Packing for Travel
What I bring and how I pack
When my wife Rhonda and I travel, we each carry only two bags: a carry-on case for our clothes that will fit into the overhead luggage bin on the plane and a small shoulder pack bag that will fit under the seat. We have found that this is all we need for short or extended trips. We assume that we will have access to laundry facilities. We have had no difficulty locating coin or full service laundries in all of our travels. Should this not be the case, a small pack of laundry detergent and the wash and hang-to-dry method works very well.
I list below what I take along. All will fit into my two bags.
- 6 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of long pants, 3 pairs of shorts, 3 undershirts or thermal undershirts (if traveling to cold weather locations), 3 lightweight shirts, 1 or at most 2 long sleeved shirts, 3 pairs of socks, 1 pair of light indoor slippers. All of the clothing are quick-dry and none require ironing. The long pants and shorts are comfortable, lightweight and semi-weatherproof with large zippered pockets. The shirts are dry-fit and/or flannel blend (for cold weather travel).
- A pouch for all toiletries, a small case for medications, a small travel medical kit, a universal electrical adaptor plug, a computer or iPad and charging cables.
- I also carry a set of latex resistance bands for exercise.
In addition, I will wear a pair of lightweight walking/hiking shoes, a cap or hat and a lightweight waterproof jacket that can be crushed and placed in the shoulder bag when not needed.
All the packed clothing items are neatly and tightly rolled and packed in the carry-on case. Also in the case are the exercise bands (neatly/tightly rolled), the toiletry pouch, medical kit, travel adaptor plug, and the pair of slippers (mine are a pair of rubber crocs). In the shoulder pack is the computer/iPad, charging cables, medication, reading (if not on the iPad), and other small personal items.
On my person I carry my passport and travel documents, small wallet with credit cards, currency, and my iPhone. All these items are secured in the zippered pockets in my slacks. On my iPhone I carry an image of my passport, credit cards, medical insurance card and any other important information. When going through security checks at the airport, all these items are secured in my shoulder pack.
The carry-on case (22.7x14.7x9.7") is light enough that I can lift and store it in the flight overhead bin. We opted for luggage cases with a pullout handle and wheels instead of a backpack. We find them more convenient to travel with. While at our hotels or home-stays, everything is secured in the room except our shoulder bag, important documents, and items we need for the day.
We have successfully travelled this way for the past five years and have never checked in a bag for a flight. We have found that we can still cut down on some of our clothing, but feel comfortable with our margin of comfort. This surely beats the two large suitcases we each used to check in when we traveled in the early days.
Please share and comment on your own useful travel packing tips including any reasonably priced travel clothing and items you would recommend.
