https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:45:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438887 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:29:04 +0000 Aida 438887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Jonesy said! I make sure I have appropriate clothing for whatever activities I'll be doing, and pack very lightly. So does my husband. For a week long trip to Hawaii, we packed one luggage bag (and not a giant one, the size one up from carry-on size) between us. If it's a short weekend trip, usually just a backpack between us. Of course, taking the long motorcycle trips has _really_ taught me how to pack lightly For the LA trip coming up, I expect one carry-on or possibly a backpack.</p> <p>Hope you have an awesome trip, Mary </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438555 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:50:05 +0000 Aziraphale 438555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE packing for a vacation! I don't make an actual list, but I do take pleasure in carefully choosing outfits and footwear for the trip. I try to pick tops that will go with more than one bottom, so I have more mix-and-match options. The one thing I find difficult, however, is packing for a vacation where you're not sure what the weather's going to be like. Many of my vacations have involved going to England, and as all you Brits know, the weather there can be, ah, shall we say, variable. I've had trips to England in July where it rained for the whole month, and trips in May where it was gloriously sunny and warm. Hard to know what to bring! </p> <p>I hate unpacking, though. Sometimes the suitcase sits in my room for a week before I unpack it. </p> <p>Have a delightful cruise, and have fun packing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438552 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:46:22 +0000 Vani 438552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too am a serious strategic remixer when traveling. I hate checking bags and even when we do, I still want to handle as few bags as possible. I like think of a kind of master packer since I like to utilize to the max every single ounce when traveling to India, while taking enough outfits to last me 2 weeks and trying to take home as many gifts as possible. I haven't tried making actual physical lists but I mentally sort through my options and tend to use everything I pack.</p> <p>Have a lovely trip Mary! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438529 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:17:12 +0000 rae 438529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Step one: Plan for itinerary. </p> <p>Step two: Eliminate duplicates (e.g. take out one pair of jeans if you'd packed another pair that can interchange decently)</p> <p>Step three: Mitigate potential disaster (rain, unexpected fancy event, unexpected heatwave, unexpected baby vomit...)</p> <p>Step four: stuff shoes with emergency Powerbars. </p> <p>Step five: double the socks (walking a lot = foot sweat. foot sweat = gross socks that I will need to change more often than normal). </p> <p>Step six: stand on top of carryon bag and have the hubs zip it closed for me. :)</p> <p>HAVE A WONDERFUL CRUISE! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438491 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:38:54 +0000 Lisa 438491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a pre-planner and minimalist packer for trips. For work trips, I refuse to pack more than a carry-on for trips under a week. And I wear my suit on the plane since it is usually the bulkiest and hardest to iron after packed item. I limit the shoes to 2 pairs which also helps a lot.</p> <p>For personal trips, I try out my outfits in advance with the goal to mix and match as much as possible. I also switch from blazers and wovens to more knits and cardigans which can roll up smaller in size. And I am prone to packing items that are getting old or falling out of favor. This way if my luggage is lost, I am not too upset to have lost wardrobe favorites. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438402 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:29:34 +0000 Jonesy 438402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a planner (I plan out my outfits for each day) and a light packer (I typically take a carry-on only, if I can get away with it). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438392 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:23:01 +0000 Vildy 438392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely pack from a list. I'm weather sensitive ( a big wuss) and I plan around this - how not to swelter, how not to tense up with cold/a.c. But I pack very minimally. I keep in mind that I will probably have to carry this at some point and, who knows, maybe for blocks or up and down stairs. I use a very small suitcase I can sling on my shoulder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438270 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:21:32 +0000 Louise 438270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm generally a major overpacker however I thankfully don't fly so I'm only limited to what I can fit in the car! My 2 last trips where a week camping and a week at my cousin's. For the week at my cousin's I took a huge case (think 2 weeks holiday) and flung in random things (I hate packing with a passion) I ended up frustratingly wishing I bought x y z to go with what I'd got. For the camping trip I packed in outfits so even though I didn't know what we were doing on any given day I at least had the pieces to an outfit x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you/page/2#post-438260 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:38:54 +0000 Sylvie 438260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a minimalist packer and only take carry-on luggage. I start packing 2-3 days before a trip. I fold all my clothes and put them in neat little piles by type. Then I can just put them into my "backpack through Europe" backpack which fits into an overhead compartment and has the same capacity as those rolling luggage things. My on-plane entertainment (laptop/knitting) fits into my LL Bean backpack.