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I’m super excited about my new packing ecourse The 30 Day Travel Fashion Challenge (now called Stop Overpacking Course)! And if my current $500 travel gear giveaway wasn’t fun enough, I’m also doing a giveaway for the packing course so you can become an expert at creating a carry-on travel wardrobe!
I’ll be giving away one course per day for the next twelve days! PLUS the course will also be discounted for the duration of the giveaway just in case you want to get a head start! I love giveaways don’t you?
About the Packing eCourse:
If you haven’t already heard the details, the first thing you need to do is sign up for my monthly newsletter so you never miss out on any exciting travel fashion updates. The next thing is to head over to this page to learn all about the packing course.
The 30 Day Travel Fashion Challenge walks you through my step-by-step process to create a carry-on travel wardrobe. This compact version of my closet is what allows me to travel carry-on throughout my long term travels and now I’m sharing my secrets with you!
From the day you start planning your trip to the day you start packing, The 30 Day Travel Fashion Challenge will help you do it like a pro. Downsize your luggage and maximize your style!
Enter the giveaway now and if you want to start your course early, head over to this page and take advantage of the sale price: the Jetsetter Package is 50% off!
How to Enter:
Entering is super easy. Leave a comment on this blog post sharing your biggest packing challenge. Use the entry form below to confirm your submission and earn bonus entries too!
The 30 Day Travel Fashion Challenge Giveaway
Rules:
This giveaway is open to worldwide entrants who are 18 years or older. It begins on December 10, 2014 at 5:00 AM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) and ends on December 21, 2014 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)). Void where prohibited.
There are twelve winners; one winner per day. The prize is (1) 30 Day Travel Fashion Challenge eCourse Jetsetter Package (retail value $49.99 USD). This is a digital prize and will be sent via email.
Winner will be notified by email at the email address provided in the entry Information on or about 72 hours after the random drawing. Potential winner must accept a prize by email within 30 days of notification or by January 21, 2015. Any winner notification not responded to or returned as undeliverable by this date may result in prize forfeiture and another winner will be chosen.
Please provide a valid email address in the entry form.
Travel Fashion Girl LLC is not responsible for giveaway limitations placed by your country, city, and/or state government. The winner is responsible for any applicable federal, state, or other government taxes and fees with regards to accepting this prize. By accepting the prize, the winner acknowledges his or her responsibility to abide by the regulations placed by his or her local government and laws.
Hope you like TFG’s Holiday Giveaways! If you haven’t already done so, enter to win a $500 Travel Gear Shopping Spree! Both of TFG’s current giveaways end December 21st, 2014. You amy have a bonus gift heading your way! Enter to win!
So what do you think…are you up for the challenge? Will you create an expert carry-on travel wardrobe? To start early, sign up now!
Hope you liked this giveaway to help you create an expert carry-on travel wardrobe. If you love TFG giveaways, show some love and share this post on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Hi there – LOVE your site! My biggest packing challenge is how to include workout clothes (ie, bulky kicks, sports bra, etc) and still pack carryon only.
My biggest packing issues are my curly hair products that I have to use and trying to fit it in that little carry on bag and trying to pack light.
Like Hannah B, I tend to pack for every contingency so I overpack. And then I have to wade through everything to find what I’m looking for.
As a not-so-young traveler, I am interested in items and accessories that work well for not-so-young bodies. I know those convertible dress/tops/etc are so cute for you young ladies, but they just won’t look good on my over 50 body!
Much appreciate your tips!
I definitely have trouble packing “what ifs”. Plus I really need to invest in some good travel shoes to narrow my shoe needs to 2 or 3 pairs.
My biggest packing challenge is shoes. How to choose only a couple of pair that are comfortable enough for full days of walking, attractive, and appropriate for a variety of activites and weather.
I always bring too much. Before I leave for a trip, I always worry that I’ll need something I won’t have so I just end up brining too much. And then I forget important things like socks! Haha.
I can never pack the proper amount of shoes or jackets! Either too much or too little!
Packing Challenge: I need to control my emotions. I always feel like I am not packing the”right” things I need, I need options and I need to layer for changing climates. It takes me days to pack then once I do it I still change it out at the last minute because of the internal dialog of “you packed to much but YOu need that item.”
