October, 2023

So much has changed in the tech and the clothing industry since I originally wrote this post. As I was packing for our current travels, I realized that my travel essentials have greatly changed.

And since I’m frequently asked what items I have in my suitcase, the time has come for an update.

I generally pack 1-2 pair of pants (cargo), 1 pair of shorts (cargo), pair of dark leggings, 4-5 tops for most trips and 2 pair of shoes. These items will all be sprayed with Premetherin before we leave (see Premetherin info below.)

Luggage

We try to travel with a small carry-on bag or a small checked roller bag. If you have too many items, then you have to make decisions on what to wear each day. Fewer items mean less weight and less decisions. Obviously, I’m not a fashionista and don’t pack one outfit for each day. Pick a colour scheme and be flexible.

Clothing

We still believe in layering clothing items for cooler weather locations. The more you layer, the warmer you will be and your suitcase won’t have the bulk from too many heavy clothing pieces. (Think souvenir available space!)

With the invention of performance fabrics, this has made lightweight traveling a breeze. These fabrics take up less space and they can be washed out in a sink overnight and hung up to dry. (You might try this at home before you hit the road)

Just a reminder to be cautious of red clothing items!

Pants and Shorts

I continue to travel with two pairs of Athleta cargo pants in black and tan. While these are a bit pricey, they travel well, can dress up or down, don’t snag and they wash and dry very quickly. I have also picked up a pair of lightweight cargo shorts from Amazon. Not as comfortable, but they dry quickly and have zip cargo pockets – perfect for passports or phones.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a lifesaver for me. If your bag is neat and tidy, you can pack more items into that limited space. Plus, if you fold your clothes neatly, then they arrive at your destination with minimal wrinkles. Always carry a spare to keep your dirties away from your clean items.

Tip: Measure your suitcase before you purchase so you can buy the perfect sizes to fit inside your bag.

Kuhl Waterproof Windbreaker

Waterproof, lightweight, fingertip length and a cinched hood. Just drive to the closest REI and make the purchase. I always have a piece of Velcro with me so I can roll up the jacket and keep it bundled in my bag or backpack. Works great. Leave the umbrella at home – if you need one, buy it at your destination.

Injinji Socks

Injinji toes socks are a lightweight sock made from wool that will keep you from getting blisters on your toes and feet from swelling (all of that walking you will be doing). I can’t live without these and you can buy them at REI or Amazon. DON’T buy the cheap ones – believe me – you will be sorry.

Hawaiian RipSkirt

This is a great addition to my wardrobe and I absolutely love them. They wash well, repel stains and are very comfortable. I layer mine with leggings for cooler weather. The RipSkirt tops are also great travel items.

HIHO Rash Guard

Hiho rashguards are just the greatest! These ultra lightweight tops are spf50 and can be used at the beach to prevent sunburns or layered under another top for warmth.

https://www.go-hiho.com/collections/db-womens-suntek

Buff

Around your neck for warmth, over your mouth on a dusty road or over your head to protect your scalp when snorkeling, a buff is a super small item to always carry. Plus, they can add some colour to your outfit.

Pareo or Scarf

This approximately 3’ x 3’ piece of fabric will be the most convertible travel item in your suitcase. It can be used as a swim cover up, a beach blanket, a scarf or a robe. The possibilities are endless. They are lightweight and wash out very easily.

Lightweight Gloves

Have you ever been in a freezing airplane? Have you ever wondered how many germs are lurking on escalators and handrails? Well, cheap little “one size fits all” gloves are a great answer to these problems. At the end of the day they can be washed or they can be pitched. Either way, you win with warm, germ free hands.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo makes a great line of lightweight under garments. They are feather light and quite comfortable. Jeff loves the tshirts and underwear and I love the women’s leggings.

Clothesline and Laundry Soap

You can easily wash your performance clothing in the sink at night, drain the excess water out (never ring them or you’ll get wrinkles) and then hang them up to dry. They will generally be nice and dry in the morning (if not use the hair dryer).

I also pack a dozen small clothes pins (get these in the crafts department) and a 25’ line. I use static lsk line that I purchase by the yard at REI. It won’t stretch, is strong and much more compact than cotton rope. 25’ is a great length.

The new detergent sheets are also great to take along instead of powder. Just make sure that your hands are dry when you pull them out to use.

Technology

In my travel bag: iPad, iPhone, iWatch , kindle, cables, usb flashlight, Lumix ZS80, 6’ small extension cord, usb-c card reader, earbuds and a usb converter – country specific.

USB Converter

If we are traveling outside the USA, then we will have a converter with usb wall plug for the specified countries. We use a converter that also modulates from 110 to 220. If you feel you must travel with a hair dryer or curling iron, be sure to verify that they won’t blow the converter.

Lumix ZS80

This little camera takes great photos and it only weighs 1 lb. It’s the only camera I now carry in my suitcase. While it doesn’t reach out like Jeff’s mirror less camera, it fills in the gaps that the iPhone won’t reach.

usb-c card reader

Forget the wifi on your camera as the usb (usb-c) card reader is the e-ticket to transfer your pics from your cameras memory card to your iPad. It downloads your photos in a flash and won’t drain your battery power. Plus, as you are traveling, it’s good to have a backup location for your pics. we picked ours up on Amazon.

Body and Bugs

Sawyer Stay Put Suntan Lotion and Sawyer SR Bug Lotion

For those of us with fair skin, this is the holy grail of sun lotions. You put it on in the morning, 30 minutes before you go out, and you are set for the entire day. Yes, I said it lasts a full day. I used this when we were in Egypt and SE Asia and I NEVER burned.

Combine this with Sawyer’s sustained released 20% deet bug lotion and you are good to go for 12 hours. We always use this combo in areas where there are risks of malaria biting mosquitoes.

How to apply both: Sun lotion first and then 15 minutes later apply the bug lotion. Both can be purchased on Amazon.

Premetherin

Since we often travel to countries where malaria is present, we always Premetherin our clothing before we leave. This is a spray that is good for about 10 hand washings and will stop mosquitoes from biting you through your clothes. It works great especially if you are trekking, birding or fishing.

Ginger

Go to Trader Joe’s and pick up a pkg or two of their candied ginger. Ginger is great for upset stomachs, bad breath or a quick energy fix.

Handy Wipes

Handy Wipes are one of the most important items I carry. I’m thoroughly convinced that keeping your hands clean helps ward off colds and other illnesses.

Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle

I can’t travel without a water bottle that will keep my water cold all day. The Iron Flask bottles will fit in your car cup holder and they are small enough to slip in your purse and not stick out. Plus, they come with three different kinds of lids and in a million colours.

Carabiners

A couple carabiners for your backpack zippers is a great way to deter anyone easily unzipping your bag.

Additional Thoughts

In order to conserve space in my bag, I have just started to use the following items with success:

Silicone Bag: Great for all liquids and lasts much longer than a ziplock bag.

Compression Bag: These are great for dirty clothes. Put them in, seal and push out the air from the self vent. Viola, your dirties are consuming less space. (Amazon)

Silicone Bottles and Collapsing Bags: Suntan lotion, hair products or any liquids that are in bulky packaging go into these space saving bottles and bags. It’s amazing how much space this will save you. (Amazon)

Drink Sticks: These are great for hot locations and they are fun to share to with new friends because we have not found these in any other country. A truly US product.

So, now you have a few ideas in how to pack your bag a bit lighter. HAPPY TRAVELING!!!!!