Traveling is fun, but packing can be a chore. Either you pack too much or too little and no matter how hard you try you can never find that perfect balance. We feel you. Over the years we have found several awesome ways to pack and each are versatile depending on the trip.
Military Style
Also called "Ranger Roll," military style packing attempts to pack everything you need in the least amount of space as possible. Shirts, socks, and pants will be "rolled" up tight so that it's all easier to Tetris together. This style is great for those that like to over pack a little (you know who you are.)
7 Day Wash
This style is great for those going on a longer trip, trying to save money, or who are trying to avoid over packing. The basic idea of this style is that you only bring enough for 7 outfits. So let's say, 7 shirts, four jeans, and three shorts, plus underwear. After 7 days are up you find a laundromat and BOOM...7 more days of clean clothes. Because really, who cares if you wore that shirt twice on your amazing trip to Costa Rica?
Clubbing
This style is for all you party people, or you business nuts. The clothes you bring on your trip will be to impress and you might have more than one pair of shoes to bring along with you. As anyone who has ever tried to pack more than one set of shoes will know, this can be a challenge. Especially heels. So, here's two ways of doing it. If you plan on checking a back, put all your shoes in that one. If you're not going to check a bag you'll want to plan your suitcase in halves. Think shoe store with me and put your shoes in the way they pack them in a box, on the other side neatly fold your business or dressy clothes. It's going to take a few tries to get it all to fit right, but i promise it will work.
Hitchhikers
This style of packing is the most minimal. This is for those last minute travel, the you already know you want to shop a lot trip, and the you just couldn't bring yourself to pack again travel. Hitchhikers bring only what they need. Maybe two pairs of jeans, a few shirts, and underwear. Everything else can be bought after reaching your destination or used and discarded along the way (like if you're backpacking through Europe!) It makes plane and train trips a cinch because it isn't too heavy and that one thing you need to pull out right this minute can be found without dumping everything out.
We hope one of these packing styles will help you on your next travel trip. Enjoy!
Is there another special way you've found to pack? Let us know in the comments!