May I say: “Hot Mess?”
I have problems sticking to my plan! I take just one or two more just in case………..I get them all stained / the weather is not as expected / my husband says ” have you not got another top?” Take your pick! I always bring back things unworn too.
I can’t seem to streamline my personal care items for a checked bag much less a carry-on! Help!
My biggest problem is having the right matching pieces that work double and triple with my outfits. Also, good comfortable shoes.
My hardest challenge when packing (other than the stress of packing) is trying to predict what I am going to need and what I can do without. This website has helped, but I may be studying abroad for 4 months and that packing will be a nightmare!
My biggest packing challenge is keeping it light, but making it look like I’ve got a complete wardrobe. When I travel, I have multiple media interviews, both television and magazine. They always want multiple outfits at each event.
My biggest challenge is over packing. The “What If’s” get me.
My biggest challenge is overpacking. I always think ” I may need this” or “I will want to wear that” or ” I should bring this just in case” and end up bringing clothes I dont wear. I would love to be able to pack efficiently with the right amount of clothes. Toiletries/make-up is another area I tend to over pack as well. Thanks for the giveaway.
I always pack what if outfits… What if I go clubbing, somewhere fancy, hiking, swimming. I then pack way too much for things I never do.
Toiletries are my main problem. I have curly hair so take more styling products because the brand I use isn’t readily available everywhere.
Biggest challenge: looking stylish but being comfy on active trips (all in a carry-on). Lately have been packing my light-weight exercise-company clothes for day (hiking, etc.), but don’t have tons of room for dinner time / museum time stylish clothes. So fortunate we all get to travel — aren’t we?
This sounds like a course I desperately need! I always seem to pack the wrong stuff in the wrong way. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
Since I am prepping to move abroad it is figuring out what to bring and leave. Also trying to figure out what I can get when I arrive vs what is better to get back home
My challenge is to pack for a year-long, around-the-world trip – different seasons and different occasions. I’ve been invited to two weddings which I want to include in the trip – one wedding is in India and the other is in Rio, Brazil.
I’ve done a lot of travelling over the years but this trip is terrifying me when it comes to packing!
My biggest tip to travellers is to always carry a photocopy of your passport – because if you lose your passport or have it stolen, you will have to report it and apply for another one very quickly! You need all your information to hand.
My greatest packing challenges are (1) finding stylish yet comfortable shoes for long days walking in the city and making room in my 21″ carry on for running shoes that I will not wear with other clothes, (2) organizing and packing toiletries to avoid the need to crazily stretch and contort a 3-1-1 ziplock in order to fit everything into it, (3) locating and organizing the perfect personal carry on item that will serve as my under the seat bag (with everything I need on long flights) as well as a useful/comfortable carrying bag for long walking days on vacation, (4) keeping everything (toiletries and clothes, including dirty clothes) organized in my suitcase while on the road, and (5) packing far enough in advance that I’m not compulsively throwing everything into my bag at the last minute.
The perfect personal item to keep at my seat on the plane and use while walking in the city
Staying organized while traveling from city to city
I’d say my biggest problem is finding the right shoes to take to keep the packing minimal. I’m also a runner and need to have my running shoes and gear with me at all times., which might prove challenging for my trip to Italy.
my biggest packing challenge is bringing clothes that layer well for different weather and dress codes (warm days, cool nights (especially with business travel when you need work clothes during the day and business casual for evening but don’t want to overpack).
Great reading these comments. I can relate to most of them. My issue is that I have to wear underwire bras and swimsuits for support and they don’t fold or roll very well. And I like bringing at least 3 of each.
My biggest challenge is to pack enough layers for the different climate changes I expect to encounter, yet still be able to keep my packing to one carry-on. Lately, I have been relying on very lightweight leggings and undershirts for layering and sleepwear, plus thin blouses and cardigans to help me achieve the layers I need while minimizing the volume of the items I need to bring.
My biggest challenge has to be shoes…and colors. I dont always want to wear all black, or tan or even navy. Yes, I add colorful scarves…but what if I’m feeling like RED today? lol. Also, bringing just the right shoes can make or break a trip!
thanks for all the great advice I have totally downsized and the whole family now goes carry on !!
