10 Simple Packing Tips for International Travel

10 Simple Packing Tips You Must Read Before Your Next Trip

These 10 simple packing tips will get you started and make a huge difference to your holiday enjoyment, but if you want even more detailed suggestions then read our Paris Packing Guide – Essential Tips for the Perfect Wardrobe which has been crafted from over 30 years of international travel and numerous trips to Paris. Our simple packing tips have also assisted many of our guests that join us on our Paris, Normandy and Brittany tours.

Layer Your Clothes

Layer, layer and layer again. Wearing layers makes it easy to adapt to changeable weather and to go from day to night without returning to your hotel. Even thin materials when layered trap in the warmth and can easily take you through changeable weather.

Mix and Match

Mix and match a number of similar patterns together with assorted solid colours. This will give you numerous options. Take care when packing to make sure as many patterns or solid colours go with each other.

When layering with these mix and match patterns and solids you’ll be able to create different looks and not feel like you are wearing the same thing every day.

Scarfs and Jewellery

Scarfs and jewellery are essentials to change your look quickly and easily. Change up your daytime outfits easily by changing your scarves for a new look. Take a daytime outfit to a casual evening outfit by upscaling your jewellery or scarf or shawl.

Costume jewellery or inexpensive jewellery is the best for travel just in case you loose or leave a piece behind and will also not make you a target for thieves.

Add a Bit of Personal Flair

Just add colour, some sparkles and high heels to create a night look.

I’ve often changed my day time look into something more suited to a night dinner or casual evening show by adding a sparkly costume necklace, high heels and dressy jacket.

Be Prepared for Cooler Weather

Take gloves, thin/thick tights and thermals to provide extra warmth for very little extra packing space. These items roll into almost nothing in a suitcase and you can also take these in your handbag or backpack for a quick change during the day or evening if the weather changes.

Covering up the areas of exposed skin like hands, ankles and leg calves when the sun goes down will make your early evening wanderings much more pleasant – no more shivering when the wind blows.

Minimise Your Entertainment

Download your favourite books onto your phone or iPad prior to departure to free up weight and space. As these devices have their own light source you can always read in the dark and also enlarge the text for tired eyes. 

You can also download a few tv shows or movie to watch which you can do without a WiFi connection. Remember to delete what you’ve watched to free up space on your phone and when you are in a hotel with unlimited WiFi you can always download the next couple of tv episodes or another movie to entertain you for the next few days.

Don’t forget all your charges.

Roll Your Smalls 

Roll underwear, socks, belts and pantyhose and put them into your shoes, suitcase crevices and tiny spaces to maximise all suitcase space.

I also use these small pieces of clothing to wrap little souvenirs and then I place them into my shoes and suitcase crevices to protect them during their flight home. 

Natural Fibres Are Made For Travelling

I love clothes made from natural fibres because they breath better and therefore need less washing. Linen, cotton and wool always feel better to wear I think and look stylish even if crushed. Crushed linen is acceptable and has its own casual style appeal.

Clothes and accessories made from these fibres are warm even when the fabric is thin and are perfect for layering.

Don’t Take New Shoes

Make sure you take shoes that fit properly and that have been ‘worn in’. If you are buying new walkers or fashion shoes for your trip, wear them at home and around before you pack them.

Any holiday involves walking and if you are in pain or uncomfortable, you will surely enjoy it less. Be kind to your feet which will need to take you everywhere and help you experience all you have planned.

I always give my feet a wash and wrap in a warm facecloth each evening, followed by a short rub with hand cream. Give your feet – that do all the work – the respect they deserve for carrying your weight around all day!

Beauty Essentials

Only take beauty and skincare items you use everyday. Take small sizes and purchase more along the way. The extra purchase cost of beauty products along the way is well worth the space and weight saved. 

Some beauty items can also double up and save you space.

Now all you have to do is Enjoy Your Vacation!

Living between my homes in Australia and France over the last 10 years has seen me pack loads of bags for myself and my family of five as we fly between Australia and France regularly and also holiday around the globe. My above 10 simple packing tips have made the long haul transits and exploring easier, especially with three young children, and I hope they help you too.

Living between the two countries has also helped me to design tours that combine the very best of Paris, Normandy and Brittany for discerning guests. If a full immersion tour of living with the locals, eating out at cosy cafes, visiting antique markets and strolling through beautiful gardens or along beaches in France appeals to you, come join me on our escorted small group tours. 

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