Packing is an art, you have to know what you are doing to do it right. Many people I know are happy about going places but not so much about having to pack. It can become at times a little overwhelming because usually we want to take EVERYTHING with us in case we “need it”, but still trying to stay within the weight limit set by the airline. Does this sound familiar?
Do you know how to pack?
This is me 10 years ago when I travelled for almost two months around Europe. 
What I can tell you is that because I wanted to be “cool” and be a “backpacker” I missed the mark BIG time. To start I did not have a clue about backpacking. As you can see in these photos the backpack I purchased was humongous, I wanted to fit everything I wanted to take. This created issues while on the road, very uncomfortable. I was not able to lift the bag on my own. I remember when taking trains I had to drag the bag to the stairs of the train so I could seat on the steps and then be able to put it on my back and stand up. It was bad! As it was yesterday I still remember a conversation I overheard on a train. Two men who did not know that I understood Spanish said that I looked like a “carrying mule”. Guess what, he was right. I became “Ana the carrying mule”… but after that believe me I learned my lesson.
These are some recommendations for you:
- Check with the airlines how many bags can you take and weight limit. One time I had to open my suitcase at the airport to move thing from one suitcase that was over the limit to the other. All this to avoid excess luggage fees. Remember to weight your suitcase at home if possible before heading to the airport.
- Checkout the weather at the place that you are travelling to. You don’t want to pack unnecessary items. Also, take into consideration the amount of days you will be away from home.
- Whether you are planning to backpack or take with you normal suite cases, take outfits that are multipurpose and light. I always take a pair of black pants and black tights so that will go with any top.
- I know you are thinking what about shoes and purses. If you are planning to hike, then of course you need the appropriate boots. If not, take a pair of tennis shoes great to walk all day. A pair of sandals to use with shorts and a good pair of fancier shoes if you know that you will have to attend social functions. As far as purses, only take one small nice one for the evening in case you go to a nice restaurant or event.
- Take an umbrella and a light rain coat or poncho anywhere you go. In addition, if you are planning to hike a small flash light can be handy. There is no need for you to have to buy any of these at destination.
- If you are going to a rural area take a small first aid kit. Sometimes remote areas don’t have stores close by.
- Electricity in different countries have different voltages, so make sure to take a travel voltage converter. Hotels may have one to lend you but is better if you bring your own in case that possibility is no available.
- If you are going to a sunny destination take one swimming suite (no need to take several). Don’t forget sunscreen, lotion, hat and any personal items you may need like medications and pads for the ladies (I know that pointing this out is not so nice but there is nothing worse than not being prepared on those days)
- If you are going to the cold weather take one jacket, a couple of sweaters, gloves and hat. These kind of apparel take too much room in a suitcase so you want to stick to the basics.
- Avoid black suitcases as those are the most common. You want to be able to identify clearly your suitcase on the belt at luggage claim. Take a suitcase with a unique pattern or color to make it easier. Or if you don’t want to go out and spend money on a new suitcase, you can mark it some other way.
- On your carry on or purse make sure to have a pen handy so that you don’t have to ask other passengers to borrow one in order to fill out the immigration documents that airlines hand out before arriving to a country. Also, take headsets to watch movies and listen to music. On long flights being able to enjoy any entertainment is essential to pass time. Sometime airlines do not provide headsets and you have to pay.
I hope this helps some to get you started and not make the mistakes I made in the past. Remember that in this case “less is more”.