Packing light for international travel

Maximize the enjoyment of your trip by minimizing what you pack.

Method

One carry-on bag is sufficient for 1-3 weeks of travel and maybe more. The key is packing clothes that work in any combination, layering, and doing some washing in the sink or in an apartment or hotel during the trip. A second, smaller bag serves as a day pack and to keep your valuables close yet it should fit in the carry-on bag if needed. # Packing List

Put following in something like a Red Oxx carry-on bag. Note this bag is worth the $225 price if you travel a lot and want made-in-the-USA quality. To re-use this list, select below and copy the list to your phone as a notes document (no app needed!). 7 underwear quick dry 4 t-shirts short sleeve quick dry 3 pants (jeans & khaki pants) - avoid pocket pants 2 collared dress shirts - quick dry or cotton 4 casual dress socks 1 hiking shoes that don’t look like hiking shoes 1 toiletries bag with no liquids 1 plastic bag with 3 oz. or less liquids medical kit pills if needed cables bag - charging adapters, cables, fitbit AC adapter strip camera charger mini tripod extra iPhone unlocked laptop w/ AC if on business only ——–add for cold-weather only——– 1 zipper sweater (can act as layer 4) 1 sweater 4 socks wool 4 sock liners 1 underwear long pants- quick dry gloves 1 underlayer jacket (fleece or neoprene) hat (type varies for warmth or sun protection) Carry in day pack - small triangle backpack iPad loaded with movies, books, magazines, reservations headphones iPad/iPhone cable & AC charger passports train tickets print-out of airline pass DSLR camera Carry on person iPhone or other smartphone belt wallet/purse car keys 1 dress shoe 1 pants 1 collared shirt - quick dry or cotton 1 tshirt - quick dry 1 jacket outer shell - for rain and cold weather (Gore tex-like or lighter if tropical) Additions for female travelers- The Red Oxx bag may weigh up to 40 pounds so a backpack or roller luggage may be considered if you value your back.

• Instead of a day pack, bring 1 large purse of light, durable, yet stylish design like Elaine Arsenault.
• Neutral colors like black can both look formal or casual and help minimize clothes items. Remember, 3 tops and 3 bottoms equals 9 outfits.
• If you want to bring something back, consider clothes that go only 1-way. In other words, take old underwear and sock and discard them during the trip.
• Lightweight scarf for warmth or modesty in Muslim countries.
• Bring only comfortable shoes including 1 pair of comfortable tennis shoes.

Excellent article on Lifehack.org inspired this overview of my travel packing approach.