Except I just went to nyc and couldn’t fit boots etc into a carry on , the weather was wet rainy and sunny everybody talked about how cold it was so packed too many sweaters and warm layers 🙁
Was wishing you had a post on winter in NYC or similar big city !!
Didn’t know if I would need rain boots or winter boots (didn’t need either)
These days it seems trying to pare down my toiletries, miscellaneous items has been difficult – I have a lot of particular types of products that I use and it adds up!
My biggest challenge is being smart about what I pack. I tend to take things that I find out I really didn’t need after all. I have just started backing for three weeks in Berlin starting January 1, 2015 and I am already overwhelmed by all the possibilities. I’m going to start by making a list and reading your website. 🙂
My biggest packing struggle is fitting bulky sweaters into a carry on. I often travel to colder climates and I never know how many sweaters and pants to pack without exceeding the weight limit while still meeting my needs.
As much as I love to travel, I tend to struggle with packing for hiking in the Alps in Switzerland and then heading to the Italian Riviera where it is warm. (struggle with packing for different seasons on the same trip). Also, packing the right type of shoes for the trip – from hiking boots to regular shoes for walking around towns during the day and evening.
My biggest problem is the last 24 hours before a trip- I start shoving things into my suitcase that I might need- it might rain, I might have time to read the complete works of shakespeare on my travels, I might need a fancy dress for a dinner party, I might need a coat incase it rains in Hawaii……Also I do a lot of walking when I am travelling and I find that I need to bring quite a few shoes- usually 4 or 5 pair! I do still manage to fly internationally with only a carry on bag, but I hate when my bag is bulging and overstuffed when packing for the next destination in the itinerary. It also tends to get disorganized in the process!
You described my packing routine, exactly! LOL
I do the same thing.. Then I edit.. And that’s where I make mistakes
My biggest packing challenge is bringing formalwear! I recently went to Italy for a three week opera program this summer and brought everything I needed for three weeks in a 21 inch carryon. I mainly stuck to a color pallet of greens, golds, and blushes. These were fine for everyday use, however, when it came to the evenings that I needed to perform, I was had to wear my dress a few times. This led me to buy two new dresses (which I love dearly!) to perform in. I just wish that I had figured a way to bring more formal dresses and still keep my bag light.
This site is brilliant!
It’s helped me plan not just for holidays, but everyday wear as well.
Although I still have trouble getting my bag to remain in the weight and size limits ;p
Thanks Kathy, glad you liked it! Cam I use your feedback in my testimonials section?
My biggest challenge is trying not the pack for every possible contingency!
My biggest packing challenge is bringing really REALLY comfortable shoes that I can walk in all day and not look like a schlub.
My biggest challenge is balancing function and fashion. I go for backpacker convertible clothes when packing, but then feel horribly unstylish at my destination and end up buying extra clothing. I also overpack toiletries, especially hair products!
My biggest challenge is balancing form and function. I go for backpacker style convertible clothes when I’m packing, but then feel horribly unstylish and end up buying things I feel comfortable in at my destination. I also overpack on toiletries, especially hair products and tools!
My challenge is packing boots when it is too hot to wear them in the journey and packing special food that I need to travel with.
My biggest packing challenge is finding the right fabrics to bring!! You’re website is fantastic – I never miss a day! It’s the first thing I look forward to reading when I logon in the morning 🙂 Keep up the great work!
I over AND underpack…I tend to bring a pretty small amount of clothing, yet I end up rewearing the same few things! I need to learn to be more realistic.
My biggest packing challenge is the fact my clothes no longer fit. You see, this year has come with many changes for me as I began to realise just what I wanted to do with my life. One of those changes was getting into shape. Even prior to this I had no motivation to dress myself, I just let clothes I’d never wear mount in my closet while stating faithful to sweatpants and pajamas. So, I have no idea how to dress my body and before I dare to buy clothing or consider donating the ones holding me back I wish to discover not just my style but to have pieces I can mix and match. Wearing them no matter the place, weather or time. I must learn to be practical because with letting go of all that baggage and existence to start over comes the responsibility of not allowing myself to go back to just breathing again. I want to live. And having a wardrobe I can be myself in is huge part of starting to live my life and take a hold of the things I deserve but never considered worthy of. No more day dreams and planning for someday because I know that if I don’t take the first step now I might never do it.