</p> <p>For a week long trip, I'll take a nightdress, sufficient underclothing, a top for each day, a dress or dressy top if I need it, a pair of jeans and a pair of shoes. If it's cold, one sweater and one jacket. </p> <p>The only time I drag out the big suitcase is when I'm going to an Indian wedding and even then, it holds both mine and my husband's clothes.</p> <p>It is entirely possible that this forum may have broken my formula and I will feel compelled to bring multiple pairs of shoes and non-jean outfits on my next trip, pushing me into the realm of the bag checkers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438257 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:29:33 +0000 ButterflyLady 438257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never been on a cruise (I am so seasick it's not even funny - Staten Island Ferry, even :-(( ) I think it would challenge my packing skills!</p> <p>But I always make lists of what we are planning to do each day, and then outfits for them. It looks like we are going to Disney World next year, which will probably mean each day reads : Universial Studios Park/Disney park - shorts, tank, comfortable shoes LOL We borrow a friend's house so we have laundry facilities, so I can take a week's worth of clothes and just launder them for a two week trip.</p> <p>Have a lovely trip, MaryK. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438247 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:54:54 +0000 MsMary 438247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh, Carole and bj, we have an owner's suite so we will have plenty of room for the luggage and the clothes. We made the mistake of getting a ginormous suite on our first cruise and now of course we are totally spoiled and can't go back! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438218 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:59:55 +0000 annette 438218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in the minimalist camp. I only do one carry on bag. This has worked for 2 week trips to Thailand, Korea, Portugal and Italy. It would work for longer trips as well because I wash things as I go. I love the freedom of not dragging all of that luggage along! I could practically do a weekend away with one of my giant purses.<br /> I didn't used to be this way but reading Rick Steve's packing advice got me started and I love traveling this way now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438217 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:59:39 +0000 Carole 438217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary K you are hilarious. I have never seen so much luggage in my life! How does that fit in your state room? Or do you get the presidential state room? I have been to Europe twice for 2+ weeks and used a carry on. I still can't believe I did that. But in your defense you do need so many more outfits on a cruise with formal nights and all the dressing up for dinner, then all the shoes to go along with everything. I love your idea with the clothes rack. </p> <p>I plan out every day and make sure my casual stuff all coordinates together so I can mix and match. I also limit the colors to neutrals like black, white, khaki and one accent color like tomato red.</p> <p>Don't you love Cruise Critic?!? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438170 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:47:44 +0000 lyn* 438170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a list-packer too; I always pack an extra outfit though; because I always manage to spill on myself!</p> <p>Have a lovely trip, MaryK! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438167 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:46:00 +0000 bj1111 438167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yikes, maryk! do you have enough room in your cabin for all that luggage? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438160 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:35:31 +0000 taylor 438160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me too Kyle! We just came back from an 8 day cruise and my hubby and I checked one bag each and we only had one small carry on between the two uf us...3 bags total.</p> <p>We once spent a week in Hawaii with one carry on only each. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438154 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:24:42 +0000 Kyle 438154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a hard core minimalist, probably because I travel a lot. I plan my outfits and I am a strategic remixer. One small carry on and that's it. I went to Ireland and England for 10 days with one small carry on and a backpack. Seriously. