Just like good writers write for their audience, good travelers pack for a destination. In order to pack efficiently, spend time familiarizing with the geography, temperature, social customs and other basics of the planned destination. This essential information goes a long way in dictating how much gear to stuff into a backpack or suitcase.
Other factors such as the electrical current of the place and lodgings (hotel, hostel, or campground) come into play when packing.
A gas stove takes up a lot of room and weight in a backpack. There’s no need to bring it ‘just-in-case’ if camping out at the Four Seasons. Likewise that little black number won’t get much use when roaming Gros Mourne National park in Newfoundland.
Travel Essentials
Start with clothing fundamentals. Once the clothing has been decided, consider the gear and other things to pack – remember to leave room for other things essential for a trip.
When packing clothes, think versatility and usefulness. Pack for the season and conditions of the destination. Bring as much clothing made of wrinkle-free material as possible to avoid ironing the trip away.
Shun cotton at all costs. Sure, it’s comfortable and versatile but takes an eternity to dry. Pack at least one nice outfit for unexpected social events – unless traveling for social events.
Bring articles that mix and match, without risk of becoming a fashion victim. Favor darker colors - stains don’t show up as much and it’s easier to blend in wearing a brown T-shirt than a hot pink muscle shirt.
The Clothing Basics
Bring clothes that layer for cooler climates and lighter articles for warmer temperatures. Most travel stores sell articles specially made for versatility such as shirts with zip off sleeves and articles with hidden pockets perfect for concealing money or passports. Consider material that whisks away perspiration. If more shirts/blouses become necessary en route, buy them along the way and make them trip souvenirs.
Avoid jeans - bulky denim takes forever to dry. Pants that zip off to shorts have come a long way since they were first introduced. They now have the look and comfort of traditional attire. This type of clothing becomes essential when traveling in warmer climates and cities in places such as Southeast Asia, where visitors must wear long pants to enter ceremonious places of religious significance.
As a general rule, pack a light jacket that doubles as a raincoat. Bring enough underwear and socks to last a week but not too many to overstuff the pack.
Travel Clothing Checklist
- 3-4 shirts or blouses
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- 2-3 pants / shirts
- One nice outfit
- A week’s supply of underwear
- Waterproof sun hat or wool hat if traveling in cold climates
- Bathing suit (even if traveling in cold climates, there could be a pool in the hotel)
- Gloves (for cold climates)
Travel Footwear Checklist
- Sandals or flip-flops (even in cold climates if staying at a place with public showers)
- Good walking shoes/ Runners/ Hiking shoes or boots
- One pair of shoes that go well with the nice outfit
- A week’s supply of socks
- Gym socks for warmer climates
- Warm socks for cooler climates
Effective Packing
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Plan ahead and set aside a space to spread out everything to get a global view of what to bring. Ensure everything’s there before packing. Remember to try on articles of clothing before going to make sure they still fit.
Make a ‘must-have’ pile and a ‘maybe pile’. Pack all the ‘must-haves’ but debate the ‘maybes’. If it’s possible to live without the ‘maybes’ for the duration of a trip, leave them home.
When out on the road, take stock of the things not used and things forgotten but necessary, jot them down and create a personal travel checklist.
In the meantime use the checklist listed included here as a guide to help pack and get on the road to wherever travel leads.
James W. Coates - A nomad at heart, James W. Coates has been combining his passion for music, writing and traveling ever since his father packed the family ...
