Over 40 years ago, I embarked on my first international adventure and have been traveling ever since. But one thing has changed over time…the way I pack.
Heavy suitcases, airline fees, and packing stress led me to refine my approach to packing. So, I traveled full-time with my husband for four years. Yes, we were nomadic couples who traveled by plane, ship, and RV after selling our home and most of our belongings. The nomad travel lifestyle not only teaches you to scale down your wardrobe but also to test products and look for hacks or unique solutions.
In this blog, I will share some of my free tricks and inexpensive hacks and review some trending travel gear. Is the gear worth the social media hype? Keep reading to find out.
Free Trick: How to Pack the Perfect Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Your Next Adventure
Are you tired of overpacking, lugging around a heavy suitcase, and still feeling like you have nothing to wear? It’s time to embrace the magic of a Travel Capsule Wardrobe. This packing strategy is not just a trend; it’s a game-changer for travelers who want to stay stylish while packing light. Imagine turning just 10 items into over 25 outfits—yes, it’s possible!
A Travel Capsule Wardrobe is a carefully curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. The key is prioritizing versatile, timeless pieces that allow you to travel light without sacrificing style. Whether heading off on a weekend getaway or a two-week adventure, packing with a capsule wardrobe will save you time, reduce stress, and even help you avoid those dreaded luggage fees.
If you are looking for money-saving tips on travel gear, keep reading for my gear dupes…
Step 1: Choose Your Essentials
Start by selecting pieces that you love and that go well together. Think about your favorite T-shirt that pairs perfectly with jeans but also looks great with a skirt for a more polished look. The goal is to choose items that can be worn in multiple ways, ensuring you’re covered for different occasions—sightseeing, enjoying a nice dinner, or lounging by the pool.
Step 2: Focus on Versatility
Instead of packing your suitcase to the brim with extra “just-in-case” items, focus on comfort and quality. Lightweight layers are your best friend! Pack items like a tank top, a button-down shirt, and a trench coat, all of which can be layered for different weather conditions. Shoes should be functional and stylish—think neutral sneakers that work for day hikes and casual dinners.
Step 3: Think About Your Trip
The number of items in your Travel Capsule Wardrobe depends on how long you’re traveling and your plans. For shorter trips, 10 to 15 pieces might be enough to create various looks. For longer trips, you might want to add a few more. Take a moment to consider the activities you’ll be doing. Are you heading to the beach? Going on a hike? Dining out? Make sure your wardrobe reflects the versatility you need for all these activities.
Step 4: Learn and Refine
After your trip, note what you wore and what remained untouched in your suitcase. This will help you refine your Travel Capsule Wardrobe for future trips. Over time, you’ll discover which pieces work for you and become a master at packing light!
Q: Do you ever get tired of your travel capsule wardrobe?
A: Now that I am back, living in a home, I have travel wardrobes for certain types of travel. There is a Caribbean cruise travel capsule, a cold weather capsule I used in Alaska, etc. I do get tired of items and then sell them at consignment shops. I have a network relationship with a consignment shop owner and tell her what pieces I am looking for as capsule replacements. Consignment and thrift store shopping is fun, and the pieces usually become cornerstones in my travel capsule wardrobes.
The next time you prepare for a trip, challenge yourself to pack a Travel Capsule Wardrobe. You’ll feel more organized, lighter, and ready for any adventure that comes your way—without the stress of a stuffed suitcase!
Gear Dupes That Have Survived the Rigors of Travel: Money-Saving Hacks on Travel Gear
I often look at travel gear on YouTube and other social media channels. Since I am a travel writer, I use it as an excuse to test products and travel gear. 🤣 As you have probably guessed, not all products survive the rigors of travel.
In this part of the blog, I will share the value-priced products I have been using for at least a year. They are “survivors” of many trips and are dupes for more expensive items on the market. Because I do most of my shopping online, you can find most of these items on Amazon. (but the links I provide are NOT affiliate links)
Compression Packing Cubes and Plastic Compression Bags: I always use compression packing cubes. I have added plastic compression bags to my packing list in the past two years. Here are the links to the bags that I use:
Compression Packing Cubes: These are lightweight and value-priced. I have two sets and use them in both my carry-on bag and personal item for flights.
“Slim” Packing Cubes: These are great for luggage with extra small spaces. I also use them in my Nomad Lane bag (below). They are an Amazon brand and a hack on a much more expensive brand.
Plastic Compression Bags: I have tried several brands of compression bags and now use these. They are easy to roll and do not require a vacuum.
