10 Packing tips for Extended Travels
June 19, 2013
Finally! We leave on Friday for our family trip to Spain where we will visit my husband's family. We go every year and we usually stay for three weeks. So fun, but when it comes to packing for this trip I kind of feel like I'm putting together a puzzle. For example, I make sure that if I take a skirt it has at least three different tops and a couple of pairs of shoes with which I can wear it with....that sort of thing. Then, I need to make sure I have clothes for when its too hot or for when its chillier than usual. And all this has to fit in one suitcase! Add to this the fact that I want to look cute every single day. This is where the practical packing guide comes in to help.
1 || Pack ahead (and by this I mean one week in advance). Packing ahead will allow you to make sure all the pieces you want to take are clean and pressed and ready to be folded into your suitcase. This also allows plenty of time to really plan the outfits in your head.
2 || Pack a lot of single colored pieces. For extended stay vacations this is great way to maximize your outfits because everything pretty much matches (you don't have to worry about matching patterns). The more outfit possibilities you have the less bored you will be because now you have many more outfit permutations.
3 || Its all about the accessories. Accessories don't take up a lot of room and they can really make your outfit standout and even change it up a bit if you wore the same thing a few days earlier. You can bet this Gold and Gray necklace is crossing the Atlantic with me (its my new fave piece). And this cute necklace from bauble bar is on sale...too bad I just spotted it.
4 || For shoes think cute and comfortable. I am not one to wear sneakers when traveling (but I have before don't get me wrong) but there are many cute and very comfortable shoes out there that can pamper your feet while you hit up all the sites. Its so much better to travel in style (plus all your Instagram photos will be all the more interesting!). These Zara shoes are surprisingly some of my most comfortable shoes that will be coming along. And of course my Tieks will also join in the fun- talk about comfort coming in one small package!
5 || Evening Wear. I usually pack a little black dress that can easily morph into different outfits by way of the accessories. This way I can use it multiple times without it looking the same. How perfect is this one? And the price is even better.
6 || Cross body bags are your friend. With all the walking one usually does on a trip the last thing you need is to carry a huge and heavy bag everywhere. Get rid of your huge wallet by using a little change purse (love this one) and minimize all the items you usually carry in your huge bag. Your hands will be free (to you can enjoy that delicious gelato or carry that shopping bag with those new shoes) and you will feel more relaxed and less tired at night. This (love all the zippers- a great way to keep things categorized) and this cross body bags are so cute!
7 || Protect yourself from the sun. I'm the first one that believes that there is no better tan than the one you get in the Mediterranean...its more golden in my opinion, but those rays are strong and I don't want to be leaving the beach just after an hour or two. I want to make sure to enjoy every bit of that beach as much possible without being stressed over the harmful rays. For me the solution has been these lifesaving, ultra-chic rashguards from Cabana life. The delight of playing in the beach without having to overly worry about harmful rays- Priceless. (the best part? they have matching outfits for your little one!)
8 || Foldable extra bag. Clothes tend to gain weight or grow when I travel (not sure which). Does it happen to you? By the end of the trip I can barely close my bag. Blame it on a few extra souvenirs or on my folding skills getting sloppier. The solution- pack an extra foldable bag that you can check-in at the airport in case this happens to you as well.
9 || Put plastic bags on everything! Especially your cosmetics and beauty products. Pressure has a way of affecting some of my creams once in a while and they have ruined clothing before. Bags will keep everything in its place. These are perfect for this sort of thing. And I even put a grocery bag over this as well...just to make sure.
10 || Shawls are your friend. They are multipurpose. They can serve as a cover when cold, as an accessory around your neck or head, as a pareo over a bikini when on the beach, or even as a picnic blanket or place to sit and lay on a park or beach. They are so practical. Have one handy! Loving this one.
There you have it. Ten tips for extended stay travels. What else would you add? Any special tricks or ideas to be make packing more efficient?
31 comments
The foldable bag tip is a great idea - I usually end up carrying my extra things in an unattractive paper bag!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips, A! Now I want to go somewhere.... :)
ReplyDeleteso excited for your trip to Spain! I wish I had an exotic trip on the horizon, but not this year. Short day trips for me for the short term, but I love your good packing-sense. well done post!
