In Brittany, France, during a brisk rainstorm, I appealed to a Frenchman, a stranger, to drive us to our hotel when our taxi failed to show up. Sympathetic, he asked, “You have big bags?” Oh, no, I assured him, pointing to two 21-inch roller bags that fit snugly in his mini-SUV. Off we went.
With careful planning, travel ease is literally in the bag every time.
For years I’ve resolved to bring all the necessities — clothes, shoes, toiletries — in a small suitcase that fits in the plane’s overhead bin.
Traveling without checked bags gives you flexibility when there are unforeseen mechanical issues on a plane. Skip the hassle — lost luggage, baggage claim jostling — and beat everyone to the taxi stand.
Wardrobe basics
First, a workable formula: Wear one, pack two.
For shoes, I wear comfortable pair of “walkers” on the plane, flats that take me shopping, museum-hopping, even to a casual dinner. I might pack a dressier pair for a night out in San Francisco, New York or Paris. And depending on the itinerary and weather, perhaps a pair of athletic shoes for the hotel fitness center or a walk in a park.
The same formula works for slacks. My plane pants are wrinkle-free; the other two pairs include a light wool one for fancier outings and another in polyester for day or night. My husband, Bob, wears black or navy trousers (Dockers brand) on the plane, while packing another pair for day and dressier ones for outings.
Dark shoes and slacks are more practical, unless you love white or khaki and don’t mind spending vacation time and money laundering.
Women’s clothing
For blouses and tops, the trick is layering. A camisole or shell worn under a top under a sweater can be super versatile whether staying in hot or cool weather, spending time indoors or out.
For a two-week trip I usually pack seven or eight tops, all color-coordinated, from casual to dressy.
Don’t fret about wearing the same clothes day after day. You’re the only person noticing it.
To a basic black wardrobe (black slacks, sweater or jacket), I’ll add, for example, a red, burgundy or chocolate brown blouse for a rich pop of color.
A pair of slacks is the most carefree travel gear, but a black skirt adds versatility.
Dresses and swirly skirts are less practical and harder to pack. Travel ease is enjoying the sights without fussing about clothing.
But I still want to look chic and put-together on the road. Once upon a time, I dreamed of packing all my favorite cottons, silks and linens. Today, much of the clothing I buy has to pass the travel-worthy test. Is it no-iron? Is it a suitable style? Is the color easy to mix and match? Is it flexible for day to night?
Men’s clothing
Layering and color-coordinating works for men, too. Bob travels with his trusty L.L. Bean Oxford shirts that magically shed wrinkles.
Long- and short-sleeved shirts in solid blue, pink and yellow can be complemented with a tan, navy or burgundy pullover sweater. Add a tie and a blazer and you’re ready for the country club, a New York business lunch or the ballet at Lincoln Center.
For casual daywear, he packs cotton-polyester collared golf shirts that go everywhere. Bob also includes cotton undershirts to wick perspiration.
Daily laundry
Almost daily, we launder underwear, socks and shirts in the hotel sink using the hotel shampoo. We squeeze wet laundry in towels to hasten drying.
Presto — fresh undies the next day.
Cold-weather gear
Layering works for cold weather, too. In addition to the color-coordinated sweater, a waterproof fleece, a goose-down or nylon jacket is indispensable.
Add gloves, a scarf and a hat and you’re ready for cold, inclement weather. My fleece jacket doubles as a pillow or seat cushion on planes.
After a brisk walk, you’ll adjust quicker to the warmer indoors by peeling off layers.
Suitcase extras
We even have room in our luggage to pack resealable bags full of nuts, energy bars and cereal. Add milk or yogurt and enjoy the convenience and cost-effectiveness of breakfast in your hotel room.
Our stash of nuts often includes macadamias. Give chocolate-covered macs to your hotel manager and you’ll be forever memorable — and you may even score a room upgrade.
How to pack
Place snacks, books, omiyage, plus your shoes (stuffed with socks), umbrella and binoculars in the bottom of the suitcase, making this layer flat and even.
Next insert a piece of cardboard.
Fold slacks within slacks to save space and keep them wrinkle-free. Layer blouses, shirts and sweaters on top, folding one within another. For example, first place a shirt in the suitcase with the sleeves and shirt bottom draped over the bag sides. Now place another shirt on top, this time upside down. Continue layering shirts (alternate a wrinkle-free polyester shirt with a cotton one to reduce creases). Fold the sleeves and bottom of shirts to fit your bag.
Finally, pack your jacket, hat, gloves and scarf last for easy access once you arrive in a chilly destination.
Toiletries and pills
While traveling, collect bottles of hotel shampoo and hand lotion. Upon returning home, empty and sanitize the bottles and refill with your own lotions and soaps. Be sure to keep your miniature tube of toothpaste from your dentist for your travel kit.
Skip the plastic prescription bottles and attach the medication labels to snack-sized resealable bags.
Travel ease
While in Milan, Italy, I observed a group of harried American tourists each dragging two massive suitcases struggle to board a train. The three were dumbfounded to find they were unable to store their luggage. The space between seat rows was too narrow, the racks too small, the overhead bins inaccessible.
Nearby, an experienced German couple dressed for hiking in the Swiss mountains consulted excursion maps and at the next station strapped on their backpacks and pulled their bags off an overhead shelf.
No yelling. No stress. No broken fingernails.
It renewed my resolve to always travel light.
