Taking too many clothes, not enough clothes, bringing uncomfortable shoes, or not bringing enough warm or cold weather clothing can make traveling miserable. Some careful thought and planning helps me create a practical travel wardrobe.
What to Consider
The weather is key. Therefore, I pack clothes appropriate for the expected weather. Beginning two weeks prior to leaving, and up until the day before leaving, I track the daily extended weather predictions, and pack accordingly. If my research is correct and I am forewarned, I should be in a good place.
Another consideration is dress style by country. Some countries may lean towards a more casual or formal dress style. In Italy, I’m respectful when visiting a cathedral and I dress appropriately.
I always take comfortable walking shoes, umbrella, hat, and at least two sweater/jackets. I mix and match, take more tops/shirts and less pants, and I avoid overpacking. Jeans consume a lot of luggage space, so I typically don’t bring them, and I stay away from clothing that may identify me as a tourist, such as shirts or hats with labels.
Some lodgings come with laundry machines. But I’m in a foreign country, with machine instructions written in a foreign language, and I would need to purchase soap. So, unless I’m away for more than two weeks, I don’t plan to wash clothes. I can pack the clothes I need for up to a 14-day trip in a standard suitcase without doing laundry.
I aim for comfort and blending in with the locals, and avoid standing out as a tourist. It attracts pickpockets.
