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What to bring?
Packing for a trip is both fun and challenging. You don’t want to take too much or leave something behind that is essential. I love to travel and thought it would be fun to share some of my packing tips.
Check the destination weather first and pack accordingly.
Plan your wardrobe around your shoes. I like hybrid shoes that are multipurpose; sandals/dress shoes, walking/hiking. Don’t take more than three pairs.
Two pairs of pants, four tops (two solid and two print), two tank-tops, skirt, walking shorts, sweater/jacket, vest and dark jeans. I like fast dry apparel- easy to wash and dries quickly.
Socks (I always have a pair to wear on the plane), underwear and sleeping attire that can be rinsed out.
Select only two colors- black is always my base and I either add olive or tan to break up the monotony.
Think threes- my rule of thumb is always dress in three layers and plan on wearing any item at least three times.
Scarves- they don’t take up any room and can be used to jazz up your basic black, protect you from the sun/cold or used as a makeshift picnic blanket.
Multi-sized zip-lock bags, packs of mini tissues, makeup remover pads and bungee cords are always helpful.
Indulge your inner fashion nerd and lay out everything in outfits: match the outfits to the days you are traveling.
Walk away for a couple of hours. Then, reassess and remove a few pieces. You won’t miss them.
A foldable, thin rain coat with a hood is an essential.
Wear your heaviest clothing, shoes & jacket on the plane.
Keep in mind that no matter how much help you have, there will be times when you have to carry your own suitcase- make sure you can.
Leave room for souvenirs and treasures- remember the clothes never go back into the suitcase as well as when you first packed.
Hi Ann, First, miss seeing you at the store. Second, you can’t believe how timely your packing article is for me. I will be in Southern France for 18 days. First week on the canal du MIDI boating and biking, second week exploring Provence region with 3 girlfriends! I am going to challenge myself by trying to pack in a carry-on with a light backpack. Do you think I can do it? I’ve been reading your packing tips and taking note. Thanks again for this great article. BTW purchased my 3 favorite items for the trip at NPR. Please feel free to offer more tips for my packing.
You absolutely can, if you don’t bring much back. My strategy is to have a cabin bag that is expandable and then I can buy goodies and check it on the return flight. Have fun and good luck. Thanks for checking in with me
Really appreciate your staying connected to your former clients!
Several months ago, you shared that you had recently purchased a new carry on for travel that you loved.
But I can’t remember the brand. I’m thinking it was by Away? Preparing for a trip to Barcelona and Seville in September, 10 days, and I always pack only a 20” carry on. Please share again. Thanks!
I’m so glad that you are traveling! I love Barcelona. I do have an Away suitcase, but I recently purchased a Coach (outlets) tote. It was good because it fit under the seat. My goal was to get away from my backpack. I think I will always be searching for perfect LOL. Have fun
Dear Ann,
Thanks for this travel post. I have printed it out for myself as well as our granddaughter who is travelling to Germany for 10 days on May 30.
I remember one called Spring Travel Wardrobe from 2017. Is there are possibility that you might have that in your archives and could send me a copy?
Also, I’m so envious of your turquoise slacks. Where can I get some?
Even though you’re no longer in the store, you still inhabit my closet, and I’m so grateful for you.
Marcie
This post was probably similar to the spring one… I’m pretty sure you can get it on my website.
The pants are from Lululemon and I got them from The Castlerock outlet store.
I’m so glad you are enjoying your wardrobe. It makes me happy.
Ann
Dear Ann,
I too love hearing from you and miss seeing you at the store!
I love this article on travel!
My husband LOVES to travel and while I’m a little reluctant, I always enjoy myself!
Would you mind sharing the brand of your tan/gold tennis shoes? They seem to go with everything!
Many thanks!
Marlene
So good to hear from you. The brand of the shoes are Paul Green. Nordstrom carries the brand, but I buy mine on the web- I think they are on sale.
Thank you
Thank you for the great tips! Do you use black as one of your colors even in the summer? I am just starting to plan for an August Mediterranean cruise. Thank you for your help!
12 Comments
Hi Ann, First, miss seeing you at the store. Second, you can’t believe how timely your packing article is for me. I will be in Southern France for 18 days. First week on the canal du MIDI boating and biking, second week exploring Provence region with 3 girlfriends! I am going to challenge myself by trying to pack in a carry-on with a light backpack. Do you think I can do it? I’ve been reading your packing tips and taking note. Thanks again for this great article. BTW purchased my 3 favorite items for the trip at NPR. Please feel free to offer more tips for my packing.
Hi Teena,
You absolutely can, if you don’t bring much back. My strategy is to have a cabin bag that is expandable and then I can buy goodies and check it on the return flight. Have fun and good luck. Thanks for checking in with me
Hi Ann!
Really appreciate your staying connected to your former clients!
Several months ago, you shared that you had recently purchased a new carry on for travel that you loved.
But I can’t remember the brand. I’m thinking it was by Away? Preparing for a trip to Barcelona and Seville in September, 10 days, and I always pack only a 20” carry on. Please share again. Thanks!
Hi Reynelda,
I’m so glad that you are traveling! I love Barcelona. I do have an Away suitcase, but I recently purchased a Coach (outlets) tote. It was good because it fit under the seat. My goal was to get away from my backpack. I think I will always be searching for perfect LOL. Have fun
Dear Ann,
Thanks for this travel post. I have printed it out for myself as well as our granddaughter who is travelling to Germany for 10 days on May 30.
I remember one called Spring Travel Wardrobe from 2017. Is there are possibility that you might have that in your archives and could send me a copy?
Also, I’m so envious of your turquoise slacks. Where can I get some?
Even though you’re no longer in the store, you still inhabit my closet, and I’m so grateful for you.
Marcie
Hi Marcie,
This post was probably similar to the spring one… I’m pretty sure you can get it on my website.
The pants are from Lululemon and I got them from The Castlerock outlet store.
I’m so glad you are enjoying your wardrobe. It makes me happy.
Ann
Dear Ann,
I too love hearing from you and miss seeing you at the store!
I love this article on travel!
My husband LOVES to travel and while I’m a little reluctant, I always enjoy myself!
Would you mind sharing the brand of your tan/gold tennis shoes? They seem to go with everything!
Many thanks!
Marlene
Hi Marlene,
So good to hear from you. The brand of the shoes are Paul Green. Nordstrom carries the brand, but I buy mine on the web- I think they are on sale.
Thank you
I so enjoy your blog, tips, hints, and photos, and miss your style seminars. My happiest clothing and jewelry items came from NPR!
Thank you so much-I appreciate your kind words.
Thank you for the great tips! Do you use black as one of your colors even in the summer? I am just starting to plan for an August Mediterranean cruise. Thank you for your help!
Yes- I always base my travel wardrobe on black pants. I really like the Brooklyn design at Athleta