Tips on packing REALLY light?

Leaving for 8 nights in Spain/Portugal/Morocco on Thursday. We are determined to bring only carry-ons.

Other than wearing jeans a few times and shirts more than once, is there a less-gross way to pack really light? Anyone have any secrets?

ETA- anyone have any tips about washing your clothes in a hotel room quickly? I tried that once in a tub on a trip and it didn't really work. id hate to spend time hunting down a laundromat...

Message edited 4/7/2008 11:21:52 AM.

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

I'm trying those space bags for my upcoming trip....I'm sure things might get wrinkled.....but I'd rather iron a few pieces then run out of clothes....

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

You can bring old clothing you were planning on tossing- pajamas, socks, underwear, bras, wear them and then throw them away.

EMS sells quick dry clothing that wash and dry REALLY fast, if you don't mind doing laundry.

If you are bringing more than one pair of shoes, wear the heavier/bulkier pair.

HTH!

Have fun!!!!!

Message edited 4/7/2008 11:06:01 AM.

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

DH and I travel a lot and try to do similar things. It's much easier to do when it's warmer out than in the winter.

Here are some of my tips:

- Pack by outfit (it eliminates/minimizes any "extra" clothing) and really think about how many outfits you need, i.e. I usually need one shirt for during the day and one for at night, but there are some days, where you may only need 1 shirt depending on what is planned.

- It's much easier to wear bottoms again then tops.

- Wear things that can be layered to eliminate the "gross" factor, i.e. bring a cardigan or light sweater that you can wear during the day or at night and more than once - it's not as gross if you are wearing it over a clean shirt.

- Stick to the same color scheme - bring clothes that are versatile and can be worn with more than one article of clothing.

- Bring minimal hair and body products - I also throw them out before I leave to go home. I NEVER bring a hair dryer on vacation!

- Bring 2 pairs of shoes - sneakers that you can wear for sightseeing and 1 pair of comfortable/dressier shoes for night - flats are perfect and can be packed very easily.

- Pack fabrics that don't wrinkle that much and are not heavy.

- Don't pack a lot (or any!) accessories, i.e. belts.

These are all for now, but I will try to think of some more.

Message edited 4/7/2008 1:35:49 PM.

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

My suggestions are

3-4 tanks
2-3 cardigans
wear a pair of jeans and pack a pair
linen pants
2 pairs of shorts
sandals
wear tennis shoes
2-3 skirts
2-3 sun dresses

make sure all clothes are mix and match

Most summer/spring clothes are light weight so it sounds like more then it really is

I agree do the "throw away" underware, socks, and bras or buy some cheap-o's you won't mind throwing out

I wash clothes in the shower the day before i'll wear it and hang them up in the bathroom to dry. Light weight clothes dry faster and if hung up dry nice.

Good Luck and have fun


Oh and pack a "real" carry on. Duffals are smaller but a rolling carry on is more structured and holds more. Don't take accessories in the carry on. Pack shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brush, makeup, deodarant, and so forth in your 2nd carry on. You can eliminate most by not taking what you can by at the destination: shampoo, conditioner, toothpast. Call the hotels and ask what they provide!

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

i have no tips


only to say i hate you so hard for traveling to places i am dying to go to!

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

Get a sink/tub plug and some powdered laundry soap (minimus.biz carries a lot of travel size goods).

Or email the hotels and ask where the laundromats are, so you don't waste any time searching.

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

just my opinion, but if you are on vacation, don't go to a laundromat. If you ahve to, have a few pieces washed through the hotel laundry. It's a little pricy, but hey, you are on vacation

have a great time

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

I always pack by outfit and I find it the easiest way to make sure that I have everything I need (accessories, proper shoes, etc) and when I travel with friends, they are always amazed that I bring so little.

I think because I really spend the time getting only what I need. Plus, I used to travel alone a lot for business, so I am not a fan of heavy luggage.

I think that's the best way to do it.

Travel safe and Enjoy!!!

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

Good ideas. Just be careful with your liquid products in your carry on. I am not sure what the regulations are at this time.

Re: Tips on packing REALLY light?

I pack each outfit in a ziplock bag. Press the air out.

Stick to 2 colors and then mix and match like mentioned.

In Morocco if you are allowed into any of the mosques, you cannot wear shorts - so be sure to bring apair of light pants or a long skirt, and a top with sleeves for those visits. Same is true in SOME Spanish Cathedrals.

Where are you goijng in Morocco? My favorite place was Fez. Portugal? The Algarve?

Have a great trip - I can tell you a lot about Spain if you have any questions.