Pack light, pack right

If there is one thing that I’ve learned in my years of travel, it is to pack light. There is nothing worse than shuffling through the airport with a heavy bag. These days, I travel as light as possible, with a small carry-on and personal item. People ask how I can pack so lightly, and my answer is, you really only need a basic wardrobe, comprised of quality pieces that can be worn a few times and easily interchanged. I only pack for a week, regardless the length of my stay. With a little laundry soap and a quick trip to the local laundromat (or the bathroom sink), you can easily get through a trip with about two packing cubes’ worth of clothes.

Choosing clothing that is appropriate for your activities is key.

When planning a travel wardrobe, it is essential to consider the activities you will be doing on any given day. If your trip consists mostly of hiking, then you will want to pack lightweight, water-resistant clothes and comfortable (and broken in) shoes with very good traction. If the itinerary is more hybrid, with both indoor and outdoor activities, then it’s a good idea to pack at least one or two less casual outfits and a second pair of shoes that can be dressed up or down, depending on the outing.

Be mindful that if you are traveling in Europe, you will. more than likely, be walking on many uneven, cobbled streets. Closed-toed shoes with good traction are essential.

In Paris, women tend to wear dark, tailored jeans with a crisp button-down shirt and flats to restaurants and social outings. For more formal occasions, women will wear a little black dress or black pair of pants and a blouse, accented with a pretty scarf and a dash of lipstick (lipstick is most definitely an accessory here, and worn more frequently than earrings). During the daytime, you will see women wearing a pair of slim jeans, a fitted shirt, sunglasses, stylish but comfortable shoes, and a classic bag. There truly is a je ne sais quoi about French women; they have been privy to effortless style secrets, handed down from mother to daughter over the generations.

If you forget something, you can find almost anything you’re looking for at your destination. During our second visit to Brittany, we were caught off-guard by cool and rainy temperatures that seemed to come in from nowhere. A simple stop at a local outdoor apparel shop and we were out the door, sporting warmer rain coats and no worse for wear.

After learning the hard way, I now make sure to check the long-term forecast a week before the flight, and continue checking until the night before we leave.

Brittany is, for the most part, a temperate climate, with temperatures that fluctuate between about 37 F (3 C) and 72 F (22 C) degrees throughout the year. That makes for pretty easy packing year-round, generally speaking. That said, I know that 48 F degrees oceanside is much different than 48 degrees F (9 C) inland. Always having a light, water-resistant jacket in your day pack is a sure-fire way to stay comfortable during your visit.

I’ve created a simple checklist that I use when packing for France. While everyone’s trip is different, and everyone has different needs, you can use mine as a starting point and tailor it to your trip. For example, I don’t travel with any “hair tools” other than a comb, brush, and hair tie, but others do. (Note: most hotels have a hair dryer, but always check ahead.) I have listed my laptop, though I only bring it on longer trips.

Remember to check your airlines’ website for baggage fees and size limits and the TSA site for what is and isn’t allowed on board. I’ve included some links below that may be helpful to you.

With a little pre-planning, you’re sure to have everything you need for a wonderful trip. Remember to pack light and pack right for your activities and be sure to set some time aside for simply sitting back, relaxing, and taking everything in.

I hope this helps inspire you to pack light for your next adventure. I look forward to hearing any tips you have for packing light.

Bon voyage!

My Packing Checklist

Essentials:

• Passport
• Color copy of passport photo and ID
• Euros
• Credit/debit card(s)
• Wallet and/or money belt
• Prescription medication
• Glasses/contacts
• Cell phone and charger
• Adapter
• Emergency contact information
• Insurance card(s)
• Tickets (hard copies and downloaded on phone)
• Hotel confirmation (hard copies and downloaded on phone)
• Itinerary
• Keys
• Backpack or tote bag

Technology:

• Headphones
• Ipad and/or reader and charger
• Camera and charger
• Laptop and charger

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Eye drops
• Lip balm
• Hair brush or comb
• Deodorant or deodorant wipes
• Hydrating facial spray
• Makeup
• Cleanser or cleaning cloth
• AM skincare
• PM skincare
• Body lotion
• Sunscreen

Miscellaneous:

• Pouch with:
  • Pain meds
  • Upset stomach meds
  • Cough drops
  • Band Aids
  • Hair tie
  • Nail file
  • Tweezers
• Tissues
• Vitamins
• Stain remover wipes
• Antibacterial wipes
• Wet wipes
• Reusable water bottle
• In-flight socks (comfy or compression)
• Sunglasses
• Eye mask
• Protein bar or another snack
• Gum  
• 2 scarves (1 warm, for the plane, and 1 dressier)
• Book or magazine
• Small journal
• Pens
• Clear quart-size bag for liquids
• Small, reusable grocery bag

Clothing and accessories for women’s winter travel

• Water-resistant jacket
• Water-resistant shoes (with good traction)
• Flats
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2 pairs black pants
• 1 pair olive or khaki pants
• Knit or cashmere sweater or cardigan
• 1-2 long-sleeve shirts
• 1 blouse
• 2 tee-shirts
• 2 camisoles
• Underwear
• Bras
• Socks
• Night shirt or pajamas
• Small, dressier crossbody bag
• 1 dressy scarf
•  Travel umbrella
• Daypack

Helpful links and luggage suggestions

Updated TSA carryon information: http://www.airline-baggage-fees.com/tsa_carryon_rules.php

Always check the most recent information regarding liquids: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-3-1-1-liquids-rule

**Always check your airline’s website for baggage size requirements and weight restrictions.**

Carryon luggage size restrictions https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/airline-carry-on-luggage-size-guide

Airline baggage fees updated Jan 2020 https://upgradedpoints.com/airline-baggage-fees/

A final suggestion is to use a personal item and carry on that is very light when empty. My personal item is nylon, water-resistant, and only about 1 – 1.5 pounds. Items that my husband and I use regularly include:

Lug Canter (personal item) https://www.luglife.com/products/canter

Lug Puddle Jumper Duffle https://www.luglife.com/products/puddle-jumper-duffel

Lug Hatchback 3 https://www.luglife.com/products/hatchback-3

Tripped Travel Gear Foldable collapsible lightweight backpack https://www.amazon.com/Lightweight-Travel-Backpacking-TRIPPED-Gear/dp/B06Y3DGCL2?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

Vegan leather anti-theft backpack https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Fashion-Two-Toned-Vintage-Shoulder/dp/B07F816YC4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Tripped Travel Gear Compression packing cubes https://www.amazon.com/Packing-Travel-Organizer-Compression-Carryon/dp/B07CQTVGHW?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1