It depends on who you ask…
There’s a trip in my future. Though not a travel newbie, I’m always looking for ways to improve my experience, especially in packing. For this post, I have assembled a team of experts to help alleviate my suitcase insecurity. Here’s what they have to say:
Expert #1
RS is widely known for his travel books and videos. In the videos, we see RS sprinting all around Europe with a carry-on sized backpack. With this slung across his shoulders, there is no need to check luggage, and he nimbly hops on and off planes, busses, trains and taxis. In one episode, he dumped the contents on the bed in his hotel room and showed the audience what he packs: 2 pairs of slacks (jeans and a lighter khaki pair…. one he wears and one he packs) 3 shirts, a light sweater, a rain jacket, socks and underwear, and a small bag of toiletries. He wears his only pair of shoes. He describes methods for washing your clothes in the hotel room, including using a 2-gallon zip-lock bag and a squirt of laundry detergent or the hotel shampoo to create a mini washing machine. That explains how he gets by on such a limited wardrobe. I like the idea of traveling light and picutured myself squishing socks and undies around in a sudsy ziplock bag in the hotel bathroom, rinsing, then hanging them on the towel racks and shower curtain rod. Hmmm…
Inspired by RS, I spread my proposed travel wardrobe out on my bed. At last count I had 9 tops (because you need sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves) 4 pairs of slacks (yoga pants for the plane, joggers, cropped pants in black and khaki) a sweater, a jacket, an umbrella, socks and underwear, 3 small clear bags of toiletries ( 3 oz. or less) a pair of sandals. a swimsuit, and a packable sun hat. Sorry RS. It will not fit in a backpack. I need some further advice.