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438145 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:18:18 +0000 Janet 438145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I am a compulsive list-maker, so I definitely must make a list for packing! My husband cannot understand why the idea of an impulsive spur-of-the-moment vacation makes me hyperventilate.</p> <p>I usually list out the number of days I'll be away and plan an outfit for each day, but I always end up throwing a couple of extra pieces in to allow for a change of mind or weather. I've overpacked many times in the past, but I'm getting better. I used almost every single thing I took to Iceland (at least clothing-wise, don't get me started on my photography gear), so I considered it a packing success! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438063 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:21:02 +0000 Isabel 438063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, having to pack for a cruise pretty much guarantees I will never go on one. LOL! There are so many different events and activities that I couldn't take it.</p> <p>I also make lists and lists and lists and put things out on a bed a week a head of time and so on...then I change my mind or add stuff because I might be cold or it might rain....My biggest problem is that I love everything that I have, so I have a lot of trouble deciding what to go with.</p> <p>Since having children, I have really pared down on my personal packing because I hate lugging their stuff and mine. I have also come to the conclusion that if we are really unprepared somewhere, I will buy what we need. This is not so easy on business trips where every moment can be taken up with something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438046 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:54:19 +0000 ironkurtin 438046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sonia makes a good point- you need to differentiate what's been worn and is now unwearable from what is good to go. I typically turn things inside out, then fold them again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438039 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:45:06 +0000 Sona 438039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use 2 gallon ziploc bags and put entire outfits from underwear to jewelry into each individual bag. I label the front as well so I know what's in it. if I am repeating jewelry I leave a note in the other bag. Shoes go in cloth shoe bags. I always take a large laundry bag with and put all laundry into it so its easy to unpack-<br /> straight to the washer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438022 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:27:43 +0000 Kate 438022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have an REI duffel that I bought on sale 5 years ago for less than $10 (it's closest to this one: <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/809162/rei-stuff-travel-duffel?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-809162&#038;mr:trackingCode=A2BF15C2-B849-E011-AFD7-001517384908&#038;mr:referralID=NA" rel="nofollow">http://www.rei.com/product/809.....erralID=NA</a>). It is a carry on, and the only bag I bring for my luggage. I plan things out beforehand, but not day by day. I plan for any special events or gear, and then just choose enough items to last me a week (or less, if the trip is shorter). If the vacation is longer than a week, I just do laundry and only bring a weeks worth of clothes so that I only need the carry on. I've found that when I planned my outfits for each day I ended up needing to change things around depending on the weather and activities, so this is just the right amount of planning for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-438011 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:10:17 +0000 Elly 438011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary-- I suppose it is reasonable since I assume you were dressing for dinner/making several changes a day. Me, I travel for a one week trip with my gym bag (1'x1'x1.5' with two end pockets). My favorite small duffel gave out after close to ten years and I haven't replaced it. I have rolling luggage but find it too heavy since most places I travel to I have no guarantee there will be sidewalks to roll it. </p> <p>There is one thing I always bring--- shower shoes. Mine are a pair of ballerina style crocs, but some people wear flip flops. These double as pool shoes, can serve to give your feet a break after a long day in boots or heels, and as slippers to avoid the icky carpet thing. I had a family member pick up all types of infectious foot yuck from a high-end and apparently clean hotel bathroom once. </p> <p>I prefer to have at least a tank or tee and shorts and light pants/sweats to sleep in or have by the bed. It makes trips to the front desk and ice machine better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-437992 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:42:24 +0000 MsMary 437992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my defense, that was all the luggage for both of us, and the two smallest bags on the right are our two laptops, and the small one on top of the stack is my purse, and the second bag from the left is full of my shoes. And when you subtract all those iyou get one big suitcase and one small suitcase per person. Which is, I think, perfectly reasonable for a week-long trip!