It is in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Wind, Sand, Stars that his musings and memories of flying suggest, “He who would travel happily must travel light.” Travelers around the globe have taken the French writer’s advice to heart as they’ve found a well-packed, lighter load saves them money and a lot of hassle in and out of the airport while traveling. And, of these most experienced globe-trotters, there is a certain group of them who could get the professional packers award if such a thing existed. That group of well-seasoned travelers is airline flight attendants.
If anyone knows how to pack smart and light, it’s a flight attendant. Day in, and day out, they are in different cities and even countries for overnight stays or longer. No matter the duration of their time away from home, airlines typically allow flight attendants two bags; a personal bag for phones, wallets, passports, and other work-related documents and a bag for their clothing. Because they’re limited on luggage, and they must hop from city to city and climate to climate, packing smart is critical. So, what do they pack, and how do they fit it all into those wheeled, sleek, carry-on-sized suitcases we see them strolling through airports? From these packing pros, here’s what and how to pack for happy travels:
- First, plan to only bring a carry-on bag. Consider one with wheels and an adjustable handle, so you don’t have to carry it on your back. This frees you up for an actual backpack. By bringing just one or two carry-on bags, you won’t pay to check anything, you’ll avoid trying to find the baggage claim, and you won’t run the risk of losing your luggage.
- After you get your bag, check the weather for where you’re going.
- Based on the weather and your planned activities, make a packing list of all toiletries, medications, electronic devices, and outfits you need for each day.
- Select clothing items to pack that can be mixed and matched with one another so you don’t have to pack so many pieces. For example, think in terms of a capsule wardrobe and pack items that all feature similar colors, like black, denim, and white. Use those pieces to intermix in ways that can be dialed up formally or toned down for casual activities.
- Use your phone to take photos of your planned outfit combos so that you will remember what you had in mind for each day and activity when you unpack at your destination.
- Roll your clothing and pack one or two pieces together in gallon-sized plastic bags. This will help compress the size of your clothing. It will also help keep items clean just in case a packed toiletry bottle leaks due to flight pressure or if you are unable to get the clothing you’ve worn laundered while traveling.
- Pack no more than two pairs of shoes. Pack one pair that is comfortable for walking. Use that pair as a storage container for small items like glasses, hair brushes, and the device charging chords you don’t need on your flight. Make sure the other pair is a neutral color slide or flip flop that you can wear with dresses, to the beach or pool, as a shower shoe, and as a slipper in your hotel room.
- Roll your socks and undergarments in a way that allows you to store them all in one smaller linen or sealable bag. This will not only help you keep track of smaller items but will help consolidate and save space. Also, remember that socks and undergarments are small enough to wash in your hotel sink and air dry quickly. There’s no reason to pack excessive amounts of these items!
- Bring very few jewelry and accessory items. Rather than different earrings, necklaces, and watches for each outfit, consider wearing to the airport those pieces that will pair well with your packed outfits. Then, you don’t have to pack any of these things!
- Don’t overdo it on packing toiletries and bath items. Most hotels offer shampoo, conditioner, soaps, razors, and toothpaste. In many cases, they provide hair dryers and robes as well. If you’re okay with using your hotel’s line of products, don’t pack your own. This saves space and prevents messes.
- Finally, for outerwear like jackets and coats, look into lightweight pieces that compress. For some of the best options, check out these packable jackets for multi-weather vacations.
It’s safe to say flight attendants are knowledgeable light packers. Based on their advice, it doesn’t seem impossible to bring less to have more fun. It turns out that, by packing smart and light, you’ll save on baggage fees, you’ll have less to keep track of while away from home, and you’ll find navigating planes, trains, and automobiles to be a lot easier when you’ve not a lot to carry. Adventure awaits! Grab your carry-on and get packing! But, not too much…because as we’ve learned, to travel happily, you must travel light.
Bio: M. Kelani is a wife, mom, nature lover, online shopper, and professional writer who is passionate about the power of the written word to help make the world a more beautiful place. Her published works focus on travel, consumer interests, women’s empowerment, and international development.
Links
https://travel.usnews.com/features/top-packable-jackets-for-travel