ReplyDeletexo Nancy
Powellbrower.com
This was a great post! I always, always, always over pack. It never fails...!! Good thought on the comfy shoes... I cannot tell you how many times I've packed shoes for the sake of looking cute that give me blisters. OUCH!
ReplyDeletexo
www.simplylowcountry.com
such a fun and exciting trip! and i agree on a foldable bag, i always bring a Longchamp for those unexpected extras you take home!
ReplyDeleteHi Albertina...GREAT post! I just wrote an article for an online magazine about packing and I think I said exactly the same things you did (although my article wasn't as pretty as yours)! I wish I could practice what I preach a little more.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time in Spain!! xoxo
Much needed tips! I'm the worst packer... ever!
ReplyDeleteThis is so helpful! The plastic bag trick is a must.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Albertina! I don't wear sneakers either (just for the gym of course), I don't think you'll ever see me wearing sneakers + jeans or shorts, ever! ;)
ReplyDeleteThis are great tips! I definitely need to work on the whole packing in advance thing–I"m not very good at that!
ReplyDeletegreat list! this is getting me excited to go on my trip to portland and seattle! xo
ReplyDeleteI sure needed this...heading to Key West next month for a week and a half! Thanks girl xoxo!
ReplyDeleteEeee Great list. I have learned to plan outfits ahead of time. THat has really helped me. Now my only problem is unpacking....it's one of my least favorite things to do!! So excited for your trip!! xo
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I've become the kind of traveler that as long as my ipad or computer, passport and wallet are with me the rest is to be purchased... which means a little bit of shopping at each location!
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous! I want to go to Spain! Isn't packing the worst part of traveling? Great tips, I love the idea of just packing solids, totally makes sense.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I am always in need of packing advice, so thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip and have fun!
Shannon
Great tips! I also always have a cross body bag and comfortable shoes when I go on holidays :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Spanish holidays!!!
Such great tips. Know you will have the best time in Spain and with three weeks you'll have time for visiting and exploring...such fun. Hope you have a wonderful trip!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips!! The cross body bag is a life saver for sight-seeing trips...you are absolutely right! Have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice!
ReplyDeleteForget all this advice! You're going to Spain! Ok, yes, I'm a bit jealous (plan to go next year) but so happy that this is an annual retreat for your fam. So amazing. Yes, the tips are equally fab and should be shared with every travel mag or agent out there. Cross bags are a MUST, comfy shoes, a shawl and definitely plastic bags for those freaking spills. I also ALWAYS fill a Ziploc bag with painkillers, Tums et al just in case. Have fun chica!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list to remember!! Have the best time on your trip!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice I am such a terrible packer , always forgetting the main items , my new go to is packing outfits in plastic bags together , helps tons .
ReplyDeleteMeghan Silva's Blog
Three weeks in Spain! How fabulous! I hope you have an amazing time while you are there! This is a GREAt packing guide.
ReplyDeletexx
Holly Foxen Wells
GlamourMash
Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteHave an amazing time in Spain!
I love your blog keep it up :)
Nicole
www.eleganceandclutter.blogspot.com
have so much fun!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAlbertine, awesome tips especially when you are going overseas-- where were you when I went to Italy last year? xoxo
ReplyDeleteHave a most awesome trip!
These are excellent tips! I have a travel/style blog and run a packing consultancy (Portavi Company), and I think you have it covered! I'd also recommend packing a travel detergent (The Laundress makes one, and can be purchased from 3floz.com) and a travel steamer, as irons can be hard to come by in Europe. Have an excellent trip!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.portavi.co/
http://www.hithaonthego.com/
These are excellent tips! I'm saving these for my next trip - hopefully to San Fran in the fall. Enjoy your vacay!
ReplyDeletexx, Bubbly in Brooklyn
These are the best tips I've read yet. I can't wait to travel the world in style while packing with these tips!
ReplyDeleteAlbertina muy buenos tips para nuestros viajes ,, parece que tu pronto estarás de vacaciones ,,, que envidia
ReplyDeleteYou make my day with your comments! Thank you!!