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Packing Light
March 1, 2011 | Permalink
With the high charges for checking bags, not to mention having to hang around the luggage carousel for what seems like hours to retrieve those bags, more air travelers are trying to just take carry-ons. At the same time, however, airlines are also getting stricter about the acceptable size for those carry-ons. Seems like an ever-escalating contest, so it’s time to bring your A-game to the travel-packing challenge.
While most people might not think to start their packing with footwear decisions, shoes are space hogs in a suitcase. The two most basic packing-light strategies to employ here are to wear the big stuff and go for versatility. In-flight, wear those boots you can’t be without or your bulky but vital athletic shoes. If your trip involves professional meetings or dress occasions, try to pick just one pair of shoes in a color and style that’ll go with all your dress clothes. That doesn’t mean that you can’t pack those great Italian loafers or that jazzy new pair of teal pumps—just make several clothing selections that coordinate with them.
In choosing clothing for the packing-light challenge, put together a mix-and-match and layering wardrobe. This doesn’t have to mean you’re doomed to a suitcase full of beige, however. Black is always classic, especially for women, though it does have the disadvantage of showing every little bit of lint. For trousers, skirts, and jackets, consider chocolate brown or grays (from dove to charcoal), which are fashionable and versatile, looking good with shirts and sweaters in almost all shades. Many travel clothing companies like Travelsmith also market reversible tops, skirts, and even light jackets, which can also extend your wardrobe without taking additional space. You can also add variety by taking along ties, scarves, and jewelry of very different styles and colors. The same suit you wore with a white shirt and sober navy tie on day one has a very different look when paired with a burgundy striped tie and light gray shirt the next day.
If you’re traveling in cold weather, you can still bring along warm clothing without bulking up your carry-on bag. First and foremost, choose a warm coat you can wear (and scrunch in your seat) on the plane. Wool tweed is warm and dressy, and travel wrinkles can be steamed out at your hotel by hanging it in the bathroom when you shower. Another good option is women’s microfleece peacoats and capes that look equally appropriate with jeans and with a dress. Wear a warm wool or fleece scarf on the plane, and then roll it up for a neck rest for in-flight comfort. Packing a few low-bulk undershirts, camisoles, and turtlenecks will take up little room, and real silk versions are surprisingly reasonable in cost and easy to wash in a hotel sink and line-dry overnight.
Which brings us to a final packing-light tip: Toss in a few in-room laundering aids. Woolite detergent is formulated for hand-laundering. Gentle enough for those silk turtlenecks and effective enough to get that mustard splotch out of your tie; it’s available in small packets to tuck into your sundries bag. Magellan’s makes inflatable hangers (2 for about $11) that help shirts and trousers dry quickly and without those funky bumps you get with regular hangers. And don’t forget to take along one of those small lint rollers. A quick run over your clothes to catch all the stray hairs, fuzzies, and miscellaneous debris you’ve picked up over the day can make the difference between looking travel-weary and looking sharp.
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» Packing Fast Tips from Squad Galia
Travel frequently these days than ever. Therefore, even a package for the frequent and sometimes stressful. Here are some travel tips for packing to be used always. First, divide your cards and money in different pockets of his baggage, if you rob, you... [Read More]
Tracked on Feb 9, 2012 4:08:58 AM
» Packing Fast Tips from Squad Galia
Travel frequently these days than ever. Therefore, even a package for the frequent and sometimes stressful. Here are some travel tips for packing to be used always. First, divide your cards and money in different pockets of his baggage, if you rob, you... [Read More]
Tracked on Feb 9, 2012 4:09:00 AM
