The holidays are quickly approaching. How will you Pack like a Pro to make the best of your travel plans? Properly packed travel bags are half the battle when you plan your holiday trips.

I attended a women’s expo this week-end and found an interesting group called Club Adventures. While thinking about possible trips in the future I realized I first needed to think about my travel plans for November and December. I am looking forward to both of these exciting trips. I have to think about how I am going to Pack Like a Pro and not forget anything.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Dig out your To Do List and figure out the best way to Pack Like a Pro! But first you have to figure out the following:

Who will you be traveling with? What events will you attend? When will you be traveling? Where will you be going? and How will you get there?

Traveling Companions

Will you be traveling with your family, friends or solo? All of these scenarios require different packing? If you need to pack for an entire family it will require more luggage. Be sure to purchase or borrow what you will need in advance. Bags with 4 wheels are the easiest for airports but may take up more room in a car. If you are traveling with children let them take a personal back pack that they can carry for their games, books and some personal items.

I usually travel solo so I am responsible for only packing for myself and I try to plan light. Packing monochrome clothing and versatile accessories make it much easier to pack less.

What Events Will You Attend?

Holidays, weddings and reunions may require dressy items, extra shoes and gifts. Pack Like a Pro to be sure you have what is needed for each event. I recently purchased items on line and had them shipped ahead so they will not take up room in my bag, be forgotten or get broken.

What Time of Year Will You Be Traveling?

Winter is fast approaching and has probably already reached a city near you. Check out the weather forecast for your destination. We all know the weather forecaster can get it wrong BIG TIME so dress in layers! Be prepared and pack and plan accordingly.

I fell in love with Chico’s clothing many years ago. It mixes and matches well and makes it to your destination with little to no wrinkles. If you thrift you will find this name brand is highly desirably and can be purchased for a fraction of the retail prices. http://www.chicos.com/store

PLANE, TRAIN OR AUTOMOBILE

How will you get to your destination? Packing like a pro for air travel is much different than for traveling in your car. Depending on the airline you can be limited on the size and quantity of the bags you are allowed to take. One of the reasons I fly Southwest when possible. They allow 2 bags to be checked for free and that is a big deal when I have to work while I am traveling.

Traveling in your auto allows for overpacking and gives you more flexibility. Pillow, extra shoes and your sleeping aids etc. can all be tucked into a car much easier than packing them in your suitcase.

Check out Erica Finamore’s article in the October 2022 issue of Real Simple: “How to Pack Like a Pro” in the travel section.