Pro Travel Tip: Packing for Round-the-World Adventure

Dear Travel Guru –

I’m taking an extended trip throughout Europe and because we’ll be staying in a lot of different places and riding on all types of vehicles, I’d like some suggestions of how I can pack light. If possible, I’d like to get away with only one carryon bag.

Can you suggest what I should take and what type of luggage might work best?

Thanks!

Ann

Dear Ann –

On an extended trip, it’s very wise to pack light. Many travelers make the mistake of carrying far more than they need and discover they have to haul it around with them when they really wear only a couple of outfits.

I recommend you start by going to the “Universal Packing List” site that will create a customized packing list for you, depending on the season, the length of your stay, the type of travel gear you’re traveling with, whether you’ll be cooking your own food, and even whether or not you wear glasses.

One of the questions it will ask is what you’re planning to pack your gear in. If you have an appropriate bag already, great! If not, you’ll probably want something roomy, lightweight and that doubles as a backpack or a wheel-on. ProTravelGear.com offers the MLC® Wheelie by Patagonia which has all those features in one maximum limit carryon. Its coated balistics nylon and polyester fabric makes it weather-resistent, it comes with a T-handle and heavy-duty wheel system that makes pulling it a breeze. But for stairs and bumpy ground, simply pull out the straps and it converts to a backpack.

The outside pocket is great for safeguarding tickets and there is an internal “floating” divider to separate dirty laundry from clean.

Ann, one of the things the Universal Packing List will recommend is for you to plan on layering. You may also want to take a look at the Women’s Apparel Section of ProTravelGear.com’s website as well to discover some lightweight tops, pants and underwear that all pack well.

Have a great adventure!

The Travel Guru

At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

Packing Tips

Dear Travel Guru -

In May, I’m taking a week-long trip with my significant other that will be part business, part pleasure and he is insisting that I take only ONE suitcase. He doesn’t realize how impossible this is! My shoes alone could fill a suitcase.

How in heavens name can I fit everything in one suitcase? Help!

Sheryl G., NYC

Dear Sheryl –

I turned to my meeting planner friends for help on this one, and they said it should be a breeze, especially since it’s not winter.

1) Stick with neutral colors in “mix and match” pieces: tans, khakis, blacks, blues and/or grays.
2) Take several pairs of dress pants, 1-2 pairs of casual pants, capris or shorts, perhaps a skirt, 1-2 business jackets or sweater sets and several tops that you can hand wash if necessary
3) One neutral (“little black?”) dress if you’re going out at night
4) Two to three pairs of shoes max, including shoes needed for workout. Throw in a pair of flip flops for the pool (P.S. The pair you’ll be wearing for travel is included in this count)
5) One purse
6) Jewelry and accessories to change the appearance of the clothing
7) One swimsuit, maybe a pareo coverup. Use the hotel’s towels rather than bring one.
8) One T-shirt and pair of shorts for workouts, if desired
9) One pair of pjs or nightgown (ProTravelGear.com has some great Silk or SeaCell Travel pajamas for $26-$80 that are comfortable, lightweight and take almost no room
10) Underwear, limited amount of makeup, toiletries in small kits
11) Lightweight casual jacket

For dress clothes, if you leave them in the plastic dry cleaners bag, they’ll come out virtually unwrinkled.

Carry your makeup, toiletries and a change of clothing for the first day in your carry-on, just in case you and your luggage are separated.

Good luck and Bon Voyage!

The Travel Guru

At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.