How do you pack for long term travel, anyway?
We get this question from fellow travelers and tourists all the time. We watched plenty of online videos on this subject but found our own take on it. We only travel with 1 carry-on bag and another smaller bag (Nicke) or a backpack (Fitz). We both basically pack the same stuff with some exceptions for gender. In our main carry-on we pack enough clothes for 1 week of travel, whatever that is for you could vary but it would need to fit into a single carry-on. I pack by carefully folding then rolling my clothes into a column shape, I found this works best for me. Nicke does a combination of flat folding and rolling. The second bag varies greatly, where mine is a combo of technical gear, like computer, power adapters, cables, earphones, a very light windbreaker and a light raincoat and a couple of disposable ponchos. Nicke’s is make-up bags, shoes and a couple of light cover-ups.
What happens when we run out of clean clothes?
It really depends on the location that you are staying. Most hotels offer a washing/drying or laundry service. Many B&B’s and apartment rentals include a washer (in Europe drying is almost always by clothesline). But when none of those options are available, I like going to the local laundromat. When in a country that English is not the dominant language find out the translation for “laundromat” or “coin laundry” in the local language and search for it online, and always add “near me”, like “pranja novcica near me” in Serbian. I have never not found a place. I usually enjoy going because you get to meet some locals and can even have a nice conversation with them even if they don’t speak your language (translate app). Also, many times, you will meet fellow travelers, that are full of interesting information and stories.
Ok, but traveling for months with the same week’s worth of clothes gets old, doesn’t it?
Yes, you can only get so many combinations of tops and bottoms or “outfits” as Nicke calls them. So, while traveling we find a resale shop (used clothing) and donate some of our old stuff, and then buy new, used, stuff. Of course that doesn’t work with underwear, so do a little shopping. And, of course, you don’t have to go the resale store route, you can always buy new clothes, but just get rid if one old piece for every new piece that you acquire.
What about getting gifts for folks at home?
That can be a bit of an issue. With us, my personal rule is “no gifts”. My friends and family know I love them and don’t want to lug stuff around for months. But, Nicke can’t resist getting small items for friends and family, so I have made accommodations for that.
- Gifts must be small, flat, unbreakable.
- Gifts must be something that is worn, no table decorations or plates
- If they have an inside space, it must be filled with other gifts to conserve space. like a cigarette case.
- I bring a nylon compressed duffle bag with, initially, on the trip knowing that at some point we will need to be carrying an extra bag, and yes we usually have to pay to fly with an extra bag at some point but it is usually only on the return trip to America.
