A Packing Guide for Travel in a Post-Covid World

Packing well is an art. At the end of a trip, if you’ve worn all (or almost all) of the clothes you brought and didn’t severely miss anything you forgot, you’ve packed well.  Fifty-five percent of American travelers admitted they don’t typically wear everything they pack, according to Cheapflights. So often, we panic and throw in extra shoes or shirts before we leave — items we just don’t need. 

So how does one become a good packer in a world where airlines are losing or misplacing suitcases and delaying or canceling flights, all on the regular? Easy. All you need is good planning and the right tools.

Plan Early

The root of the problem people have with packing is a lack of planning and forethought. People feel like they just don’t pack the right things. The key to packing well is to plan your list early. I say 2 weeks before is a good time to take stock of what you’ll need. This will help you see what gaps you have (like a lightweight rain jacket or a comfortable pair of shoes).

To help with that list. I use this inexpensive packing list notepad. I may not pack everything on this list but it’s a great starting point to understanding what I may need on my trip. No matter when you start, it is absolutely essential that you do not wait until the night before to plan and pack. This is a recipe for disaster. 

Create a Wardrobe Capsule

One week before, I would check weather at your intended location and male sure you have what you need. I personally start pulling out clothes and shoes to create a wardrobe capsule. The idea here is to take a neutral color, like black, navy blue, brown, or white, and build outfits around it.

For example, if you choose a versatile pair of black or blue pants, you can add a variety of colors in the tops. Keep your blazer or sweater and your shoes neutral as well so you can mix and match your clothes for each day of the trip. You can add different jewelry or other accessories to dress it up or down. Google “wardrobe capsule,” especially on Tik Tok or Instagram, for helpful videos on this strategy. 

I often make an outfit list by day, especially if I know my activities for day and night. This way, you won’t overpack but you’ll still have variety and feel confident that you packed what you’ll need. Additionally, I try to pack one less top or dress because I love to shop on vacation. But that’s just me 😇.

Time to Pack

About 4 days before my trip, I pull out my suitcase, whether I am checking the bag in or carrying on. In today’s travel world, it is best to use a carry on so you don’t get waylaid by lost luggage or a last-minute canceled flight. 

For packing all your clothes, you can go two ways with it. I LOVE using compression packing cubes. They are perfect for rolling clothes into these thin cubes to fit A LOT of clothes. I tend to either organize each cube by day or by type of clothing (ex., dresses, shirts, pants, etc.). I also put a note inside through the mesh window so I can see what’s in there without opening it. Check out my video on packing with these cubes on Instagram @gallivantiatravel for help on how to use them.

The other method is to use a hanging suitcase organizer. You roll you clothes into a foldable, hanging shelving unit that allows you to get to your destination, open up your suitcase, and hang the shelving unit in the closet. This method is especially great for trips where you move often. 

Another good idea is to put your shoes in the extra bags that often come with purses or any kind of plastic bags so the dirt doesn’t get on your clothes.

Pack Your Personal Item

If you carry a bigger bag or backpack for the plane, be sure to add the necessities you’ll need, including a change of shirt and maybe an extra pair of underwear in case of cancellation or lost baggage. I like a backpack that has a sleeve to ride on top of my roller bag and has lots of pockets to keep the important or often used stuff zipped up and secure. I carry my jewelry case, passport, chargers, eye patches, travel pashmina, AirPods, and extra power bank/wireless charger (Clutch Pro, use Nicole01485 for 20% discount) in the backpack for any and all eventualities.

Have any great packing tips you’d like to share? Drop them in the comments below to share with everyone, including me!