My biggest packing challenge is packing too many beauty products! I put liquids in little travel containers, buy travel size products, etc. but my carry-on is still 50% beauty stuff!! The funny thing is, I feel like there’s nothing I can leave at home. I can’t figure out how to minimize.
My biggest packing challenge is not the clothes, but the rest of my equipment; camera and charger, e-reader and charger, smart-phone and charger, books and toiletries.
Love all the great travel advice TFG! You really helped me for my trek around Europe last year! Thanks! ~Erin
Hygiene/Bathroom products are my biggest packing challenge. I have terrible skin that I have been treating with Rx products. Because of this I have special lotion for the day and special lotion for the night. medicine for the day, and medicine for the night, sunscreen, under eye cream etc. and that is before, my make up! To combat the oily skin i have primers and say put sprays and powers it’s insane! It’s really hard to minimize on things that I NEED! I have been able to minimize to a more quick routine since my skin has cleared up (less concealer to cover spots), but I still have so many toiletries.
I like to wear tall boots but they are very difficult to pack. Trying to organize my outfits so that I can mix and match my clothes is also challenging.
My biggest challenge is being comfortable and looking stylish. I always want some heels and those aren’t particular practical or comfortable. 🙂
My biggest packing challenge is being comfortable and stylish. I end up taking too many things because I worry that I won’t have the right outfit for the right occasion
My biggest packing challenge is over-packing! I’d love some expert advice on how to pack more lightly and not end up with as many unused items at the end of the trip!
Creating outfits that both go together and mix and match. Add the challenge of being a curvy girl, so not all the cute options you show work as well for my body type, and I end up with either too many clothes or too little options.
My biggest challenge is staying true to my style and layering well!
Biggest challenge!!! May be over packing- Ohh an extra top which i can wear just in case and a skirt to go with it or may be a trousers..And yes how can i forget the shoes which goes with it 😉 And then comes the husband who does not start packing until its 5 min to go!! In the end it it would be my stuff all neatly arranged and his stuff all dumped!
My biggest packing challenge is overpacking. I like being prepared, but I end bringing a week’s worth of luggage for a 2-day trip (for example).
My biggest packing challenge is having comfortable shoes that also look stylish.
My biggest packing challenge is having comfortable shoes that are also stylish.
My biggest packing challenge is that either I have a comfy style or a nice look, I have travelled and fully regret on my looks once I see the photos 🙁
My biggest packing challenge? What?? Just the one!!??!!
It possibly starts with shoes, takes me through the need (need, I tell you!) to have multiple what-if options for clothes, and ends with accessories.
Nope, my bad. It doesn’t end there. It extends to make up…
And pretty things.
Did I mention I have a travelling vase for lovely’ing up whatever room I may be in while travelling? Yep. As I said, pretty things.
(In my defense though, the travelling vase fits in an altoids tin… 🙂 )
Making sure I pack clothes that work for both rambling around and having dinners at upscale restaurants or meeting my husband’s (and my) clients and business associates, and having it all fit in a carry-on!
My biggest packing challenge is mixing and matching my clothes so that I can pack lightly!
My biggest challenge is either shoes or wanting to bring my own pillow! It’s annoying to carry and sometimes I’ve overpacked too much and it won’t fit in the suitcase!
My biggest issue with packing is toiletries. I can never judge how much to bring. I usually overpack both clothes and accessories.
My biggest packing challenge is I like to have options in case I don’t feel comfortable in one outfit. This definitely leads to overpacking! I’m getting better about it but there is still huge room for improvement.
Comfortable versatile shoes are always an issue. I want to be able to pack well in only a carryon with no checked luggage
I think my biggest packing challenge is deciding what shoes to take. I want to be comfortable, but sometimes it’s hard to narrow it down to 2 or 3 pairs!
My biggest challenge right now is packing for winter in Europe. I live in the desert so winter clothes don’t exist for me. How on earth do I pack all of these winter items into one small suitcase?
Would love to see the secrets!
Why do I pack stuff that I don’t even use at home like makeup and jewellery? I need to pack for my real life, not my fantasy life.
