Tuesdays With Tracy: 5 Simple Packing Tips for Summer
Hi Friends!
I’m Kelly’s mom and I love to visit her blog once a month. Thanks for joining me for this July Tuesdays with Tracy. I’m loving the warm weather we’re having here in Colorado.
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The current view of our pond and garden…
I am excited to share with you my 5 Simple Packing Tips for Travel.
“Summertime and the living is easy.”
Ella Fitzgerald
5 Simple Packing Tips for Travel
This summer we have gone to Europe and also to the Senior Open Golf Tournament in Colorado Springs for an overnight getaway.
Here I am at the tournament in a great quick dry active wear dress that I use for everyday and travel. I found it at Costco, went home and tried it on and immediately ran back and purchased it in Black. I took the black one one to Europe.
Here are links to similar styles. The first one also comes in royal blue. I wore this with white athletic shoes.
I also like Chico’s Zenergy line. The UPF or Neema fabric is great for travel and everyday.
Tip #1 – Pack in a Carry-on Suitcase (If Possible)
I typically pack in a carry-on size suitcase whether it’s for one night or two weeks. Now, I’m realistic, this doesn’t work for everyone. Do what works for you! If I am traveling on planes, trains, boats, or in European towns with cobblestones, smaller bags are helpful to me.
I use one packing cube for undies, socks, and swimsuits. Everything else is folded (I tried rolling but it didn’t work for me).
My husband, Larry calls it my puzzle packing. If it’s a long trip I wash clothes in sinks and in laundromats with laundry detergent sheets. I use this one at home and while traveling.
I recently purchased this suitcase and it’s currently on sale at Nordstrom.
Also, I sometimes pack a fold up back to bring home things I have purchased. Mine is linked at the end of this blog.
Tip #2 – Take Clothes That Don’t Wrinkle & Repeat Wearing Items If Possible
I do not iron…anything. Well, I sometimes make an exception for my lightweight linen jacket that I recently washed after arriving home from a trip. But I try to travel with lightweight polyester/nylon items that are quick dry and wrinkle resistant.
However, I have broken my own rule and now take linen items. In the little liquid travel kit there is a spray bottle. I cut strips of dryer sheets and insert them in the empty bottle. When I need to remove wrinkles I fill the bottle with water. I hang the clothes the night before wearing, spray them, and smooth out the wrinkles. I took this dress and jacket on our trip.
Tip #3 – Plan A Capsule Wardrobe
What is that you ask? I try to travel with three colors – black, white, and royal or light blue. Try to mix tops with different bottoms for a new outfit. On our recent 19 night trip I took:
3 pants (1 black & white, 1 white, 1 light blue)
6 tops (4 white, 2 black)
4 dresses
1 swimsuit
2 pair comfortable walking shoes
2 sandals
Along with the Tommy Bahama linen dress, I took dresses similar to these.
( Lightbare & Cabana dress)
My sister is here visiting and she has this great midi dress in the floral pattern, as well as black.
I wear all my travel clothes regularly at home. If you won’t wear it at home you probably won’t wear it while traveling.
Tip #4 – Take Travel Size Liquids or Decant Liquids Into Small Containers
I decant my face cleanser and face creams into little jars and they can last me three weeks. I use this pack of containers. If you’re carrying-on, you can always purchase some of the liquids at your destination.
Also, just a reminder… wear glasses while packing. When we arrived home from the golf tournament I realized I had used this for lotion. I’m sure the hair on my arms & legs was happy. Ha!
Tip #5 – Always Pack Medicines in a Carry-on
I have a backpack that slips over the handle of my suitcase. All prescription bottles, Tylenol, and anti-diarrheal, cold or allergy medications are with me in the backpack. Also, my phone & cords, iPad, battery pack, etc.
This is similar to mine.
Bonus Tip – Enjoy the destination
Often we have “packed” too much into our trip trying to see and do everything so we don’t miss anything. Make every effort to relax and enjoy the people, places, and moments while traveling.
Kelly took this photo of our family the first night we arrived in Paris. Everyone loved this moment of sitting street side at separate tiny tables in the rain eating at a bistro.
“Paris is always a good idea.” – Audrey Hepburn
Here are some things I have that helped me with packing.
“Today is your day, your mountain is waiting. So get on your way.” – Dr Seuss
Whether it’s through a book, magazine, plane, or train, enjoy the adventure!
Please leave any comments or questions below in the comment section.
Love,
