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This article was written by guest author, Oneika Raymond<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re anything like me, you love to travel but hate to pack for it. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I love most pre-trip prep: I can gleefully spend hours crafting an itinerary, researching the best spots to sample local cuisine, or looking up a destination\u2019s most Instagrammable locations.\u00a0 But the act of gathering my belongings and putting them into a suitcase?\u00a0 That\u2019s where I lose all enthusiasm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thankfully, after traveling to more than \u00a0100 countries across 6 continents, you could say that I\u2019ve got packing down to a science. Because, not only am I able to pack within 30 minutes, I\u2019m also able to pack more efficiently, rarely ever have to check a bag, and<\/em> still manage to look cute! Wondering how I\u2019m able to do it?\u00a0 Keep reading for my tips on how to pack lighter, smarter, and faster.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pack less, use laundry services more<\/strong><\/p>\n The truth is, most of us are chronic over packers \u2014 meaning \u00a0we bring way too many articles of clothing on any given trip. That\u2019s why my number one recommendation is to never pack more than 7 days worth of clothing:. Not only will that force you to get serious about which items are really essential, it also cuts down on unnecessary weight. Also, let\u2019s get real: With the exception of your undergarments, you can (and should!) wear your clothes more than once on your vacation. \u00a0\u00a0If that\u2019s not your thing, you can also look into getting your clothes laundered while you\u2019re away, or even hand-wash them \u00a0in your hotel room\u2019s sink.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Leave the heavy jewelry, toiletries, and electronics at home<\/strong><\/p>\n Once again, less is more. Leave the heavy chains, face washes, and cameras at home and take a lighter approach. If you\u2019re into accessories, think about adorning yourself with scarves or shawls, typically made in lightweight materials that are breathable and easily packable. If you\u2019re a K-beauty fan you can always pour out a small amount of your favorite skincare products into travel-sized bottles (no need to bring the originalpackage it came in). For electronics like cameras, smartphones are so good now that they can deliver near-equivalent quality to your DSLR camera. Not convinced? This might also be a prime opportunity to book a local photographer for those extra-special vacay shots you don\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bring only 3 pairs of shoes max<\/strong><\/p>\n Shoes weigh you down literally and figuratively, so try to bring as few pairs as you can. A good walking shoe is crucial for exploring your destination, and depending on where exactly you\u2019re going, a ballet flat for the ladies is a great option that can transition you from day to night. My personal recommendation: Unless you\u2019re slated to go to a wedding or some other fancy event, leave the stilettos at home-. I guarantee you won\u2019t wear them enough for them to be worth it.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Ditch the denim and other heavy materials<\/strong><\/p>\n Jeans may be cute but they are heavy and take up a lot of space in your luggage; this goes for garments like sweaters as well. Instead, pack lightweight garments that you can layer when the weather is cold or inclement. Instead of packing a bulky wool jacket, bring thermals you can use as a base layer under a down-filled coat with a slimmer fit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Create a master packing list<\/strong><\/p>\n Here\u2019s a secret: most of the anxiety around packing comes from not knowing what to pack! Cut down on nerves (and time spent getting your luggage sorted) by creating a master packing checklist you can use again and again. Start your list with essential \u201ccan\u2019t live without\u201d items (like underwear) that you\u2019re likely to bring on every single trip, then round it out with your \u201cwant but don\u2019t need\u201d items that are sure to vary depending on your destination. This way, you\u2019ll not only keep your anxiety at bay, you\u2019ll also be able to speed up the process.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pack in palettes (that also mix and match)<\/strong><\/p>\n Here\u2019s another big tip that I frequently employ: I pack clothing in complementary colors and prints. Since I can mix and match everything, I don\u2019t have to worry about packing \u201coutfits\u201d; I can simply throw in a bunch of separates I know will look good no matter what combination.\u00a0 Doing this allows me to pack way more quickly and efficiently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keep at stocked toiletry bag in your luggage at all times<\/strong><\/p>\n Toiletry items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and body creams typically come with you on every trip, so why spend time packing them again and again?\u00a0 Instead, save time by keeping a toiletry bag stocked with all your lotions and potions in your luggage. Set a monthly calendar reminder to check it so that it\u2019s always topped up and ready to go.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Consider packing in stages\u2026over a few days<\/strong><\/p>\n My last tip is probably the most difficult one to adopt if you\u2019re a master procrastinator. However, taking the time to pack over a few days as opposed to a few hours will not only minimize your stress levels but also reduce the amount of time it takes to pack overall! Apply some method to the packing madness by packing in \u201csegments\u201d. Start with essentials, then move down your list to the \u201cI don\u2019t necessarily need this, but want it\u201d items until your luggage is complete. Trust me, this simple act will change your life.<\/p>\n About Oneika Raymond<\/em><\/p>\n Oneika Raymond is an award-winning travel and lifestyle expert, journalist, and television host whose adventures have taken her to over 115 countries on 6 continents.<\/p>\n As an NBC New York correspondent and host of two series on the Travel Channel, she\u2019s dedicated to inspiring women and people of color to live their best lives both at home and abroad. Profiled by outlets such as Forbes, The Washington Post, and New York Magazine, Oneika is also an accomplished writer whose work has appeared in publications including Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler, Ebony Magazine, and Lonely Planet. Additionally, she\u2019s the voice behind the respected travel blog Oneika The Traveller, which was named Best Travel Blog by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2018.<\/p>\n Follow Oneika\u2019s exploits on Instagram at @oneikatraveller<\/a> or at www.oneikathetraveller.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/DZ6A0623-copy-scaled.jpg\")
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