Plastic Organization Bags: In the past year, I avoided using canvas zipper bags for cosmetics, tech cords, etc. These bags are re-usable, lightweight, and very inexpensive.
Hanging Organizer: Before switching to the above plastic organization bags, I traveled with this hanging organizer inside my personal item for flights. This bag is not just for toiletries. When I use this hanging organizer, I pack it with an extra shirt and scarf, jewelry, non-liquid toiletries, a first aid kit, etc. This organizer is value-priced compared to other brands at $25 and ships with a liquid bag, too. (Over 14K five-star ratings on Amazon)
Ikea folding tote (grocery) bag: These are under $2 each, and I usually take two on every trip. Here’s a great tip: put one in your jacket pocket. Wear your jacket on the plane. Once at your seat, fold your coat into the tote and place it in the overhead compartment or under your seat.
Compression Socks: I wear compression socks on any flight over 3 hours. I also take them to wear under pants on a cruise to fight swelling.
Re-Usable Cruise Luggage Tags: Some of my luggage tag holders have been on multiple cruises and still look new. I also keep a copy of my passport in one of these waterproof tag holders. These inexpensive holders have many uses.
Amazon Brand Luggage: I usually travel with Carry-on Only (COO), but when I do need to use a checked bag, I use this value-priced, hard-sided suitcase from Amazon. This 26″ suitcase is currently priced at $79 and has over 48K ratings of 4.5 stars. I have seen this bag on sale for as low as $60, so follow it on Amazon.
The Foldie Bag: If you are on social media, you have probably seen an ad for the Foldie. I will admit that I have not had great experiences with this bag as a flight personal item, I think that it is perfect for adding to your suitcase while traveling to “shopping” destinations.
Are They Worth the Hype (and Cash)?
You may have seen the travel items and gear below advertised online or in high-end travel publications and wondered if they are worth the cost. In this section, I will give you my honest opinion.
The TRTL In-Flight Neck Pillow: Yes, wearing this “travel pillow” on your next flight will make you look a little different. I will admit that I took a few tries at home to figure out the best fit for me. I can say that I have actually slept on flights since purchasing my TRTL. It is worth the $70 price. Follow them on social media and look for sales.
The Nomad Lane Bento Bag: The price of this personal item bag is painful. I do like the bag but with one caveat. I love using it when it can ride on my carry-on bag through the airport. This personal item does fit under the seat, and it does hold/organize a lot of gear and clothes in packing cubes. But, when fully packed, it can be heavy.
The Hanke Carry-On Suitcase: I love this carry-on suitcase. It packs like a trunk instead of a clamshell. I have carried it on many flights and used it as a checked bag. I purchased mine on Amazon Prime Day. Follow it on Amazon and look for a sale.
EmeTerm Nausea Relief Band: I always bring one of these bands when I travel. I also have a brand twice the cost, and the EmeTerm is an excellent solution for $79. If you are worried about motion sickness or are a nervous flyer, this band is for you.
It’s Not Packing…It’s “Sculpting”
Last year, a YouTuber mentioned that she considers packing her luggage as ” sculpting.” Sculpting is refining and pairing down the items in your luggage. Travelers usually overpack by at least 25%, so I decided to give sculpting a try and now have my own method.
Do you really need four pairs of shoes? Three pairs of jeans? Or so many liquid toiletries that you must check a bag?
My Sculpting Method for Traveling Carry-On Only:
Step One: As I hunt, gather supplies, and assemble my capsule wardrobe, I place the items in a box that is the approximate size of my carry-on bag. If the box looks full, I remove some items and start a “maybe” pile. If you love shopping for new clothes or supplies before a trip, this box hack will constantly remind you that space is limited. The sculpting begins.
Step Two: I do a trial pack three weeks before my trip, especially if it includes a flight. Packing early is Sculpting Phase 2. Usually, a few items are cut in this stage. I then let my luggage and personal items sit, zipped, and ready for a week.
Step Three: After a week, I unpack my bags. As I unpack my bags, I always find items to cut from the list for Sculpting Phase 3.
Step Four: When I do a final pack the week before the trip, I continue to refine my list*.
*I create a list and photograph my luggage in case I have a travel insurance claim for missing or damaged luggage.
Remember, rushed packing usually leads to overpacking!
–Kim Chappell
Tour Plan International Travel Writer
You can find additional travel tips and money saving hacks on travel gear from Tour Plan International travel advisors on our blog.
