So many of us spend countless hours trying to figure out what to pack for our vacation – we make lists, pack and then re-pack because inevitably it doesn’t all fit, reorganize, cram everything in and then we end up calling in a friend or family member to sit on the suitcase as we huff and puff trying to get it shut. No fun.
So, it’s no wonder that often times people put very little thought into what they wear while they are actually traveling. It’s the one outfit that you don’t have to worry about cramming in your suitcase. This is exactly why I strongly believe it should be the first decision you make. If planned properly, your traveling day outfit can save you quite a bit of stress. So, whether by air, sea or land, read on and get some tips on what to wear while traveling to your destination.
Tip #1 – Layers
I cannot stress this one enough: Wear Layers. The more clothes on your body while you’re traveling, the fewer clothes you need to fit into your suitcase. When traveling in an airplane, bus, car, or boat, the temperature can often fluctuate making your warm one minute and cold the next. Not only are layers great for saving room in your luggage, but they are also very practical. It may be tempting to wear that new maxi dress on your flight to the Bahamas, but you’ll be better off topping it with a cardigan. If you’re heading to a colder climate, wear your bulkiest sweater and a long sleeve t-shirt underneath it. This will save you a ton of space so you’ll have more room to pack souvenirs for your loved ones!
BONUS: A sweater or pullover can double as a pillow if your feel the need to get some rest during your travels.
Tip #2 – Keep Your Valuables Where You Can See Them
More specifically, I think you should keep your valuables on your body at all times. Any valuable accessories you may have, be it an expensive watch, diamond earrings, or a $5 neck with plenty of sentimental value from your grandma, should be worn at all times. In an item is very important to your or will cause you a great deal of grief if it goes missing, it only makes sense to wear it (or just to not bring it at all). Bags get lost, delayed, or stolen quite often, so take action and wear your valuables. You aren’t going to lose yourself, so the odds are pretty good that you won’t be losing your valuables either.
Tip #3 – Bulk Up
This is not a reference towards heading to the gym and bulking up so that you can win a fight with the flight crew. I mean you should be wearing the clothes that will take up the most space in your suitcase. Try to plan out everything you want to bring on vacation and then, once you’ve done that, select the clothes that take up the most space to wear on travel day. For most people, jeans are a stable and essential for a lot of trips no matter the destination. They are also harder to fold up and take up more space than say a dress or skirt.
Do not wear a tank top unless it’s underneath a few other layers as they hardly take up any room at all. Wear a bulky sweater or cardigan on top, or a light weight jacket. If you don’t think that will be enough, just wear both! You can always take these layers off and put them to the side.
Tip #4 – Choose Shoes Wisely
Now, this one is tricky. It depends on your destination and your mode of travel. For example, if you are traveling by plane you should wear shoes that you can easily get off and on as you will need to do that at security checkpoints.
If you are going to a cooler destination and have boots that you will be wearing that you can slip in and out of, I would suggest wearing those because they will take up space in your suitcase but will still be easy enough to get off and on when you need to. If you are going someplace tropical, a nice pair of flats will work out just fine and will keep you comfy throughout the trip.
If you are getting to your destination in a way that is not a plane then you don’t have to worry as much about slipping in and out of your shoes. Pick out a pair that is comfortable and takes up the most space. Wear those.
Tip #5 – Comfort is Key
I cannot stress enough how important it is to wear something that is comfortable. Vacations are amazing, but sometimes traveling is not. There are often delays, motion sickness, sitting for long periods of time and being in close proximity to a lot of people. Wear something that will make you feel comfortable. Even though you might be dying to wear an amazing pair of strappy heels, resist the impulse. Save them for the actual vacation.
So let’s review. When packing for a trip, try to think of all the items that you want with you on vacation. Out of those items, select the heaviest items to wear while traveling. Select as many as you can to layer on for your trip because, remember, you can always take them off and use them as a pillow! Wear your most valuable possessions to ensure that they stay with you throughout your vacation, wear footwear that slips on and off easy and make sure you feel comfortable!
There, now you’re all set for what to wear while going on your vacation. Maybe now you’ll be able to zip up your suitcase all on your own. Bon Voyage!