I always considered myself good at packing. But during last Summer for the first time I traveled abroad for 14 days with just a carry on and a small backpack. It was so good to easily get in a train or putting the luggage in a car truck, that I consider that there is no other way of traveling anymore.  

There are some great tips out there about how to pack, but the truth is that women struggle a lot when deciding what to take to a trip. When we take only a carry on for so many days, we really need to pack even more strategically. So here are my tips of how to pack for a trip:

 1) The weather

First check weather.com to have an ideia of how the weather is going to be. Which means: don’t start to pack too early!

2) Choose clothes that you can mix and match

Separates (shirts and pants) are better than dresses here, since you can wear them in different ways. Also it's easier to add a coat or a sweater and change the look. If you are not sure if you will be able to create different outfits with the clothes, take a time to try on the looks and take photos before you pack. Having a photo album in your phone will help when you arrive at the hotel and don’t have too much time to get ready. 

3) Repeat Clothes

It may sound weird to say this, but there is no problem in repeating clothes in a trip. Actually there is never a problem in repeating clothes. You change the accessories, you change the look. 

4) Choose your Shoes carefully

Shoes are the biggest issue in my opinion. You need to look for comfort and versatility, so high heels are probably not a good idea. Many cities are not even walkable in heels, do your research first. Medium to low heels blocked heels (or similar) are the most versatile and work day or night.

5) “Break in” your Sneakers

Sneakers are a great choice for a trip. Take advantage that they are in fashion now and they look good with almost any clothes- also, there are so many styles to choose from. Just remember to break them in first to avoid unnecessary blisters. 

6) put together a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Choose neutral colors and one or two colors to be the theme of your travel capsule wardrobe. For example, black, navy and camel as neutrals, and add some pieces or accessories in pink and red. This way, it is easier to create many different outfits.  

7) use costume Jewelry

My advice is always to skip precious fine jewelry, except the ones you wear all the time, such as your engagement ring. But costume jewelry are great accessories! Just choose a few items, and consider weight. Be sure they go well with the clothes you have chosen. Here is a tip from a New Yorker: if you are going to a cold destination, skip long earrings and big hoops, you can loose them when wearing scarves. Choose small to middle size ones. Same with gloves and rings. 

8) Scarves

Light scarves are the best travel accessories during Summer, they are list and there are so many ways of wearing them: as neck scarves, belts or as a head band. I always suggest taking a pashmina (a wool scarf) to all destinations. I wear it in the airplane, as a scarf, when it gets chilly in the summer nights or in air conditioned places. Choose one color that goes with everything you pack. 

9) Leave space

If you are like me and love hunting for exquisite things at street markets when you travel, leave some free space and weight in your luggage.

10) Pay attention to your Luggage size

If the trip includes many places, change of hotels and transportations, take the smallest luggage possible and a backpack. One small cross bag is perfect for sightseeing tours, and a make up case that doubles as a clutch can save space in your luggage. I bet you have one!

If you have would like a consultation about how to pack strategically, if if you don’t live in NY area, send me an email: hello@marciacrivorot.com

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