[Ed. note: I know some women readers looked at my packing light tips with some skepticism (because they told me so), so I asked my well-traveled and super-smart and fun friend and colleague Dr. Diann Ainsworth to offer her own tips for packing light. Read on . . .]
After reading “Travel 101,” here are a few more ideas I’d offer for women. Packing is about traveling as light as possible and (for me) carrying only shoulder bags. For a trip over seven days, this can be difficult, but I have found ways to make it work.
When I'm traveling to Europe, I know I will be taking trains and the Tube, so I don't even take a rolling bag anymore. I have my computer bag (or backpack) and a weekender shoulder bag. I pack as light as possible, so I can move easily as I'm walking through the airport and getting on and off trains.
Two carry-on bags:
· Larger shoulder bag (options here and here and here):
o 7 outfits in compressed bags
o 2 pairs jeans, 1 pair of nice pants
o 2 pairs of shoes
· Smaller shoulder bag (options here or here) (and a small purse with passport goes in this bag):
o Electronics (laptop, phone, chargers, earphones)
o Toiletries
o Makeup
o Extra shirt/socks
There are many packing systems available online, but my system utilizes gallon-size baggies. I put one outfit in each bag (shirt, skirt, underwear, accessories), push the air out, and seal the bag. Since each outfit is now almost flat, the pile of seven bags easily stacks in my large weekender shoulder bag I add shoes, a few pairs of pants, and a jacket, and I'm ready to go.
That may sound quick and easy, but when I'm traveling to Europe, I always do a packing trial run, and then unpack and try again, culling anything that is not absolutely necessary.
Shoes can be a “problem” for me. I’m not sure the “pack one, wear one” suggestion works well for most women. I would take seven pairs of shoes on every trip if I had unlimited space. Since packing light is my goal, I take one pair of good walking shoes, seasonal shoes--flip flops in the summer or boots in the winter, and one pair of wedges or heels depending on activities scheduled. If I need a pair of shoes that takes up too much space in my bag (like boots), I wear them on the plane (and switch to travel slippers when needed).
Hair and makeup: I don’t take a hairdryer anymore because most hotels have them. If I have room in the weekender bag, I will take my hot rollers; if not, I take Velcro rollers that fit inside each other. My liquid toiletries (travel hair spray, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and liquid base makeup) go in clear plastic bag in my backpack or smaller shoulder bag. [Make-up bag option here (for non-liquids) and here (for liquids).
Whether you choose to check a bag or only carry on, the baggie system works well to keep you organized and traveling light. Enjoy your travels!
Dr. Diann Ainsworth is an English professor and avid traveler based in Weatherford, TX.
