How to maximize space to ensure you are not bogged down while abroad.
One of the most challenging things to do for these short jam packed tours is figuring out what to pack. I will try my best to provide you with some tips and tricks that I've learned from my travels and from others who travel around the world for various reasons. My goal is to help those our there prepare for short but jam packed trips. I will be focusing my tips on these Educational tours but these tips and tricks can be applies to any travel you might be doing.
I'm not telling you what to pack that is still your choice, I just want to help you stay focused so you don't over pack or over think about packing.
Tip #1 - Less is More
You are about to go on a 10 day tour of Europe, but you've never been and have no idea what you will need. You inevitably will start to think about some of the places you will visit and you start thinking about what outfits will look good in your photos in these wonderful locations. Before you know it half your closet is sprawled out on your bed, on your floor, and hanging from chairs desks and doors throughout your bedroom. Relax! Breathe! You don't need it all. You will need a few key basic things to start with and you can build from there.
Start with your essentials --- the unmentionables, your underwear and socks there is no negotiations with packing these. Just set them aside and don't think too much about them as in most cases no one will be seeing them.
Now we want to create what is usually referred to as a "Capsule wardrobe." What this means is you will need to embrace the fact that you will be wearing some items more than once. Think jeans. You can wear a pair of jeans 2 or 3 maybe even 4 times in a week without them requiring a wash so these types of items are the building block of your capsule. You will make 4 different outfits that go with jeans. We need to reuse items that we pack to make multiple outfits. While at the same time making sure we don't look like we wore the same outfit every day.
By utilizing the concept of a "Capsule wardrobe" you will be able to pack less items and still create more outfits for your trip. Also, I am told by my wife that rolling instead of folding can create even more space and potentially lessen the wrinkles.
Tip #2 - Try to Keep it in a Carry-on
When you go on one of our Educational Tours we will need to navigate a few connecting flights and whenever you switch planes there is always that chance your luggage does not make the transition. We also will be switching hotels as we move country to country or from one part of a country to another. This will require you to move your luggage around. The lighter you pack the easier it is to move. Keeping it in a Carry-on forces you to pack light and will guarantee the airline doesn't lose your bags.
"Pack light! You'll be toting your own luggage around at airports and hotels, so bring only what you need." – EF Tours
Tip #3 - Don't Forget the Essentials
Some times when we get prepared for trips we focus on what we are wearing and we may forget about some of the other small things that we need... like our toothbrush and toothpaste. Don't lie we've all done this. Rush to pack last minute and get to our hotel start to unpack looking to clean our teeth after a long flight and .... Oh No!!! You realize your left your toiletries on the kitchen counter right next to your phone charger.
Make a check list of essential items and as you pack check them off your list. This seems like a no brainer, but you don't want to be the one traveler in the group looking for a convenience store at 10pm in a foreign country. Here are some things to think about in advance of your trip:
Power Converter - foreign countries do not have the same outlet type as the US so make sure you have one that will work in the country you are going.
Power Strip - this will allow you to use only 1 converter to charge and power all your electronics. Plug the strip into your converter and voila! You are all set.
Charging cables and cords - today we are all about our cell phones for everything from keeping time to taking pictures. As you recharge at night make sure your electronics can recharge as well.
External Power supply - we eat food to give us a boost during the day. With all the memories you will be making you need to keep your electronics charged up as well. Think Monster for your phone.
Wrist watch (old school not "smart" - worst think would be going off on free time and your electronics die but you need to be back at a specific time. With a normal watch you don't have to worry too much about this and with a self winding watch you are really good to go.
Baby wipes - you just never know when you might need them!
Hand sanitizer - this is a bit self explanatory.
Extra tooth brush - just in case you leave yours in the hotel
Tip #4 - Check the Weather
Before you start packing you want to check what the typical weather is for the area that you will be heading to at the time of year you are going. This will help you start to think about key items you might need. Think Iceland in June (it's never summer there) you will need a thick jacket (especially if you are coming from Hawaii). You may need to purchase appropriate clothing that you might not have or you may need a specific item that you don't normally use. I know I have a raincoat somewhere...… hmmmmm can't remember the last time I used it.
About a week before you go check the 10 day forecast to see if there is anything that may require additional items to be included... if there is a potential for rain maybe a few extra pairs of socks or a second pair of shoes (if you have room). A travel umbrella could be useful or maybe a few plastic bags to store wet or dirty clothes in.
Tip #5 - Light Snacks for the Plane
I'm a snacker ….. soooooo …. I always pack some snacks for the plane especially on long flights. Guaranteed to be enjoyed instead of the small stale pretzels. On many flights they limit the free snacks and I don't know about you but the 1 oz bag of peanuts just isn't enough. I also enjoy some healthy things too like grapes or baby carrots. They won't go bad and you can usually get them through security without any issues. Just don't pack the 5 lb bag of Lychee (it will be confiscated... I have learned that the hard way).
On a similar note bring a refillable water bottle, not too big because you will be carrying it around with you, in some cities like Paris there are refill stations with purified water (I learned that Paris has both still and sparkling water at their fountains) this allows you to stay hydrated and that can be important if you travel in the summer! Saves you some $ as well since you won't have to keep purchasing drinks when you get thirsty. Many museums allow you to take them in as well. I have a carabiner clip to attach to my belt loop or back pack.
Do You Have Any Tips?
I'm not an expert but these are some things I think are helpful. I would love to hear some of your tips about packing for trips. Drop some tips in the comments and share your wisdom.
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