Packing Tips With Lee

I am very excited to announce I have added a new section to Have Clothes, Will Travel. Starting this month I will be featuring one guest travel post each month from a reader! These posts will range from travel tips to exciting travel experiences my readers want to share. And yes, I am opening this section up to readers, you do not have to be a blogger to submit a post for the month (but if you are a blogger, I am more than happy to feature you and link to your site, too)!

My first Travel Guest Post is from Lee! She is the talented blogger from Layers of Lee! Her site features affordable style posts, as well as her travels all across the globe! Be sure to check out “Layers of Lee” after you’ve read her helpful Packing Tips below.

Lee’s 8 Tips For Packing Like a Pro

Thank you so much to Lindsey for featuring me on her blog! Her blog has been one of my favorites since I started blogging last summer.

I’ve done my fair share of traveling whether it be shorter weekend trips or longer 3-month long semesters abroad. So, I’ve learned a good bit about packing and packing smart. I thought I’d throw some tips together on packing as I have definitely learned a thing or two along the way.

1) Roll your clothes
I’m sure by now you’ve heard this trick but rolling your clothes instead of folding them is such a space saver! You can fit more and your clothes don’t wrinkle.

2) Pick bottoms or tops to have patterns so you don’t clash
I love patterns. I really do. But when I’m packing I like to pick either tops or bottoms to have patterns so that all of my tops go with my bottoms or vice versa. You can get really creative and pick tops and bottoms that work well pattern mixing but when I’m living out of a suitcase I like things to be easy to pick out. I do like to bring one printed and one solid dress though to give me some variety.

3) Packing light is always better
When I spent a semester in Greece I packed way too much stuff. I brought this light (when not packed) duffle bag and by the end of my semester, it was SO heavy and so hard to travel with. You’d be surprised by how much you actually need when you’re traveling. hint: it’s a lot less than you think!

4) Wear your heaviest clothing on the plane
This really depends on your end destination but if you’re heading to a cold climate and need a coat – Don’t pack it!! Coats and sweaters are bulky and will take up so much room in your bag. It might be hot while you’re waiting in security at the airport but it is so worth it. Also, wear your bulkiest shoes so they don’t take up space either.

5) Carry on is the way to go
When I’ve traveled abroad in the past (granted – it was for 2-3 months at a time) I always checked a bag. But if I’m ever traveling nationally – I only bring a carry-on bag and a personal item. On my most recent international trip, I also only brought a carry-on and it was a great choice. Carry-ons save you time by just being able to grab your bag, are easier to carry around, and overall make you pack less! Plus, your luggage won’t get lost!

6) Use a backpack as opposed to rolling luggage
You never know what kinds of streets you’re going to end up on so backpacks can be a lot more practical if you’re walking down dirt roads, cobblestoned streets, etc. Plus, when you are forced to carry something on your back you’ll want to pack less so it’s not as heavy.

7) Leave room in your bag
This tip goes back to packing light but it’s another really great reason to do so! Leaving room in your bag leaves you with room to bring souvenirs back. I always want to pick a few things up for friends (and myself haha) so it’s great to leave that room in your bag. It’s also nice if you’re going on a longer rip to pack older clothing items that you aren’t too attached to that you can chuck at the end of your trip to add more room in your bag.

8) Always bring a scarf
I’ve found that scarves are so helpful when it comes to traveling! You can use a scarf as a pillow, towel, cover up and so much more!

Thank you again to Lindsey for featuring me on her blog! You can find me over at layersoflee.com and you can follow me on:
*Instagram
*Twitter
*YouTube
*Bloglovin’

Thank you, Lee, for these very useful tips! I will be using them on my next trip! If you would like to submit a post for next month please click here to tell me more about it! (Again, you do not have to be a blogger to submit a post!)