Spain or French cheese if you’re going to have to throw it away at
quarantine. If you know you want to bring back a lamp from the bazaar in Istanbul or a bottle of wine from Napa
Valley, bring something to wrap it in and leave plenty of space in your bags.
Find a similar item to what you’ll be purchasing and test it out for space in your bag. If
there’s not enough room for the space for your souvenir and other items, it’s time get rid
of something.
Tip: Do as much of your shopping at the end of the trip as possible rather than lugging it
around for weeks.
Packing Souvenirs Safely
If you’re planning on doing some shopping while traveling, bring a small stuffable
shopping bag that you can carry on with breakable items. Check another bag, leaving
the souvenirs with you. Weigh everything again to make sure that you won’t need to pay
an overweight baggage fee. When possible, choose souvenirs that don’t take up much
space like jewelry or postcards. Secure your souvenirs by surrounding them with clothing
or another soft item.
Take Action: Leave Space in Your Bag
Pre-plan your trip. What souvenirs or shopping items are you interested in bringing home? Find something of
similar size and check that it fits. If not, make room!
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 28: The Art of Repacking on the Road
If you’ve made it this far in the month, you’re pretty much a packing pro – at least when it
comes to getting your belongings ready in preparation of the big trip. But what about the task of
repacking when already on the road?
It’s a totally different process when you have to tip-toe around in the dark of the hostel dorm
room, repacking your gear, in order to catch your 5am flight. Last-minute packing pressures
tend to have people forgetting things like chargers, watches, and toiletries in random parts of
their hotel room. The more often you move around on a trip, the more chances you have of
leaving something behind.
Here are our tips for repacking on the road:
1) Bring fewer items.
Yes, we preach it constantly here at Her Packing List, but the truth is if you have fewer items to
manage, you’ll have fewer little bits and bobs to forget or lose. Simple as that.
2) Compartmentalizing is key!
Keep all your toiletries in one bag; keep all your electronics accessories in another. Keep all of those items
together if you can. For example, if you plan to leave your toothbrush in the bathroom, leave it next to your
entire toiletries bag. If you’re plugging in your laptop, keep your bag of cables near it, too. You will be far less
likely to forget an entire bag of gear instead of one small item off on its own. You’ll notice an empty gap in your
suitcase or backpack when repacking as well that will clue you in on the missing object.
3) Keep a copy of your packing list with you.
Even a list on your iPhone will do. Before heading out the door, read through the list and see if anything sticks
out as something you didn’t put back in your luggage.
4) Remember your packing layout.
When we covered how to pack a suitcase and how to pack a backpack, we told you to remember the perfect
Tetris position for all the gear you brought. One reader even suggested taking a quick photo for future
reference. Once you get this layout down, you’ll be more likely to know what’s missing, and you’ll pack a whole
lot faster. This is great for those early morning, half-asleep packing sessions!
5) Pre-pack as much as possible the night before.
A well prepared traveler tends to have less travel and packing stress. This is also
great for when staying in hostel dorm rooms. Do not, we repeat, do not be the
person that flips the light switch on at 4am and makes incessant plastic bag noises
for an hour while repacking the bag. People will hate you.
The most important part of this whole process, besides taking less stuff (!), is to get
a system down. Once you know what goes where, and know your packing list
inside and out, the moving and shaking on the road will be no drama. You’ll be less
likely to forget items, and you’ll have less stress when it comes closer to checkout
time.
Take Action: Practice a Repack
It might sound tedious, but if you’re worried about forgetting your belongings when
you travel, practice a re-pack. Take your gear out and place in random parts of your
home before going to bed. Immediately after waking up, re-pack your luggage with a
goal of 15 minutes. A trial run is never a bad idea.
30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 29:
Weigh It Up
You’ve picked your luggage, decided what to
pack, gotten rid of the unnecessary items and
have put it all in your bags. It’s now time to go
over those final details before you leave for your
trip.
Ask yourself these questions:
 Have I left my
itinerary with someone at
home? There should be someone who has all the vital
information in case something happens to you, including phone