My biggest challenge is packing for our Serengeti safari in August 2015. I’ll only be able to take a duffle, as the luggage must fit in regional planes. Also, we will be at Victoria Falls and Cape Town, as well, so I’ll need to prepare for some nicer, classy days.
My clothes never match.
My biggest packing challenge is shoes, especially when I’m headed for a long trip. I can never decide which ones to bring with my limited carry-on space. My second biggest challenge is my boyfriend’s camera gear. We often pack together and we’ve always got lots of photography stuff in our bag!
Never quite get it right despite my best of intentions
My problem is simply over packing – period. The area that I seem to really over pack on is accessories and/or makeup/shampoo/etc.
My biggest packing challenge is keeping my suitcase under weight!!! I’ve had to pay excruciating amounts before because my suitcase was too heavy!!!
My biggest challenge is always packing for the “what – iffs.” This leads, of course, to significant over packing. I probably bring an additional 25% more than what I ever use on any given trip – short or long.
My biggest challenge is getting the right wardrobe capsule for winter travel. I find it much harder to do carry-on only for cold weather.
I bring too many books. I want one for every mood, just in case the others don’t seem right for the moment.
My challenge is shopping! It takes WAAAAAY too much time to find the appropriate clothes that will work for every occasion, go with everything else, not wrinkle, not show dirt, wash easily, look chic and the list goes on!
My biggest challenge is packing too many clothes and I need to pack for a 10 day cruise. I want to be able to sight see and then glam up for the evenings. I need advice on what to bring so that I don’t over pack and end up not using half of what will be in my suitcase. I want to do this so that I travel efficiently yet am prepared to go from day to night.
Always going I could use it maybe.
In the words of Carrie Bradshaw “Hello Lover!” SHOES SHOES AND MORE SHOES!!! My whole wardrobe is picked around my shoes and it is very hard to pick one or two for any trip to help with carry on luggage. I rather say HELLO LOVER than GOODBYE to them 😉
Shoes! shoes! And more Shoes! So many needs, so little space. I can stick to one pallet but walking shoes, dining shoes, cute shoes, gym shoes … The list goes on.
My biggest challenge is now trying to pack small – with a toddler in tow!
Alex,
I love that you are always doing something new and FABULOUS! What a great idea!
Happy Holidays!
Lisa Niver
We Said Go Travel
Thanks Lisa 🙂
My biggest packing challenge is keeping everything organized as the trip is progressing. Keeping things folded, separating dirty from clean, etc. Avoiding the inevitable pile of wrinkled clothing!
My problem is how to have fashionable outfits from only a few articles of clothing. What are the essentials and how can I pull off re-wearing so much of the same clothing?
Shoes! I always want to take sandals, tennies for running or workouts, flats for walking, and more stylish athletic shoes for sightseeing. It’s such a challenge to fit in a 20-inch carry-on with more than 2 pairs. Help!
I keep hearing to layer, layer, layer, but I don’t know what clothes look good layered together. I still end up with a 1 top = 1 outfit situation. You packing lists are really good for that, because I need example outfits. Keep them coming!
My biggest packing challenge is fitting everything into one carry-on, considering my husband and I travel for months to multiple climates.I’m sure it’s possible; I just need to figure out how!
My Biggest Packing challenge is packing for the man in my life. He is over 6′ and his clothing items are quite large , especially shoes ( size 10) . It would be really great to have help! its a challenge to get them all into a carry on that is with in our South African airline travel weight limit for cabin bags. Even 10 items for him is some times over the weight limit !!!
I grew up in a family of hoarders and rat-packers. Every vacation we would go on would take quite a bit of time packing the car and our suitcases for all of our needs. But even at the destination, we would lug around so much excess. For instance on Disney Trips, my family of six would bring in a duffel bag of snacks, clothing layers, etc. and a small cooler of drinks and use a stroller to push it around. Now that the kids are all 20+, we use a wheelchair to push our stuff. YIKES! So I am very prone to over-packing for short and long term trips alike.
Although I am better than most of my family at packing, I have struggled too with overpacking. I want to save money and bring items that take away some of my anxieties traveling solo (like ginger ale and tums). But, I still have packed too much. For a month stay in Costa Rica, I brought two full suitcases. Two! My tica mama commented on how crazy it was that I brought that much stuff. In hindsight, she was absolutely right, but in the moment I really thought I need it all. Then more recently I interned in Switzerland for 10 weeks, but I again brought two suitcases (with overweight fees returning).
