Pack Like a Pro
In last week’s post, my colleague Candice confessed to be a pack-a-holic (see story here). This week, it’s my turn to show her (and you) how packing pros keep their baggage to a minimum.
My family calls me a gypsy. I've moved into a different house 16 times, moved to a different country three times, and in the past decade have traveled overseas countless times. So rather than be a pack rat, I have learned to only travel with and hold on to my essentials.
On a recent 10-day trip to Australia, I packed my belongings into a single overnight bag and one large purse (I call it my Mary Poppins purse as somehow I can pull out lots of essentials from it!). I traveled 24-hours and never even checked my luggage. How do I do it? By following these three rules to pack by.
Small liquids:
We all hear the cry of '3-1-1.' All liquids must be in containers of three ounces or less, placed in one single, quart sized bag, one per traveler. As you are most likely staying with friends or in hotels, shampoos, conditioners, body wash will be provided once you're on the ground. If staying in an island getaway resort like Qualia Resort at Hamilton Island or Lizard Island Resort, you are provided with island scents that smell so good you'll want to bathe three times a day with them, so why lug your American stuff?
Plus, if you don't properly wrap your large gels and liquids, they can burst in your bag when flying, which makes for a very big mess and an unnecessary laundry bill upon arrival. Who needs hairspray, gel, creams when you're in the islands or jumping off a cliff in New Zealand? Your hair may frizz or lie flat on your head - but all one needs is a hair band or a hair serum (fits in that carry-on bag!) and voila - you're all set to go!
As for the rest, everything comes travel size if needed. Pack your travel size toothpastes, face wash, contact solution, perfume.
Necessities:
I mark my indispensible check list before I leave the house.
Passport, check. You know it - you need it to get on the plane.
Credit cards, check. Credit card gets the best exchange rate. Just make sure you call your bank prior to leaving the U.S. to ensure they don't freeze your card!
Camera, check. The only memories one needs (in my opinion).
Clothes:
Here’s how to avoid packing like Candice: Lay out everything you want to take on your bed. Then cut it half. And then half it again. It works. You're going someplace warm? Pack your swimmers, a few sundresses, flip flops, tank top, nightgown, a sweater, and a pair of jeans. An athlete? Pack a pair of running shoes and socks, shorts, and a t-shirt if you will be going for a morning run. Planning a nice dinner out? Spice up a sundress with strappy heels and with an accessory that you purchased during the trip!
And don't forget enough underwear to last you the entire trip!
Finally, when abroad, you will inevitably want to purchase some souvenirs. Make them something you can use on the trip. Why not buy a necklace, hair clip or a ring to spice up an outfit? Or a sarong or cute sundress for the beach? Or a sun hat or polo shirt from that awesome golf course you tried. You'll find yourself wearing your new stuff and you won't even dip into your suitcase! And if you are a shopaholic like me, buy another carry-on bag for the flight home and then check it.
Now that you’re ready to pack like a pro, where can we send you off to?
See our Australia Luxury Vacation Packages
Contact an Australia Travel Expert to start planning your customized vacation
Visit our website to see Current Hot Deals in the South Pacific
Posted by Audra Hazners at 7/7/2009 10:53 AM 
Categories: Australia Travel Experts Advice, Insider Tips
Categories: Australia Travel Experts Advice, Insider Tips
Liked both posts about packing. I am not a pro but my packing tip is to have a written list of the things you will need on every trip. I keep and reuse my list and my kids' lists before each trip. When the kid is old enough to pack himself, you can just give him the list and teach him how to pack.
Enjoyed all your posts and pictures - hoping to start packing sooner or later to visit the places you are talking about...
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