One of my biggest passions in life is to travel. I always have a trip on the cards, whether it is two months away or a year away. I am a very organised person in pretty much all aspects of life. I like things to have their order. So when it comes to packing, I consider myself a fairly skillful packer. For years I would constantly overpack and turn up at the airport with 2kg to spare. I would never be able to buy anything abroad as I had no way of getting it home. I would have items in my bag that never actually exited my bag the entire trip. So how on Earth do you pack for a trip away?
One of my inspirations, Lauren Conrad, discusses travel for an entire chapter in her book Style. She includes sample packing lists for a variety of situations such as weekends away, beach and snow holidays and business trips. I started to use these lists and I was simply amazed at how much more efficient my packing became. What I have now created is an adapted packing list from Lauren’s that is suitable for me. When I go overseas I love to get active, so taking workout gear is essential. I also feel the cold super easy so I ensure that I have added extra cardigans and such.
If you feel that you overpack (or underpack, if such people exist) please feel free to use this list and make an adaptions necessary. The only rule I have is, if you want to add something, you need to eliminate something else. These packing lists are based on a week holiday. For holidays longer than this, only add a few extra items as you can generally hand wash most of your clothes at night if they are dirty. Air every outfit each night before you put it back into your bag or shelves.
Active Adventure
5 active tank tops
3 pairs of running shorts
3 crop tops
1 pair of full length tights
1 pair of 3/4 tights
2 t-shirts of neutral colours for non-active days
2 dresses for night time
2 pairs of swimmers if there is a beach or pool
1 cardigan
1 run/wind jacket if it is cold during your active days
1 pair of running shoes
1 pair of rubber thongs/flip flops
Underwear
Visor
iPod running band/fanny pack
Sunscreen
Magnesium for muscle recovery
Beach Vacay
3 pairs of swimmers
3 black, white or grey tanks tops/t-shirts
1 pair of shorts, I love denim
1 crinkle free skirt
1 cardigan in a neutral colour
1 casual blazer
1 oversized button down shirt to wear over swimmers but also with shorts
1 pair of jeans
2 large scarves that double as sarongs
1 party dress that is a neutral colour
2 day dresses
2 workout tops, crops and shorts
1 pair of rubber thongs/flip flops
1 pair of leather sandals
1 pair of running shoes
Jewellery
Underwear
Visor for workouts and fedora for beach use
Sunscreen
Aloe Vera spray
Sunglasses
Winter Escape
1 pair of jeans
5 black, white or grey t-shirts/long sleeve shirts
3 scarves
1 cardigan
1 thermal top and pants
2 blouses for nights out
1 winter coat
3 thin wool jumpers
1 pair of gloves
1 down/puffer vest
1 hoodie and pair of tracksuit pants
1 pair of black gym tights that can double up as going out
2 long sleeve running shirts
1 crop top
1 pair of boots
1 pair of running shoes
2 beanies
Underwear
Helpful Extras
Where you go will determine what type of clothing you will need to pack, not just the weather. If you are going to a country that has a strong religious culture and you want to visit temples and churches, you need to ensure that you have clothes to suit these visits. For men and women having your thighs, shoulders, chest and back covered are a must.
If you are heading to a tropical paradise where there are lots of friendly mosquitos, pack some long sleeve shirts and long pants that are of a light fabric. You will also need an insect repellent that is of a tropical strength.
If you enjoy working out or having an active holiday, choose pieces from your active wardrobe that are versatile and that you can wear with everyday clothes. This will help increase your outfit options. I love teaming Lorna Jane tanks with my denim shorts or flowing skirts. I also team my Lorna Jane run shorts with my basic Sportsgirl tees and then accessorise with a fedora or necklace.
When packing I use a backpacker bag as I know that I will never go over my baggage limit. For me I find it far more comfortable to travel with a bag rather than a suitcase, especially if I am not just staying in the one location. I also roll all my clothes to save room and to keep them wrinkle free.
I take a smaller back pack as carry on to keep all my valuables close. Don’t just take your electronics in your carry on, but your chargers as well. People who take medication need to pack it into their carry on. I always pack a pair of socks and a scarf that doubles as a small blanket as I get super cold on flights. For me, being a coeliac I need to know that I can eat something nutritious for the next 10-24 hours. You are permitted to take unopened food onto a plane as long as you declare it and consume it on the flight. This is a big help for me as the Gluten Free food options aren’t always that appetising. All your documents for travel need to be kept with you at all times, not in your checked baggage. I also pack a miniature refresher pack that includes face wipes, hand cream and deodorant for long haul flights.
I hope these tips help you for your next adventure. Safe travels! Xx
the endless traveller 