Tips for Packing

So over on my YouTube channel I posted a video about weird stuff I do while packing for trips. I will admit I am not the best packer in the world. But I have picked up a few tips and tricks along the way to help me make it through the packing process semi-gracefully. If I have learned anything from my various travel adventures in the past two years it is that THERE IS NO PERFECT PACKING LIST. I don't care how vigorously you search through the bottomless pit that is pinterest (although it is a brilliant place to get all sorts of information on everything travel), you will never find a packing list that is perfect for you, your style, and every climate you could potentially encounter. With that being said there is a rough outline that you can follow in order to make sure you have everything that you need without overpacking. You just have to remember to ask yourself these important questions.

So here it is:

First: What is your luggage situation?
- Small carry on, a duffel bag, backpack, garbage bag? Once you have figured that out you can then pack accordingly.

Second: What is the forecasted weather at your destination?
- Arid desert, impending monsoon season, are you heading into a blizzard or that perfect 75 and sunny San Fransico weather? (PS screw you San Fran, we can't all be so awesome)

Third: How long is this trip going to last?
- Is it just a quick weekend trip, month long hiatus, or a year long adventure?

Fourth: What kind of activities will you be participating in?
- Will you be chillaxing on a beach, hiking everest, or drinking and dancing your way through any and every club that will allow your sloppy, drunk ass into?

*The devil is in the details people!*

Once you have answered these important questions, you should have a pretty decent idea of what you need to pack. Now for the hard part... not over packing. You should always leave room in your suitcase whether you are travelling for 2 weeks or a year. That way you will have plenty of room for souviners and any extra clothes you might pick up along the way. If you are looking for an exact estimate of how many: shirts, pants, skirts, dresses you should pack you have come to the wrong place. You are just going to have to sort that out for yourself (which is made a lot easier if you answer the four previously listed questions). Here is a list of random items that I have forgotten over the years or found to be useful in many situations.

Items Not to Forget:

• Underwear/bras/socks (This might seem obvious, but I have often overlooked all three before in my hasty attempt to pack.)
• Power cords (There is nothing worse than trying to explore a foreign city for a week with a dead cellphone.)
• Fabric softener sheets (They help keep your clothes smelling fresh if you strategically place them throughout your suitcase AND you can use them on your hair to get the static out.)
• A combination lock (This is pretty self explanatory)
• Plastic Bags (Anti-spillage, dirty/stinky clothes, keeps important stuff dry)

Other Random Tips/Tricks for packing:

• Pack clothes that are versatile (The more clothes you can mix and match, the longer you can go without doing laundry )
• Layer up (pack less bulky clothes and instead, if you are cold, wear layers)
• Accessorizing is a MUST (pack your jewlery in pill bottles or bead boxes so they wont get tangled or broken)
• Finally, don't be like me and procrastinate packing until the last minute. Make sure all your clothes are washed and you are packed and ready to go the night before you leave. That way you are not scrambling around hours before your flight, stressing about what you might have forgotten to pack.

If you really need a break down of what to pack for any location in the world, there is no site better than: http://travelfashiongirl.com/packing-lists/ ... Seriously you will never need to read another packing blog again. Not even mine.