Pack It Up

I recently took a trip to Atlanta! This was my first time going there and I loved exploring all the different things there were to do and see. After returning from my trip, I realized I wanted to share some simple tips for any other inspiring travelers. For this specific blog post I wanted to talk about PACKING! It's such an important part of the traveling process but it doesn't get talked about often.

When you're packing there are so many things to consider. I narrowed it down to my top 3 important tips! These three things were super important as I prepared for Atlanta. By taking note of some of my suggestions below I hope it will lead to more efficient packing and an overall more enjoyable traveling experience!

Weather
The first thing you should do when you're preparing for a trip, is to check the weather! You have absolutely no idea what the weather just might be. You definitely don't want to pack a bikini for a rainy 50 degree weather situation. Taking this first step allows you to make clothing decisions much easier. Open toe or closed? Hooded Jacket or light sweater? Shorts or pants? Are you going to be sweating from the humidity or enjoying a cool breeze? No matter where you are going, or how familiar you are with their "typical" weather, make sure you take a look at the expected weather forecast. Once you've done this you will be able to make much more informative decisions.

When I was preparing to go to Atlanta I was checking the weather constantly. For the longest it showed sunny clear skies and 90 degree weather. Then a week before my trip it changed! It now showed RAIN!! Which then led to a drop in daily temperature of about 75 degrees. So all of those "perfect" outfits I had been planning for months, now had to be changed.

Itinerary
Next, you want count out the number of days you will be there. Respectively you will need at least that many outfits. Now you also want to take in consideration the events you will be participating in during your trip. Are you going out? Hitting the Beach? Typically activities like these will lead to outfit changes during the day. So make sure you have somewhat outlined the itinerary. You don't want to wind up sitting in wet clothes after leaving the beach, because you forgot to bring an extra change of clothes. And you don't want to be prancing around in an evening gown all day because you forgot an extra set of day clothes. Lay out some simple plans for your trip and keep track of all the needed outfits so you are able to plan accordingly.

Once you do that you can then dive into more specifics. If you're going to a fancy restaurant you know you'll need a nice dress. Planning to hike on your trip? Don't forget your shorts and tank. You don't need to have the exact items picked out in the beginning stages. However, laying out the general pieces you need will help spark outfit ideas, guide you as you shop for pieces, and make packing easier when the time comes.

When you begin to plan your itinerary it truly helps you discover what pieces you need (or don't need) and will make packing so much smoother

Maximize your space!
This was a must for me! For the first time, I was traveling with just a small carry on. Let me reiterate this again. I was spending a week in Atlanta and only had one small piece of luggage. I love clothes and I love to be prepared for any possible occasion. So, packing light just isn't an option for me. But, I'm definitely great at maximizing my space! When you're packing I highly recommend folding your clothes into small squares.This will save so much space, and help you section off your bag. I was able to fit so many articles of clothing in my suitcase by doing this.

Shoes were the toughest part for me. A good trick, is to wear your bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane/while traveling to save space in your suitcase. If that's not an option, put those bulky shoes in your suitcase first, creating a square. This way you can pack your clothes around it utilizing the sections that the shoes created. Then put all your tiny pieces into the empty spaces around your shoes. Socks, undies, tiny pouches, and whatever else can fit. You don't want to leave any open spaces or gaps! For your tiny shoes add those last! I mainly had sandals, so after packing everything else, I slid those in on the side. Since they are so flat it makes an easy squeeze! Most airlines allow a carry on and a "Personal Item" I suggest bringing a big shoulder bag or book-bag. So whatever I couldn't get int my suitcase, things I needed easy access to, and the things I didn't want to squish, wound up in that bag. This included two purses, my snacks, my books, some jewelry, typical purse items, and an umbrella. Your "Personal Item" can truly be your lifesaver.

Those are my top three packing tips! Hopefully these help! By incorporating those three things into your packing regimen it can truly make packing so much easier and alleviate some of that  pre-trip stress! Check the weather, plan out your itinerary, and maximize every drop of space! When you do this it will make packing such a breeze!

-FASHMIRA

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