PACKING TIPS FOR WARM WEATHER

Travel Woman

PACKING TIPS FOR WARM WEATHER

First of all, don’t overpack!!

Ideally you will be able to travel with a carry-on rolling suitcase and a backpack.

Plan to pack for one week. If you stay two weeks, you do laundry.

Color coordinate. Choose two basic colors and mix and match around that. I prefer black, white or khaki. Add color in your scarves, sarongs, headbands and jewelry.

Don’t take too many clothes!!! One simple black dress for evenings (you can dress it up, add a jacket, you get the picture). A couple of pair of shorts and several t-shirts. I love sarongs – they are easy to take care of, pack up small and work at the beach, at a party or just strolling. One or two pair of simple slacks work well for day and evening. If you’ve chosen the right tops (like plain t-shirts) you can mix and match for days)

Be sure to find out what kind of clothing you can wear to churches, museums, etc. Some don’t allow you to show your legs or bare arms.

In Europe Americans stick out like sore thumbs because they have blue jean shorts and t-shirts with slogans on them. Sometimes this is not a good thing.

	IN THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SUITCASE
one pair of shoes--That would probably be sandals of some sort. You can put them in baggies if you want to keep your other items clean. You wear a good pair of walking shoes. The idea is to take only two pair of shoes – sometimes a difficult concept. A good pair of walking shoes is essential – you will probably walk more than you imagined. Sandals are great for evening. I cheat and often take a pair of flip flops for the beach – that sand can be hot!	dopp kit--I prefer a hanging kit. Go to a Kmart or Venture (or something like that) and buy trial sizes of shampoo, deodorant, etc. You can always buy soap and larger bottles of shampoo when you get there. You do not need to bring a beach towel. Buy one there!	seven pairs of underwear in a packmate --Take comfortable underwear, you’d be surprised how uncomfortable thongs are when you don’t normally wear them!
	Fill in any empty spaces with socks or rolled up tshirts -- You should have a level bottom at this point.

	THE REST OF THE SUITCASE
Eagle Creek makes a product called a pack mate - it comes with a packing board and then you cross the flaps over and they velcro together. It really prevents wrinkling and it keeps you organized. Have you ever seen how they fold the shirts at the Gap? They use a folding board! You could probably make your own. You can put 7 to 8 items in one of these packmates and they fit beautifully on top of your shoes, doppkit and underwear!	Be sure to carry an extra bag for those souvenirs! An old duffle that you can roll up, a LeSport Sac bag -- something like that.	Don't pack a sweater or sweatshirt --- tie it around your waist and wear it on the plane! You can roll it up and use it as a pillow, put it on (sometimes the a/c is cold on planes!), or roll it up and put it behind your lower back for support .
	You can also purchase a packing bag that looks like a zip lock baggie with one way air vents at one end. You pack your bulky items in it, and then roll out the air. It really shrinks up and gives you lots of room.

What to put in your backpack? Things you can’t be without. Vitamins, a book to read on the long flight, a bottle of water, maps, medicine. Don’t overpack it – you might need the extra room later. I also put in a t-shirt to change into when I get off the airplane. And one pair of underwear. God forbid you should get separated from your luggage, but if you do at least you can change.