My biggest challenge is learning how to cut back with what I bring and have items that are multi-functional and stylish WITHOUT making me feel anxious. It is a hard challenge for me to think of using one suitcase for my next trip abroad, let alone use a carry-on. Since Switzerland, my twin and I are looking for ways to become more location independent, realizing that our stuff interferes with job opportunities and experiences. But I fear that if I can’t manage packing appropriately for a short-term trip, how can I possibly deal with living abroad for my dream career. Please help a daughter-of-a-hoarder break the cycle of over-packing!
Shoes…. Too many and uncomfortable. And making sure everything goes together.
I’m in my first week of my adventure of indefinite time in Mexico and Central America. I didn’t have time to think about packing before I left and my backpack is full to bursting and so heavy!! I don’t really want to bin anything but I’m struggling to lug it around and there are so many beautiful clothes I want to buy! I need help!
My biggest challenge is footwear, followed by worry that I won’t have the “right” clothes for evening business dinners and recreation and business office clothing. Oh yes, toiletries seem to take up so much room!
im finally on the bandwagon! Now if I could only get my husband to pack lighter
I never know what to pack!
My biggest challenge is being comfortable yet not looking like a backpacker. I like to do a variety of things from hiking mountains, to museum hopping to a nice dinner. It’s hard to condense outfits into one carry on that cover all the things I like to do. I also find it hard to manage my photography equipment. I have a camera with 3 lenses and a small tripod to consider. I’m still looking for the perfect camera bag that is comfortable, safe and fashionable.
Pack breastfeeding friendly, varying temperature clothing. I really struggle with what should be packed and what should I leave at home.
My biggest challenge is packing things with colors/patterns. I usually end up packing simple one-color basics and wishing I had some more interesting fashion choices on my trips.
Clothes
I always bring way too many clothes – I’m a horrible overpacker for the just in case stuff
My biggest packing challenge is not trying to fit everything I want/need for my trip in my carry-on luggage, but keeping organized while I’m on the road. My locker, bed, or any other personal space I have in my accommodations gets littered with my belongings!
My biggest challenge Is packing my toiletries. I always seem to have far too many toiletries. I just feel the need to bring everything but the kitchen sink!
Because I have followed Alex for several years, I don’t have any packing challenges!! I did 3 countries in Europe with only an 18′ carry on and personal item. Also, have flown to Myrtle Beach for 4 days, with only a personal item-10″X12″X14. They charge for carry on and checked luggage. Ha ha!
My only challenge would be how to bring thngs home, that I buy on a trip-most places, I mail things home. But, when I go to Norway, I am only going carry on, but no way to mail things home.
My biggest packing challenge is shoes. I am hesitant to buy shoes online and my choices locally are limited.
Your advice here and the Travel Fashion Girls FB group has been invaluable – I’ve made many changes in how, what, and how much I pack! But the main challenge I still am fighting relates to electronic power/chargers! I either have too many or not enough – never just exactly what I need. I travel to various countries so I need a converter that adapts to their plugins, and the set I had was so bulky that I couldn’t carry it around in a carryon. Then for the chargers I first tried a bag that looked cool (everything in its place with 1 extension cord) but was bulky and hard to keep current between trips. The best solution I have found so far but which still isn’t great is to label the chargers with a label machine and include them altogether in an eBags slim packing cube. This comes close to working (it fits wherever I need it in the carryon, is not too bulky, etc) but it seems like the chargers multiply like rabbits when I am not looking and/or I periodically don’t have the charger I need when traveling (could be because I am not the only one using it!)
I follow your blog closely and have learned a lot. However I still have difficulty with cold weather packing and the “what ifs”…you know…what if I need a cocktail dress or tennis clothes or that fifth pair of shoes.
I tend to pack too many clothes items! What I need is more multi-purpose items, I guess.
My biggest packing challenge is stopping myself from throwing in 20 just-in-case items on departure morning. I think there is no big deal with a few extra shirts or some more beauty products and the next thing you know I have added 5kg
My biggest packing problem is shoes, how do I fit all the shoes I want! They just don’t seem to fit the way I want them to.
