How to travel with just a carry-on


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Main Page Introduction Resources Luggage Travel Pack Toiletries Things, you don't need Electrical Appliance Clothing More Tips Credits	Clothing Clothing is probably the toughest for anyone who wants to learn how to travelite. The two biggest tips to packing the right clothings, is to color coordinate, and to layer for a versatile look. Coordinating Colors: Remember the old "Garanimals" children's clothing where you matched tags to match your outfits? Make sure every single item you take matches with each other. This means you'll probably have to stick with neutrals--tans, greys, blacks, with some white or accent colors thrown in. Layering: You can change your look with just a tie, a scarf or vest. Chico's, a chain of US women's clothing stores, says you have a month's wardrobe with nine items of clothing, which they do with the following combination: -Blazer -Vest -Short-sleeve shirt -Long-sleeve shirt -Tank top -Long pants -Broomstick or full skirt -Shorts -Long-sleeve buttoned overshirt They actually have a hand-out showing the 30 layering schemes you can get with the above (if you have a Chico's in your area, ask them for this handout). When I travel this way, I wear a the short-sleeve t-shirt under the overshirt, and a pair of long pants. I add the vest and blazer to it, then all I have to do is pack the long-sleeve jersey shirt, tank top, skirt and shorts in my bag. That's four items of clothing. For men, it's even easier. Two pairs of pants, one pair of shorts (that work as swim trunks), two t-shirts, two long-sleeve overshirts, and one blazer should be enough for most trips. If you are traveling to warmer climates, you may want to take t-shirts made from quick-drying fabric, such as Coolmax. Wear these under your overshirts, and they act as undershirts so you don't have to wash your clothing as often. If you are attending a conference and you want to wear take more than one blazer, make sure your second blazer that you pack is wrinkle-resistant, such as the one sold through TravelSmith. You can also get a very versatile look by packing one pair of nice blue jeans, since your jeans will go with anything (hint: Have your jeans dry cleaned and pressed before your trip. They will last a long time between washings this way, since jeans take up a lot of room and are tough to dry). Undergarments: Most people suggest that you pack four days' worth of undergarments with you. I usually also try to include one jog bra in the bunch, although those planning on going to the beach may want to count a bikini bathing suit as one set of underwear. Socks tend to be tough to dry--again, visit your neighborhood athletic shoe store and purchase socks made of Coolmax. These are more expensive, but drip dry very quickly. Many of them are double-layered, to discourage blisters as well. "Disposable" Clothing: Save your holey socks and dingy underwear for your trip, and throw them away as you go! You'll have less washing to do. Same goes for old T-shirts, and even SHOES! If you are a regular jogger, save your older running shoes (which are still good for walking). You can throw them away at your trip and not have to carry them home (donate them at the city's Goodwill or church if your conscience bothers you). Also, if you're going on a shopping trip and you're planning on stocking up your wardrobe, take only those old clothes you plan to throw away. As you buy new clothing, you can wear them and have less to pack. Tips for selecting the right travel clothes For your flight: Synthetics such as polyester resist wrinkles well, but are terrible for air travel because they melt to your skin in a fire. For your actual flights, stick to natural fabrics (cotton, wool). Never, EVER wear pantyhose or tights on a flight. These will melt right into your skin!!!!! Wear covered lace-up shoes, long pants and sleeves on your flight. While we're at it, tie your long hair in a ponytail (at least during take-off and landing), and do not wear hairspray in your hair unless you want "flaming-red hair," even if you are a brunette. For a hot day: It's actually better to wear a lightweight, light-colored long-sleeve shirt on a hot and sunny day, than something like a t-shirt. The shirt protects your skin from the sun but allows your skin to breathe. It absorbs perspiration, and dries quickly. You can always roll up the sleeves--and if it's a little cooler, wear it as an overshirt. If it calls for a slightly nicer attire, button up your shirt and put on a tie or scarf! Glasses: If you take your glasses with you, don't forget to get an eyeglass prescription from your optometrist, in case you lose or break your glasses. If you don't mind paying extra, consider buying glasses that darken in the sun. This will save you from taking a second pair (of sunglasses). Spend a few extra dollars buying your eyeglasses a "leash." These are pretty common now--although the old stereotype had them used only by bitty old librarians (I can say that because I myself am a librarian! So there!). If you plan on doing any strenuous activities while wearing your glasses (hiking, sailing, etc.), I would suggest a pair of "Croakies." These are leashes made of wetsuit neoprene material. They fit all the way on your ear portions of your glasses. Don't forget to take a hard-shelled eyeglass case so you don't accidentally squish it! How to pack your clothes One of the reasons I didn't have this section in the past, is that it's very difficult to explain how to pack without any sample illustrations. What I will do is tell you about two methods I recommend. -The Bundle Method: This is the method recommended by Judith Gilford, author of The Packing Book (listed in the beginning of this FAQ). VERY basically, this method involves layering your clothing in your bag, and letting each garment hug the item over it. In the end, you have a piece of clothing that looks like it's hugging a big bundle of stuff. If you want a good example, go look at Gilford's book. Doug Dyment is also explains this method in his web site. -The Eagle Creek Pack-It System: A new-fangled line of products from Eagle Creek, these items are basically Cordura nylon envelopes. The way it works, you fold your clothes using a plastic sheet they provide, which is measured to fit your pack-it envelope. When you are done packing in this orderly, measured manner, you velcro the sides of the "envelope" like you're diapering a baby. A good way to keep your clothes together if your travelpack doesn't come with its own cinch straps.