</p> <p>But it's a pretty dramatic photo, huh? LOL</p> <p>Oh, and Una -- I know what's in there because it's on my list, which I bring with me! Duh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-437985 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:33:10 +0000 D'Ellen 437985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I make a list of everything I can foresee needing for each day and each pre-planned activity. I spend lots of time laying it all out, co-ordinating outfits and trying it all on. Then at the last minute I throw in a bunch of extra stuff...just in case. I always over-pack and half of it comes home unworn. But I've never traveled with THAT much luggage...my hubby would have a conniption! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-437983 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:31:44 +0000 Makrame 437983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, that's a great list! Looks like my packing list for an upcoming trip at the end of the month; I better compare my list to your outline. :)</p> <p>My dilemma, however, is checking or not checking the bag - I almost alway carry a laptop backpack, which means that my one overhead storage item is the laptop bag/backpack. I am not sure whether we are still allowed a second carry-on item so sometimes I err on the side of caution and assume that I will have to check my bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-437973 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:23:20 +0000 ironkurtin 437973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, but it's not much more than what I said...</p> <p>BUSINESSY TRIP (assume no dry or hotel cleaning): </p> <p>- Underwear: As many as days of trip, +1, + 1 worn</p> <p>- Bras: One fresh one every two or three days; bring the most comfortable and versatile ones you own</p> <p>- Socks: One every day, +1 to travel as needed, also to sleep in because hotel carpet = yuck</p> <p>- Tights/nylons: Err on the side of more if you wear them, they're small</p> <p>- Nightgowns: One long one; gowns are better than PJs, as are one piece; if you're okay sleeping naked, go for it, hotels have robes you can throw on</p> <p>- Shirts: As many as days of trip, +1 worn; pick shirts that will go under your sweaters or jackets, or ones that will layer under each other</p> <p>- Sweaters: One long more-office-y one that can be dressed up, and one more flowy one that you can wrap yourself up in for travel. I like sweaters rather than wraps because you can style sweaters in more versatile ways, up or down. Longer black v-neck and crew-neck cardigans are your travelling friends because they dress up in a pinch.</p> <p>- Jackets/Blazers: One, should match or complement bottoms</p> <p>- Long coat or jacket: Longer jackets and coats are more versatile, IMO, than shorter ones because in a pinch you can button and cover up. Trench-style is perfect. Wear this on the plane with your cozy sweater.</p> <p>- Pants: One pair to travel in, two you can attend meetings in and dress up -- unless you wear dresses or skirts, in which case, swap one pair out (even if the trip is only three days, because variety is nice and who knows if you can launder)</p> <p>- Shoes: One pair on your feet, one pair in your bag. </p> <p>- Workout: I like to work out while travelling, so I also bring sneakers and one or two sets of workout gear that I rinse after using, including a suit. if you're bringing sneakers, and not meeting anyone right off the plane, wear those and keep your nice shoes in the bag.</p> <p>- Accessories and jewelry: Bring your plain workhorses, like small hoops or a simple necklace. A white scarf looks nice all the time, and can mix up looks.</p> <p>Also, I NEVER check my luggage. Ever. All of the above fits in a European-sized overhead carryon case. Losing luggage is the worst.</p> <p>Hope this helps... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-437953 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:00:07 +0000 Ornella 437953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ironkurtin, a separate thread to share your findings would be very much appreciated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-437950 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:56:46 +0000 ironkurtin 437950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did a lot of travelling professionally so I make a list in my head of what modular units I can bring. It depends on what you can wash. If you can wash, you can trim the amount. </p> <p>For example, for a week trip, I would take seven blouses and eight pairs of underwear, not counting what I was wearing to get there. Bras I assume I can handwash or wear at least twice. Two pair of pants, two sweaters, one longer jacket. One dress if fancy, one skirt to mix and match if not. A swimsuit. Then shoes and socks and hose as appropriate. And night things. Etc.</p> <p>I actually had it down to a science, it was very gratifying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-ot-what-kind-of-vacation-packer-are-you#post-437946 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:53:10 +0000 Queen Mum 437946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do like you... I don't always write down what I'll be doing each day, but I go through mentally and plan an outfit for each day and lay it out with accessories and shoe. I bring every bra and panty I own so I don't get there and realize I don't have the right bra.</p> <p>For a cruise, I totally write down and check off. You're kindof in a pickle if you realize you forgot a key piece of an outfit out in the middle of the Caribbean... it's not like you can run to the local mall </p>