Come one, come all to lap up these Bag Lady packing tips like the wanderlust-thirsty beasts you are. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, an afternoon picnic, or even a 2-week vacation, the overpowering urge to overpack is a genuine struggle. Women and men alike daydream about that perfect outfit set against the backdrop of a dream destination location.
A cascading waterfall in a tropical forest somewhere in Asia, perched on top of a camel in the Sahara. The upsetting reality is, that some paid professional has already taken that portrait of your dreams. And honestly, you don’t need nearly as much as you think you do to travel the world.
After two-plus years of backpacking hundreds of thousands of miles, a journey that took me to all 7 World Wonders solo, and by default, across six continents, this Bag Lady is sharing a handful of priceless packing tips for the aspiring globetrotter in you.
Bag Lady Packing Tips for Overpacking
As a solo female traveler and travel writer, my thirst for adventure catalyzes my globetrotting. At one point in my travel journey, I was restricted to only carrying a combined total of 90L of belongings. As a result, I have become a packing connoisseur. As a Navy Corpsman, my father always told me that organization is your friend. So, as it is in my daily life, so is it in my travels.
If forgetfulness is a concern, I recommend to start packing about a week before the trip begins. This will allow time to add, purchase, or replenish necessities as they come to mind during the days leading up to the planned departure. Think about the itinerary and which outfits are best suited for the weather, culture, and activities that will fill your day as one of your Bag Lady packing tips of gold.
Picking interchangeable clothing items and stuffing things inside of other things—an ace bandage wrap or a perfume bottle inside the toe of a tennis shoe, for example— creates space for a few more travel items that teeter on the border of need and want.
Once settled on your wardrobe, take half of it and put it away. You heard me! Bring only what you need, anything else can be purchased (or borrowed) along the way.
Bag Lady Packing Tips for Climate Control
As a backpacker, anticipating the climate is tricky but, oh, so necessary. From sand to snow, pack all necessities—emphasis on the word necessities here—accordingly. If it is foldable or compact, consider it. If it is not, don’t. Simple.
For example, compact go-to’s such as a travel-sized umbrella, or reusable poncho, and a foldable windbreaker jacket accompanying a swimsuit and bug spray can easily be located in my luggage. Packing smart is the name of this game, after all.
Of course, there are some items that this concept won’t apply to—yoga mats, for example. Be resourceful and brainstorm travel-friendly replacement items, or consider purchasing or renting equipment once you’ve arrived at your destination.
Bag Lady packing tips to remember, prioritize packing clothing items with style as much as versatility. I tend to favor clothing with pockets and carry a backpack or a satchel with a shoulder strap, which makes it easier to stay hands-free. In certain regions of the globe where motorbike transport is the norm, this bit of advice is priceless.
Bag Lady Packing Tips for Logistics
Print, or save a tree and get digital copies of essential details for all travelers, including passport(s), visa(s), travel insurance details, and boarding passes. Loading the location of accommodations, airports, bus/train stations, and even designated embassies on any mobile map application of choice —maps.me is a personal preference because it can work offline—and can reduce frustrating run-ins while coordinating navigation in a new location.
Take it one step further, program international hotlines for credit cards and bank institutions into your contacts list. Be ahead of the game should any untimely financial mishaps take place along the way. Speaking of finances, alert your bank of confirmed travel destinations and verify any limitations or fees for withdrawing cash on foreign soil.
Charles Schwab offers a Visa debit card with zero annual or currency conversion fees. What’s more, the card is widely accepted overseas because Chuck operates as an international bank. If that doesn’t convince you, Chuck also refunds all ATM fees you incur at the close of each month. This is the only card I strongly recommend during international travel.
Now that you’re ready to start packing like a pro, don’t forget to consider how you’re traveling, overland or aviation, and use these Bag Lady packing tips to prepare a day bag with the same fervor. Be prepared for delays or long layovers with travel-sized toiletries, clean underwear, and any necessary device chargers. Applying these travel tips should make for a relatively stress-free travel experience.
Embrace a minimalist mentality while simultaneously embracing the unknown of your impending adventure. Anything can happen and that can be as exciting as it is terrifying. Have courage; feel the fear, do it anyway. Go out and explore the beautiful blue rock, just with far less luggage.
Embrace a minimalist mentality while simultaneously embracing the unknown of your impending adventure. Anything can happen and that can be as exciting as it is terrifying. Have courage; feel the fear, do it anyway. Go out and explore the beautiful blue rock, just with far less luggage.
Need More Bag Lady Packing Tips?
Check out Meredith’s list of three professional packing tips for moving abroad. Should you need more guidance, don’t forget that you can book a 1-on-1 consultation with Meredith. Especially if you’re a solo female debating moving abroad. Meredith has been there done that countless times in the last decade and has lived in three different countries completely solo.
Spaces are limited! Get the conversation started with a FREE 15-minute solo consultation. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
