Packing: Part 2 - What clothing and tech to take.

Take “half the clothes and double the money”

While doubling your budget may not be possible, reducing your luggage is achievable.
Carrying a lighter load makes navigating through crowded airports and public transport easier and reduces the chances of losing items.
Even on longer trips, packing quick-drying clothes and decanting liquids can help you manage with less stuff.
 
So, pack light and bring only the essentials, even if you plan to check your bag.

My General Packing “Rules”:

My 10 essential guidelines for choosing what to pack are:

• Take ~ 5 daytime outfits, plus 1 or 2 for sleepwear, plus the outfit you will wear to travel in (that includes your largest / heaviest shoes and coat)
• Pack versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched for different outfits.
• Opt for flexible items, like sleepwear that can be worn as lounge daywear or workout leggings that can be dressed up for the evening.
• Plan to do laundry during your trip, so choose quick-drying clothing items.
• Layering is the key to managing different climates, including air-conditioned spaces.
• Never put anything in your bag “just in case”.
• I always bring a versatile travel scarf that can double as a towel, cover-up, or blanket.
• Consider the weather at your destination and plan accordingly.
• Merino wool is breathable, antibacterial, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying, making it the perfect material for travel clothing. My go-to items for every trip are merino t-shirts, vest tops and underwear (yes, I have been known to wear wool knickers!!) 
• Don't forget to pack any specialised clothing items for specific activities or events you have planned. 

What NOT to pack:

To minimise risks and avoid drawing unnecessary attention while travelling, I choose not to bring jewellery. My engagement ring stays safely at home, and I opt for simple silver stud earrings. 

Do without unnecessary gadgets and electronics. Leave behind items like a hairdryer or hair straighteners. If you do bring electronic devices, ensure they are voltage-rated for your destination and you have the necessary socket adapters.
 
Anything prohibited in your destination e.g. Drones in Barbados or e-cigarettes in Mexico

Too much stuff (I can’t say it enough, pack light!)

Clothing

Here is my personal packing list (you can find a more generic list on my website). I start with this as a guide and then adjust according to destination and activities.

General Packing List

• ​Short sleeve tops: Merino T-shirts / Tank tops
• Long-sleeve tops: Fleece / Cardigan /long sleeve linen shirt
• Bottoms: Leggings / linen trousers / quick drying technical trousers
• Dresses: Daytime dress for general wear / “fancier” dress for dinner
• Underwear: 5 pairs of quick drying knickers, 2 Bras, 2 pairs Socks 
• Sleepwear: 2 x top and 2 x bottoms that are plain and can be worn in the daytime if needed. Definitely nothing with teddy bears on!
• Active Wear: I generally don’t take workout wear as my exercise will come from walking, biking, swimming etc. However, I always take a pair of leggings: Great as an extra layer if I get cold, to wear when kayaking, rafting, cycling etc.
• Swimwear: 1 x Swimsuit, 1 x long sleeve top that I can use as a cover up.
• Outerwear: Jacket/ Raincoat (depending on the weather forecast)
• Shoes: This is often the hardest part of packing as they can take up so much room, so make sure you wear your bulkiest pair on the flights. Generally, I will take 3 pairs: Comfortable walking shoes/ runners – Birkenstock sandals – rubber Flip-flops / slip ons for showers and beaches. If I am doing a lot of hiking then I will also add either some trekking shoes (Teva / Keens) or my hiking boots depending upon the weather / terrain.
• Accessories: Sun Hat /Cap and Sunglasses
• Jewellery: I don’t! Be mindful of travelling with expensive items and definitely do NOT check anything valuable.

​I like the following brands for merino wool travel clothing: Icebreaker and Unbound Merino.
I also like ExOfficio for quick drying underwear. Whilst ExOfficio only has a US website, their products are available from various Canadian / International retailers.

Icebreaker

Unbound Merino

ExOfficio (US Website)

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Gear

• Phone and charger, with eSim, WhatsApp, and itinerary app installed. Load it with music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc. for times when you don't have internet access.
• Laptop and charger. Having your laptop allows you to easily make changes to reservations or handle any necessary tasks that may be challenging to do on your phone alone.
• e-reader with a selection of reading material, including guidebooks.
• Travel adapter with USB-A and USB-C ports that is compatible with all your destination countries.
• Headphones. I prefer wired in-ear headphones for their reliability and because wireless in-ear ones don't fit me well. Plus, I like to avoid the hassle of keeping another device charged.
• Carry a power bank as a backup if you anticipate regular charging being a challenge during your trip.

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In ​the upcoming blogs in this series, I will focus on toiletries, first aid kit essentials, any additional items to pack for your next trip, how to pack everything and what should go in your carry on bag.

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