numbers and addresses for where you’ll be staying and who to
call in case of an emergency.
 Have I purchased travel insurance? The last thing you want to worry about is getting sick,
becoming the victim of theft or being hospitalized while overseas.
 Have I alerted my bank and credit card company that I will be overseas? If you’ll be using
any bank card overseas, find out what the penalties for using foreign ATMs are and alert your bank
so it doesn’t freeze your account for fraudulent activity.
 Have I registered with my home embassy and applied for all necessary visas? It’s a good
idea to register with your country’s embassy before you go because if something were to happen
 and you needed to be evacuated, the embassy would need to know. Also make sure you have a
visa for your destination or that you can get one on arrival.
 Do I have enough foreign currency? If you rely on taking out foreign money at an ATM on
arrival or changing over your native currency when you get there, you may find a poor exchange
rate or might not be able to find an ATM.
 Have I checked the weather for my destination? If you haven’t checked before this point, you
may find yourself having to repack with completely different clothing.
 Did I get rid of all unnecessary items from my bag? Go through it one last time to get rid of
anything that you might not need. It’s better than being forced to do this at the airport if your bag is
overweight.
 Have I double checked my packing list? Double check every item off your packing list to
ensure you have it. Bring this list with you in case something in your bag goes missing.
 Have I weighed and measured my bags to ensure that they follow airline
restrictions? Look up what your specific airline’s policy is in terms of weight and dimensions.
Double check your carry on when you get to the airport.
 Have I packed essentials like my ticket, accommodation information and passport? These
are the BIG ticket items that you can’t forget. Put them all in a place where you will have easy
access to them when you reach the airport. If you keep your passport in a safe, make sure you
grab it on your way out.
 Did I grab other important items like prescription medications, contacts or
glasses? Second only to forgetting your identification, forgetting your prescriptions and other
essentials can throw a wrench in your plans.
The same goes for your laptop. Have it packed in a way that allows easy removal from your carry-on bag at
security. We’ve suggested ideas for this in the packing and protecting electronics section.
Wear Heavier and Bulkier Clothing to the Airport
Yes, this point is controversial because you probably shouldn’t wear your coat if you’re traveling in a tropical
destination at the moment. However, those light hiking shoes will be bulky and annoying to pack, as will those
jeans. If you can layer up, go for it. You can always shed some layers when you get into your seat. Just be sure
to bring a second, more comfortable outfit to change into when on your flight.
This tactic can save you a bit of size and weight from your luggage if you feel that is an issue.
Never Leave Luggage Out of Sight
Never, ever, ever. There are just too many people from too many walks of life congregated at airports. Luckily,
since you take fewer belongings with you on your travels now, keeping track of your luggage in the airport will
not be an issue. Never again will you have to leave your suitcase outside of a toilet stall because there’s not
enough room. We love helping you to travel with less!
Take Action: Get Ready to Travel
Take the final steps needed to get you to the airport and on to your adventures! Happy travels!

Take Action: Weigh It Up

Ask yourself the questions in this post. When it comes to literally weighing it up, use a scale or luggage scale to
do a final check of your luggage. Are you ready to go?!

30 Days to Packing a Better Bag – Day 30: To the Airport

It goes without saying that you all are packing masters at this point, and we’re proud of the
progress (we’re assuming) you’ve all made this month. Go you!
But we still have one task left…

Getting it all to the airport!

We LOVE this part of travel because it is the time when we get to take-off. Don’t letexcess
baggage fees and security point nightmares ruin the moment. Here are some tips we put
together to help with the journey to the airport and beyond:

Be Prepared
Like a Girl Scout. Have your passport and paperwork ready for check-in. Make sure it is all
easily accessible in the outer pockets of your bag or handbag (while also not being easy for
others to get to, of course!).
Keep your carry-on liquids in a clear plastic bag that can be pulled out of your carry-on luggage without
throwing the entire packing system out of whack. That means storing it on top or in an outer pocket if at all
possible.