My biggest packing challenge is with multipurpose trips. Most of my travels are a combination of sports (snowboarding, cycling, hiking, sailing etc.), tourism (attractions, city and nightlife) and education (language studies, cooking classes). I feel that each activity requires it’s own wardrobe which leads to me overpacking.
My biggest packing challenge is the family members. I can pare it down but they can’t!
We LOVE to travel! I’ve bought lots of your recommendations (secret sweater, twelveways, encircled) and love them all. I’m trying to get around to a blog post on our favorite travel items too! Keep the great stuff coming.
My biggest packing challenge is the ‘what if’ items – I’m a worrier by nature and I always think about the worst case scenario and want to pack everything for it. I always want that extra pair of shoes in case my feet hurt, extra medicines in case I get sick, clothes for every type of weather and occasion! I start packing lists very early when I know I’m taking a trip and while I can usually pare them down to about 12-13kg I’m yet to get to a carry-on size bag.
My biggest challenge is getting everything in a carry on…I am not a petite person and my clothes are bulkier than someone who is small! I also am challenged with having things warm enough
My biggest challenge is fitting all of my non-clothing items into my carry-ons along with my real clothes! Between chargers, adapters, books, toiletries, and shoes – it can be really hard to fit clothes!
Most of the time I over think what to take and I end up carrying way to heavy carry ons. I started following this site for a few months and I’ve got excellent tips on how to pack SMART!
My biggest challenge is shoes, as well – especially if I want to work out on my trip (I don’t usually wear athletic shoes with my usual outfits). It’s not as bad in the summer, when an extra pair might only be sandals or flats that don’t take up so much room – but in the winter when I’m wearing boots or booties that aren’t as compact, it can take up a lot of space in my luggage. Second to that is toiletries – I have a makeup bag and a second bag for toiletries like shampoo, lotion, contacts, etc. I have certain brands I like and specific shampoos for my itchy scalp, so I’m not good at trusting that a hotel will have something I can use.
My biggest challenge with packing is taking things that coordinate with different items I take. I can pack light but sometimes find that things don’t match.
My biggest packing challenge is that I always think something is going to look good/appropriate, and then when I get to my destination I decide I feel uncomfortable with an item for some reason. It’s a fine line between being trendy, dressing for my body, and dressing for the weather! Sadly, one of the biggest trends, high-waisted items, just look like “mom jeans” on my body.
My biggest packing challenge —-> packing way too many shoes!! So many that they sometimes overflow into my husband’s carry-on! My travels are a mix of sunshine, luxury and adventure so I have a hard time deciding the types of flip-flops and sandals to take.. then whether I need to takes heels or not, and finally, should I take sneakers or a good walking shoe or both.. since sneakers are the most comfy but way too ugly with skirts and dressy! So I guess I have not found a way to balance fashion and minimal shoe-packing!
My biggest packing challenge is toiletries. I always overpack, because “what if…”
I have trouble with trips with combined purposes, like business and a vacation. Or a wedding (and all of the dressed up events before hand), visiting family and then going to the beach.
I am the absolute WORST at overpacking!! Before my last vacation I spent 30 minutes just trying to close my suitcase. Also always worrying about baggage fees at the airport. This would be so helpful!
Biggest packing challenge………not clothes but STUFF! Camera and charger, kindle and charger, phone and charger (not a smart phone). Guide book (don’t like ebooks for Guide books), mp3 player, headphones and charger, toiletries (though I’ve really thinned these out), neck pillow for plane,things to wash my clothes and hang them, all the misc things that yes, I DO use on my travels.
I always find packing a hassle, you can never be too prepared!
Challenge is the gear – I always find new stuff to try out when I travel.
I often struggle with what to pack, especially when it comes to shoes! I have a hard time picking the right variety in minimal numbers as I keep worrying about foot/back pain!
Biggest packing challenge: deciding what shoes to take!
If I wear one pair and pack another I always seem to pack the wrong kind of shoes. Or I’ll see a fab pair while shopping and feel bad for carting around two extra pairs.
I have things like medications and other needed personal items that are heavy and take up too much room.
my biggest packing challenge is always WHAT TO BRING!! I am always over thinking it and over packing!!!! Your courses have helped me a great deal and I especially love the packing lists!!!