Travel Light: Essential Packing Tips for Summer Trips
- Marcie O
- Aug 13, 2024
- 7 min read
Traveling can be so much fun, but it’s also incredibly stressful. The anticipation of going somewhere new is exciting, but for me, that excitement often comes with a side of anxiety. I tend to plan everything out at least a week in advance because if I don’t, my mind spirals into a chaotic mess of “what ifs.” What if I forget something important? What if I don’t have what I need when I’m miles away from home? As much as I love to travel, it can be very stress and anxiety-inducing. But I refuse to let that hold me back. Life’s too short to stay in one place out of fear or worry.
When you deal with anxiety, traveling can be especially challenging. The thought of packing and possibly forgetting something essential can be overwhelming, not to mention the sensory overload of sitting in a crowded airport or on a packed plane. But here's the thing: it’s all part of the experience. And when you push through those moments of discomfort and actually get on your way, the rewards of new experiences and adventures make it all worthwhile.
Understanding the Importance of Packing Light
Packing light is a game-changer, especially when you’re dealing with physical pain. I’ve got a bad back with a few herniated disks, so lugging around heavy bags through airports or hotels isn’t my idea of a good time. Over the years, I’ve learned that less is more when it comes to packing. I typically pack only a few days' worth of clothing, and I make sure every item I bring can pull double duty.
Before I even start packing, I research the weather at my destination. If it’s going to be hot, I pack three shirts, a pair of pants, a couple of pairs of shorts, and versatile PJs like a tank top and leggings or shorts. Sometimes I’ll bring an extra pair of shoes, but only if they’re absolutely necessary. Otherwise, it’s just extra weight that I don’t want to deal with. Plus, I know myself—I’m bound to do some shopping at a local thrift store or discount shop when I travel. And if I don’t, I’ve planned my outfits in advance, so mixing and matching is a breeze.
One of the biggest benefits of packing light is avoiding that dreaded sore back in the first few days of your trip. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than pain that could have been prevented. Another pro packing tip: always carry at least one outfit in your carry-on. If the airline loses your luggage, you’ll be so glad to have some fresh clothes to change into. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the same outfit for two days straight!
Essential Packing Tips for Summer Trips
Clothing
As I mentioned before, I like to pack a few different outfits when I travel, but I’m strategic about it. My goal is to mix and match pieces that are comfortable and stylish but don’t take up too much space. I’m all about comfort when I travel. There’s no way I’m squeezing into something restrictive and uncomfortable, especially on a long flight where I’m already crammed into a tiny seat.
Comfortable clothing is a must for me, especially on the plane. I don’t know about you, but being squished in like a Vienna sausage while wearing something that’s digging into my skin is my personal hell. I want to get through airport security, find my seat, and zone out as quickly as possible. Sometimes I enjoy chatting with other passengers, but it really depends on my mood and how overloaded my senses are. If I’m feeling particularly high-strung, I’m more likely to throw on my headphones, put on a podcast or audiobook, and let my resting bitch face do the talking. It’s not intentional, but when I’m trying to relax, I guess I can come off as a little unapproachable. But hey, whatever works, right?
Makeup & Skincare
Travel-size products are a lifesaver. Thankfully, most companies offer their best products in mini versions, making it easy to bring along your must-haves without taking up too much space. For me, I never leave home without my travel-sized mascara (I’m obsessed with Too Faced’s ‘Better Than Sex’ mascara), a small crayon and liquid eyeliner, and a good primer/moisturizer. I’m so glad Purlisse’s ‘Matcha Green Tea Antioxidant Priming Moisturizer’ comes in a travel size because it doubles as my night cream too. And of course, I always pack toothpaste and a toothbrush.
I know that when you’re dealing with depression, keeping up with daily self-care can be a struggle. I’ve been there, where brushing my teeth or washing my face feels like climbing a mountain. But I’ve found that when I’m traveling, I can often restart my self-care routine, and sometimes, that momentum carries over when I get back home. It’s like the change of scenery gives me the push I need to take better care of myself.
Tech & Gadgets
When you’re working while traveling, or just want the flexibility to work from anywhere, packing light can get tricky. You need certain gadgets, and leaving them behind just isn’t an option. If you have to use a computer, consider whether you really need to bring your laptop. Some hotels have business centers where you can use remote access with a VPN to log into your workspace. Personally, I prefer to bring my own laptop and use my own VPN. It’s just easier and gives me peace of mind knowing my setup is secure.
But not all companies are the same. For instance, one job I had required me to use their system, which would have meant giving them access to all my personal data on my computer. As someone with an IT background, I wasn’t about to let that happen. Instead, I created a separate partition on my hard drive that ran Linux, keeping my personal files on the Windows partition. I’m not saying everyone should do this—there’s definitely a learning curve, and you can mess up your hard drive if you’re not careful—but it’s an option if you’re tech-savvy and want to keep your work and personal life separate.
Don’t forget to pack some fun tech too. When I travel, I always bring my largest battery pack. There’s nothing worse than your phone or tablet dying in the middle of a long flight or layover. I’m also more likely to bring my tablet along when I travel. It’s great for listening to music or audiobooks, especially when I’m trying to drown out the noise around me. If I’m bringing a physical book, I’ll listen to music; otherwise, I’m all about the audiobooks or movies. On one of my recent flights, I watched Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)—such a fun movie, and it made the flight go by so much faster. If you’re traveling, I recommend signing up for a premium streaming service, even if it’s just for the month. It’s a nice treat, and it makes those long travel days a little more enjoyable.
Emotional & Mental Preparation
Anxiety sucks. There’s no way around it. But while I can’t always control it, I can work to mitigate its effects. That’s why, when I travel, I make a checklist of everything I need to pack and everything that would be nice to bring. As I’m packing, I check things off the list and gauge the weight of my bag. If it’s getting too heavy, I reevaluate what I really need.
The night before a trip, I try to do some meditation to calm my mind. If I’m too anxious to meditate, I’ll distract myself by chatting with friends or watching one of my favorite shows. Lately, I’ve been re-watching Lucifer and King of the Hill—both are great for helping me zone out and take my mind off my worries.
Preparing emotionally and mentally for travel is just as important as packing the right clothes or gadgets. The goal is to set yourself up for a smooth trip, where you can actually enjoy the journey instead of feeling overwhelmed by it. And remember, it’s okay to feel anxious or stressed—that’s completely normal. The key is to have strategies in place to help you manage those feelings so they don’t ruin your experience.
As I’ve navigated my own travel experiences, I’ve learned that preparation isn’t just about packing the right clothes or remembering to bring my favorite mascara—it’s about preparing my mind and body for the journey ahead. Traveling with anxiety, physical pain, or just the natural stresses of life can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. With the right strategies and mindset, I’ve found that travel can be as enriching as it is challenging.
Travel isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the stories you collect along the way. Every trip is an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, experience something new, and prove to yourself that you can handle whatever comes your way. The process may not always be smooth, and there will likely be moments of stress or discomfort, but those moments are just as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself.
So, whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just dreaming about it, remember that you’re capable of more than you think. Anxiety, pain, and uncertainty are part of life, but they don’t have to hold you back. Embrace the journey, pack light—both literally and figuratively—and allow yourself to experience the joy of travel, even with all its challenges.
And hey, if you’re looking for a bit more guidance on how to make your travels smoother and more enjoyable, stick around. I’m here to share what I’ve learned, and together, we can make those travel dreams a reality. Let’s face it, the world is too big and beautiful to let it pass us by. So, what’s your next destination? Let’s start planning—your next adventure is just a checklist away!
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