As my fiance gripes around the house about packing to fly Spirit airlines to Colorado and then Avianca to Brazil next week, I felt the need to write you this blog.
This isn’t our first rodeo when it comes to packing for two (or three) different countries. When the weather can be different and unpredictable (read: rain, snow, tropical heat), you have to pack with forethought and consideration. Here are my best tips for packing useful and intentional clothing into a budget space.
Layers
After growing up in Colorado, you become prepared for the extreme weather changes at any time and any place. You could be sweating in what feels like 100°F heat, and a cloud goes by, giving you goosebumps as if you’re in the Arctic. That’s why everyone in Colorado wraps a hoodie around their waist, wears a cap, and carries a big bag with a scarf and gloves.
Layers are the best way to plan clothing for hot and cold weather. Make your base layers something cute that you could get away with at Ipanema Beach in Rio. And when the wind picks up in Bailey, add a long sleeve and maybe a jacket.
Pick Items That Work Well Together
Don’t think in “outfits”! Think in “capsule style”. Think of pants that you can wear more than once and a few shirts that go with them. Think of one jacket that goes with anything you bring. Think of a dress that can be your base layer but still look cute if you add leggings or a long-sleeve over it. Versatility is key here.
Get Over It & Rewear it
You can wear clothes more than once. You don’t have to bring a single outfit and layers for every day of your trip. If you spill on something, wash it right away.
Invest in Slow Fashion (if you can)
I changed my habits a few years ago when I decided to invest in wool dresses. You can wear wool frequently without washing. As long as you air it out between wears, it doesn’t hold smell like cotton or polyester. The cost of quality clothes feels like a lot up front. However, realizing how often you can wear them, and paying more helps you take better care of them. I’m not saying everyone needs to go buy a wool dress. I am saying that you should do some research and figure out what type of quality clothing would work for you in everyday life and in travel. Wool is light, easy to clean, and easy to pack. It also adapts really well to heat and cold. I’ve been wearing my wool& sleeveless dress for the last 35 days in July/August in Los Angeles and it’s been perfect!
If you can’t afford the original prices, consider checking out buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook or platforms like Poshmark for discounted quality clothes. Feel free to ask me for some recommendations.
Keep the Heavy Stuff to a Minimum
Bulky jackets. Hiking shoes. Shoes in general. Big containers of shampoo or sunscreen. Minify it! If you MUST have hiking shoes, wear them on the plane or hang them on the back of your bag. If you MUST bring your fancy pea coat, wear it on the plane. If you’re on a space and weight budget, you really need to be intentional with shoes. They need to take up little space and little weight (which I never worry about because all my shoes are XERO now). If you’re new here, you’ll hear my spiel on repeat about not needing liquid anything while travel. See: tablet toothpaste, bar shampoo & conditioner, deodorant wipes, and just buy sunscreen when you’re there or find uv protective clothes in advance.
Make Sure It’s Comfortable
Too many of my early trips included the most uncomfortable clothes because I wanted good pictures. *face palm* There’s a fine balance here. You don’t need to bring your slummiest sweat pants, but DO bring casual, nice enough clothes that you feel comfortable in. Trust me, you’ll look happier in the photos if you’re comfortable anyway.
Bring Only What You Need
This is the most annoying packing advice. I really hate it. You might not know what you need! But as long as you’re traveling to a sort-of-traveled place (not Antarctica or Madagascar), you can usually find what you’re missing. I generally err on the side of LESS.
Pack Early
Don’t wait til the day before or the day of to pack your bag. That’s a recipe for disaster.
Things to Consider
Number of days. Climate. Activities. Travel days. Your own sensitivity to clothes/life/etc.
Actual Packing
People love their packing cubes. I’ve never invested in them. I use laundry wash bags I got for free from a bra company. But here’s my advice. Don’t pack outfits into the packing cubes. Pack by genre: lower body, upper body, underwear & bras, socks. That way, when you’re missing a piece/need a layer, you just have to open one bag/cube. I prefer kon-marie folding to rolling.
And if you’re looking for an ultimate pack list, you may just have to join my email list for that action! 🙂
Hope this was helpful! Let me know in the comments!
Leave a comment