Your NEW Go-To, All-Encompassing, Travel Necessities Guide!

Packing can seem overwhelming if your closet isn't easy to navigate to begin with. One must identify, sometimes out of season, the essentials and perfectly select a wardrobe avoiding bringing extras.

I have learned from past experience that packing is best done over a span of a few days. When I was younger and studied abroad in Grenoble, France; I managed to bring a carry-on and 2 full sized suitcases. Looking back I very much regret the two full-sized suitcases of perfectly faded black apparel that I could have sorted down to 2 pairs of jeans, 5 tops, boots, sneakers, dresses, and suit.

When one packs over a span of time, impulse items are identified and are more easy to take out and let go. Yes, just because I am taking that trip to a country on the equator, doesn't mean I have to pack all three of my white dresses. Instead, I pack my favorite or most fitting to current fashion trends or one that may set a trend.

Pre-packing to do's:

• laundry
• dry cleaning
• convert money to foreign currency
• traveler's checks
• set aside $ for tips
• replenish toiletries kitt
• replace expired meds or sunscreen
• update travel documents kit 
• shopping to fill any needs in wardrobe

Above outfit from Wear House in Portsmouth, NH.

I find that packing and repacking allows one to visualize the excess which makes it easier to repack the second time. Laying out apparel into outfits also helps to visualize the necessary vs. unnecessary. If deciding is still difficult, invite a friend or pack using the expert opinions of your Snapchat audience.

HerCityFinds' Guide to Packing:

• Select appropriate luggage. I suggest a travel pack like my super cool orange Sharper Image suitcase that rolls and had tuck-away backpack handles.
• Pack according to weather reports and/or color scheme, itinerary or destination.
• Unpack and layout outfits according to the number of days of stay. A morning, night and beach outfit is usually ideal for a warm location. 
• Repack.
• Have a good night's sleep. 
• Unpack and repack one last time. By now, selections are refined and free of any unnecessary impulse inclusions. 
• Mark luggage with a pretty scarf, ribbon or bow. 

Below are a few lists to ensure nothing is missed. Feel free to print them out 😘. I referred and updated lists from a handy book from 1997 "How To Pack" by Fodor's. I decided to pick this book up at a bookstore post my France packing mishap because I CLEARLY had packing issues.

Toiletries:

• Soap (usually provided)
• Bottle opener
• perfume/cologne
• comb/brush
• spare contact lenses
• contact-lens supplies
• corkscrew
• cotton swabs
• dental floss
• deodorant
• eyeglass repair kit
• facial cleanser
• first-aid kit
• Acetaminophen
• adhesive strips
• Antacid
• Anti-diarrheal pills
• Antiseptic towelettes
• Asprin
• Birth control items
• cold pills
• Gauze pads
• Medications
• Moleskin
• hair conditioner (usually provided)
• hair dryer (usually provided)
• hand lotion (usually provided)
• moisturizer
• insect repellent
• laundry detergent
• makeup
• matches 
• mouthwash
• nail clippers
• nail file
• nail polish/remover
• razor
• a small screwdriver
• sewing kit
• Thread - light. medium & dark
• buttons
• safety pins
• needles
• small scissors
• shampoo (usually provided)
• shaving cream
• extra shoelaces
• sink stopper
• styling gel
• sunscreen
• swiss army knife
• tissues
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• tweezers
• wipes

Personal Documents:

• Passport
• Passport copy
• Traveler's checks
• credit card numbers
• key phone numbers
• copies of prescriptions 

Carry-On

• Bathing suit
• breakables
• camera
• change of clothing
• gifts
• guidebook
• in-flight reading
• in-flight travel accessories
• laptop, fully charged
• personal documents kit
• toiletries kit
• valuables
• work materials

HER Packing List

• business dresses
• business suits
• blazer
• other jackets
• casual slacks
• dress pants
• jeans
• shorts
• casual skirts
• dress skirts
• blouses
• casual shirts
• knit tops
• polo shirts
• T-shirts
• Turtlenecks
• casual dresses
• sundresses
• cardigans
• pullovers
• sweater vest
• belts
• cuff-links
• earrings, necklaces
• hair ties, barrettes
• scarves
• sunglasses
• boots
• dress heels
• flats
• walking shoes
• sandals
• sneakers, athletic shoes 
• water shoes, flip flops
• athletic socks
• knee socks 
• panty hose
• trouser socks
• bras
• camisoles
• long johns
• panties
• slips
• sports bras
• support garments
• pajamas, nightgown
• robe (usually provided)
• slippers (usually provided)
• bathing suits
• bathing suit cover-up
• sports equipment
• swim goggles
• work out gear
• dress, gown or suit
• evening bag
• evening wrap, shawl
• Jewelry
• lingerie
• stockings
• baseball cap
• gloves
• overcoat
• parka
• raincoat, zip out lining
• sun hat
• tote bag
• umbrella 
• windbreaker
• winter hat

Happy Packing! XO,

Her