Travel Tips: How to Pack for Long Trips

 Here's the deal. Whether traveling for one, two, or three months, what you will take is the same. You plan to carry enough to wear for two weeks, and you do some laundry. That's the key. And it's all going to fit in a 145-pound medium-sized suitcase. Step one is the basics: underwear and socks. Okay, so you can take 14 pairs of underwear, which can take up a lot of space, or enough for one week, and wash them every couple of nights next; sleepwear and lounging three sets is enough.

 Just remember you'll need some loungewear on to workout gear wherever you go. I run, so I always bring these two outfits that are easy to wash and running shoes. Step two is the basics. Pick versatile pieces. Let's start with pants, one pair of jeans, one other pair of pants, and one pair of darker pants, and make sure you can watch all of these yourself. Now, shirts go with those pants, from solid T-shirts to patterned dresses, button-downs, and more. I love to wear dresses and skirts. They're so versatile, but it depends on the weather. 

So, I added a couple of these. If you're into shorts, switch them out. And the good thing is they only take up a little space on two jackets and sweaters. One solid sweater, one jacket, and my lifesaver, my scarf, slash, sarong, slash skirt slash, sometimes shirts, sometimes pillow, sometimes blanket. Oh, I love you. Auntie shoes, three pairs of shoes. Yes, just three: one for the day, one for night day, and one for lounging around. Guys.

 Even though I'm using women's clothes, it's the same concept for you. If we stick to one palette, colors that match all of them, we'll be able to create many outfits. Check this out. Let's grab one pair of pants and make many outfits with it. Wallah, final tip: if you're traveling for more than two weeks, forget about toiletries; get them there. Just take enough for the first few nights. And that's it. But remember, remember your medications. 

Now, I always pack a few extras: a quick dry camping towel. Most places have tiny puny towels and a couple of softener sheets, which I put in my bag to keep clothes smelling fresh, and a bag to put dirty clothes in and keep odor away from the clean ones. And that is it. Now, are you thinking that this is too little? How many times have you traveled and returned with your suitcase half untouched? Follow these tips, and that will not happen again.