I have traveled more over the past twenty years; this year alone, I have visited 15 airports.
While most of my past trips involved riding in a car full of kids and snacks, following a printed MapQuest to reach a beach house shared with another mom friend, I have grown into a travel savorista. Yes, like many seasoned travelers, I’ve experienced late-night and multi-day delays caused by weather and airline mechanical issues. Still, I always come back with the best souvenirs: the adventures and memories of trying different foods, meeting new people, and exploring communities. Saying I have learned a lot would be an understatement; even more, I continue to learn, which motivates me to pack my carry-on and ask, “Where to next?”
One of the most difficult parts of traveling is packing. My husband often reminds me that my enjoyment of our trip is inversely proportional to the weight and how easily we can pack. We have gotten on planes after a flight was canceled because we didn’t check a bag.
Surprisingly, the longer your trip, the less stuff you should carry. Traveling light allows you to take your own bags when the elevator is out of order, share a tuk-tuk, and prevent losing things. And if you really need something, you can almost always buy what you’re missing. However, start with the basics, especially if you are in a group travel situation. Do not derail the group who did their homework and packed accordingly, while you must shop for a good pair of walking shoes.
Packing advice:
- Study your itinerary and pack accordingly. Going on a 4-hour historical walking tour in a dusty town? Maybe skip white jeans and stilettos. Most travel experts recommend the following: comfortable shoes you can wear all day, two pairs of pants—one pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down, and one pair of neutral-colored slacks, three shirts, one collared shirt that can be layered, and used for casual dinners, one sweater that can elevate any outfit, and one versatile dress suitable for day or evening. Pack a raincoat, even a small pouch-style one that fits in your day bag. Limit yourself to no more than three pairs of shoes. If you have room, pack a swimsuit and two or three small statement accessories, such as a scarf, earrings, and a necklace. Also, make room for your underwear and two bras.
- Other fashion tips: Everything should be versatile enough to mix and match with whatever you pack. You can never go wrong with a little black dress (LOB). Wear your heaviest items on the plane, such as shoes and a coat, if your destination calls for it.
- Invest in compression bags; you can stuff another clean pair of undies or another neutral shirt in them. And it helps you stay organized if you are staying in multiple locations.
- Pro-tips: Pack a few laundry sheets in a baggie and don’t hesitate to rinse out items. If the weather’s nice, wear a lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt underneath your shirts, which will help your shirts last longer and cut down on laundry, giving you more time to explore a museum or enjoy a cool wine bar. Also, pack panty liners for your underwear—another tip from the pros.
- Begin by packing your chargers and repeat this step at each location. Never leave your charger behind with this method. Also, include a good universal transmitter. Don’t rely on sharing with your travel partner. Bring your own.
Now, for the final tip: Always bring the right attitude. Sometimes, it’s not what you wear, but what your heart brings. And again, review your itinerary. Ask yourself and your travel partner(s): Is this a vacation or a trip? The two are very different.
There are two types of travel: retreat or engage. Many people embark on retreat-style trips to escape their routines, seeking rest, recharge, and replenishment. In this mode, you travel to temporarily shed responsibilities, to be cared for, pampered, and to replace tasks with pure enjoyment.
The other mode is engagement and experience. Here, you venture into the unknown to discover, be surprised by, learn, and meet new people and ideas unlike those at home. It’s about stepping into adventure with curiosity, not certainty. Success in this mode relies less on perfect planning and more on a flexible spirit. Above all, it means packing a good attitude—openness, patience, and a willingness to find joy even in the most unexpected situations. Of the two, this is the style I prefer—and I have more tips to share on this subject.
If you travel often, you will likely have to adapt to and accept unwelcome challenges, such as a room with no air conditioning, a canceled tour, or misordered food—(I once ordered an apple for dinner by mistake.) However, save your complaints for the end of the trip when you reflect on your successes and struggles. De-brief later, but while traveling, try to revive that adventurous self—your attitude is the best co-pilot ever.
When preparing for a trip, it’s easy to obsess over what to pack—shoes, clothes, gadgets. But the most important thing you can bring isn’t something you can fold or zip: it’s YOU. Be the best version of yourself that you can be. With the right mindset, the hiccups of travel, the differences in schedule, food, and general inconveniences become part of the adventure, rather than the end of the story. Pack flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor, and you’ll always have what you need.
Tricia Stearns is a writer, traveler, and passionate foodie who believes every place has a story—and every meal a memory. With a background as a visionary in the Peachtree City community and a seasoned real estate professional, she brings a unique perspective to storytelling, weaving together people, culture, and place. When she’s not writing, you can find her biking, hiking, or sharing a table filled with good food and great conversation.
