Travel Packing Tips 101: Using Cubes & Baskets

This afternoon I’m boarding an international flight for the Adriatic Coast of Europe, where I’ll be traveling with Hettie on a tour for two weeks — my first tour ever! (We shall see how it goes.)

In my move toward minimalism, I’m attempting to pack lighter (for me) and that means taking one medium sized 26″ suitcase. Yes, it will be checked.

A friend suggested that I share my packing tips with you. I welcome your additions to the suggestions offered below.

After extensive research, I ordered a set of Diniwell packing cubes. A Great way to organize your stuff. These have industrial strength zippers and are deeper than most. The mesh top allows you to see what’s inside.

(Note: For years, I have used clear plastic zipper bags recycled for this purpose after buying sheets, pillows, mattress covers sold in them. Over time, they have torn and are no longer useful. I always liked how I could see what I packed, so I wanted to replace this system with something similar.)

I take a sturdy Oaxaca handwoven basket and stuff it with boots, shoes or toiletries. I use it on the return trip to protect anything fragile I might buy. (On this trip, I intend to discard one pair of shoes at the end.) The bubble wrap and packing tape are in the outside zipper pouch of my TravelPro suitcase, which is now 10+ years old and still durable.

My carry on for this trip will not be a rollaboard. And, I’m not taking a computer, opting for an iPad with keyboard instead. I’ve decided on using my favorite Oaxaca woven shopping bag as carry-on container, along with my Topo duffle-style backpack and my Picuadro cross-body travel bag — it’s tough and sturdy. The money will be in a pouch tucked under my shirt. I have used the backpack comfortably throughout Mexico, India, Spain and Japan.

Packing List: Clothing and Shoes

• 1 pair blue jeans (Raleigh Denim is my preferred brand)
• 1 pair Raleigh Denim bermuda shorts
• 1 jean jacket (bought from Target)
• 1 dress (my Zayzelle design made with breathable Japanese cotton)
• 4 cotton/linen shirts
• 4 pair underpants
• 1 bra to pack, 1 to wear — one black, one white
• 1 nightgown
• 5 pairs socks, 1 wool and 4 cotton
• 3 scarves to vary the look
• bathing suit
• sun hat
• boots for urban hiking (Caterpillar brand), sandals (Wolky), flip flops, black flats (Alegria) — foot comfort is essential

To Wear and Carry on Board

• Comfy cotton Japanese loose-fitting worker pants
• Short-sleeve cotton t-shirt and long-sleeve cotton t-shirt for sleeping
• Linen long-sleeve jacket
• REI long-sleeve polypropylene zipper jacket in case it gets cold
• Wool quechquemitl (short poncho)
• Wool socks
• Cotton or wool scarf
• Jewelry pouch — NO BLING

To Carry on for Overnight Travel

• Neck support pillow (Cozzy brand) — I researched extensively, ordered and returned others, and found this one to be the most comfortable
• Toiletries/make-up, toothbrush and toothpaste, face wipes
• Essential medications
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Snacks — power bars, 2 packages Ramen noodles, ginger candy
• Printed itinerary with record locators, flights, lodging contacts
• Passport and copies
• Small travel notebook (Moleskine) and pens

Technology: Be sure everything is fully charged before you leave home

• Fitbit battery
• iPad and charger
• Auxiliary power pack and charger
• iPhone and charger
• Earbuds
• Adapter to use in-country
• USB plugs
• Power strip, small

Miscellaneous to Pack

• Umbrella
• Laundry soap, Tide stick, sewing kit
• Scissors, nail clips, emory board
• Shampoo, rinse, creams, lotions
• Q-tips
• 2 clothespins for drapes that don’t shut
• Sunscreen
• Moleskin padding
• Hand-sanitizer

Other ideas

• Jenny says: Bring clear plastic zipper bags
• Joan says: Never check a bag — bring wash and wear
• Helene says: leave plenty of time to get through security to avoid stress
• Madelyn says: Bring bubble wrap and tape
• Sandi says: Cut a water bottle in 2 pieces, 1/3 and 2/3; wrap your treasure in toilet paper, insert inside bottle, push both pieces together; great for protecting breakables
• Becky says: Write a packing advice article

What are your tips? For those of you who can travel for 2 to 3 weeks with a carry-on, please share how you do it!

Please add your suggestions to the Comments!