Owning a travel agency means we travel a LOT.  We travel with clients, escorting groups around the world.  We travel to gain knowledge on new products, destinations, and to learn about different routes and methods of transport.  We travel to travel related conferences to strengthen partnerships and learn about all of the new and up and coming in the industry.  And of course, we travel for fun, new experiences, and to sample local cuisine!

Several of my friends feign panic attacks when they imagine my packing routine.  Which can be a challenge when visiting multiple destinations experiencing vastly different seasonal temperatures.  It can also seem daunting when your trip is a long duration, but your willingness to transport multiple bags is teeny tiny.

Many people have asked me to share essential travel packing tips, so here are a few of my favorites.

Packing cubes – keeping things organized when you are changing locals is PARAMOUNT.  It makes life so much easier to find things quickly in one bag.  Especially helpful for a late arrival and early morning departure.

Charging Block / Station – Europe is FULL of magnificent hotels and properties, however, most of them were built LONG before the age of the internet.  I travel with four devices that all require charging, and moving furniture to locate a plug is no longer in my wheelhouse.  A country specific plug (better if they are interchangeable) with two plugs and several USB slots will keep you organized and fully charged.

Small Bills – I find it really helpful to bring a stash of small bills for both tipping and street/small item purchases.  Keep a few in your front pocket and have at the ready for the bell staff or for a bottle of water.

Laundry Sheets – Longer trips with a smaller bag are going to require a trip to a laundromat or your clothes to be sent off, but sometimes you have something small that you need sooner than later.  These dry, foldable, nicely scented sheets come in handy for just that purpose. 

Packing Pile – This is especially helpful for destinations that have specific parameters.  Hiking in Patagonia?  Presenting at a travel conference?  Ship have a specific dress code?  Designate an area in your home and about 2 weeks before the trip – or sooner if you have space – start making a pile of trip specific items needed for this particular adventure.  When you give yourself the gift of time, you will be able to review all of your necessary items and less likely to arrive forgetting your essential essentials. 

Always Packed – I have several grab and go bags that accompany me on every single trip.  Each and everyone is restocked the moment I return from a trip so they are ready to go with a moment’s notice.  After you get into this habit, you will wonder why you did not ALWAYS do this.

So wherever YOUR next adventure takes you, wishing you safe and Happy Travels!

Kelly