Ready, Set, Go: Packing Tips for Travel Comfort

Over the years, I’ve read hundreds of articles on packing for a trip, and despite my own extensive travel, each time I find myself methodically organizing my items. It is important to check and make sure I have what I want with me, while I anticipate the unpredictable weather and long flights ahead for my next journey to Zurich and a Rhine River cruise.

When I travel internationally, I am not a “carry-on” person. I am checking a 25” suitcase, but this time I am trying out a new rolling backpack for the plane, along with my crossbody small bag. I did buy an inexpensive external strap for my suitcase because on my last flight, I witnessed someone’s belongings strewn on the tarmac during baggage loading, and it was not a pretty sight.

As I was considering all of what I should take, I thought I would share my list with you, and some items are linked for you in case you are interested in them for your next journey.*

Paperwork:

• Passport, Driver’s License, and any other documents such as a visa or a Global Entry card. Make a copy of them and be sure to put them in a different safe location. I also write my passport number on a piece of paper in my wallet.

• Medical Insurance card(s)! Travel insurance contact information. You want to make sure that is readily available and hopefully not needed!

• Cash. It's always good to have some cash with you. The US dollar is the most accepted currency worldwide. I keep some money tucked away in two spots always. Cash is being used less and less, but not having some and needing it is stressful.

• Credit card with no foreign transaction fees. If you're outside your home country this saves on everything you put on your card compared to the typical credit card. Check with your bank or credit card company and read the information to make sure you understand all the fine print, including the need for a Pin code or not. Do not accept the conversion option if that comes up on the payment machine. Many cards offer other benefits like building points, some travel insurance coverages, club access, and more. I always have at least two cards with me. I am fortunate to have a card with club access which I find to be one of the best benefits.

• Travel paperwork and any documentation if you are on an organized tour. I save all my travel information in Google Drive, but I take paper copies with me as well. A great app that I really like is Trip-It and the free version is great to keep all the travel info organized. I like to be highly organized so that I don’t overlook something critical.

• Flight information – I use the airline app, but when you check in it is wise to have them give you a paper boarding pass as a backup. Be sure to turn on text updates to your phone about flight times, gate changes, etc. Check in online 24 hours ahead and review the open seats in case you can move to a better option.

• Hotel Confirmations, transportation info (car rental/train/car services). Again, this is where the Trip-It app would help.

Technology:

• Air Tag (iPhone) or Tile (Android) – I use these for my luggage and my backpack.

• Phone, phone charger, and external charger that you can bring with you. Taking pictures or using Google Maps depletes your battery quickly.

• A selfie stick - I like the stability when I take a picture or video. It is small and fits into my bag easily.

• Watch – I use an iWatch, so I purchased a charger that works for my phone and my watch.

• Global plugin adapter with USB ports and a small extension cord.

• iPad, Tablet, Kindle (your choice). I also download Netflix movies and shows to my iPad in case something isn’t working on the plane.

• Bluetooth noise cancelling headset. If you are flying domestically, it is necessary, and there are adapters for in-flight entertainment. For international flights, in premium classes they often supply a headset.

• VPN - Virtual Provider Network (VPN) goes on your phone, tablet, and computer so you can safely use public Wi-Fi. This is an extra layer of security to consider.

• eSim – Airalo is my choice. This allows you to use data anywhere in the world, instead of cell service on your phone. It is easy to use and easy to install. Check with your service provider on the cost of cell service too.

• If you need to work on your trip, of course your computer and power cord.

• Small pad of paper and a pen! I need a pen on just about every trip I take. (no tech)

Personal items:

• Prescription medication, over the counter medication, antacids, vitamins, supplements, motion sickness meds (chewable ginger is helpful). Anything you must take daily should be in your carryon. If you are traveling internationally, you should leave your prescription medication in the original bottles.

• Small first aid kit or Band-Aids and antibiotic gel (which is not available in some European countries).

• Hair care: shampoo, conditioner, hair products, comb, brush, flat iron, curling iron (be sure they are dual voltage), hair clips.

• Makeup: your choice, but don’t forget a magnifying mirror! I use one with suction cups and that works well for me and my poor eyesight.

• Personal care: soap, facial creams/lotions, makeup remover, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, body lotion, razor, tweezers, nail clippers, nail file (check in luggage only), deodorant, sunscreen. A small tube of toothpaste from the dollar store and a toothbrush are always in my carry on too. Some hotels do not offer small face cloths, so I bring one. Remember at the airport 3-1-1 is still in effect, so consider that as you pack liquids in luggage vs. carryon.

• Optional: Hand sanitizer, Sanitizing wipes, mask (always in my bag as a precaution).

Other items that come in handy:

• Travel Pillow (I have one that fills with clothes for extra space)

• Reusable Water Bottle

• Small umbrella

• Disposable Raincoat/Poncho

• Small travel fan (USB)

• Small travel light (USB)

• Tape, rubber band.

• Resealable plastic bags, a few sizes. I use vacuum/space bags too – I use them as a liner in my suitcase on the outbound trip and use them for dirty clothes on the way home. Sitting on them will get the air out.

• Snacks - almonds, trail mix, protein bars - keep the hangry away while flying!

Speaking of clothes – that is always the thing that causes me angst. Luggage is restricted by weight and size, and the bag itself can weigh 11-13 lbs. alone. Heavy suitcases can be hard to manage. Depending on the length of the trip, you might get by with a carryon, but don’t stress over bringing a checked bag! I see all these great videos on packing for a month in a carryon, and so far, that hasn’t happened to me!

Bring clothes for a range of activities that work together, try to choose one color palette. Working with a base color like black or brown, along with a contrasting color such as gray or beige, plus an accent color makes sure that everything you're carrying works together. If you like jeans, they go with everything. I just got the best lightweight travel pants at Costco in blue and black. Consider the activities you will be doing on the trip. A lot of walking and outdoor sightseeing is different than a work conference or a resort.

Shoes are always a consideration. We love our shoes, but when traveling, make sure they are comfortable: think function over fashion! I always wear my heaviest pair on the plane if traveling to a cold climate (boots), but most of the time I will wear my comfortable shoes for all the walking. My current pair are Brooks, but I have had OC and others that are just as comfortable. I typically have 3 pairs with me on a longer trip. Shoes are very personal!

Other considerations are hats, scarves, and jewelry. I always have at least two packable hats, a few scarves, and just a few pairs of earrings. I use my iWatch only now. I like to have a scarf on the plane for the temperature variations, along with a jacket (weight dependent on weather). I always wear shoes and socks on the plane, with long pants, and a lightweight top.

This is not an exhaustive list, but one that I put together as I was packing for my next trip and thinking of other trips and what was helpful. Do you need all these things? Maybe, or maybe not, but if you can fit them into your suitcase, why not? In the end you can usually buy what you forgot unless you are going to a remote location. Maybe if I was younger, I could travel with just a few less things, but I like my individual comforts, so off I go, checked bag, rolling backpack, and my crossbody bag!

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