InquisiTours' Tips for Packing
1. Take the Carry-On Only Challenge!
Taking a carry-on vs checking a bag has lots of benefits:
- Avoid the hassle of lost or delayed luggage.
- If your travel plans are interrupted, you have everything you need with you.
- The simplicity of having only a carry-on grants peace of mind.
- Avoid baggage claim altogether when you arrive at your destination.
2. Consider curating a capsule wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a small number of quality items that all go together so that multiple outfits can be created using the same pieces.
3. Shoes
If you are bringing just a carry-on, one nice pair for evening and one pair for walking are all the shoes you need. Make sure your walking shoes are comfortable, durable and you don’t mind getting them dirty.
4. Wear bulky items on plane.
It tends to get cooler on the plane, so wear jackets or bulky items to save room in your luggage. We are big fans of puffy jackets which can also make a nice pillow in a pinch. Same principle goes with shoes – leave the small sandals in the luggage, wear the sneakers!
5. Wear layers.
- Wearing light layers that can be stowed in your bag or tied around your waist is a good idea so that you can remain comfortable wherever you are.
- Layers can also be utilized to transition from day touring to evening dinner easily. For example, a tunic or longer dress can be worn over jeans or leggings with comfortable walking shoes for daytime then later you can remove the leggings and replace the sneakers with sandals for dinner. A scarf goes a long way to dress up an outfit as well!
6. Can I wear jeans?
Yes! We recommend black jeans because they transition easily from day to evening.
7. Do men need a sport coat?
Yes, Michelin star restaurants are included, so gentlemen will need a sport coat. We recommend wearing it on the plane to avoid rumpling or taking up space in your luggage.
8. Accessories
We recommend only bringing accessories that are small and easy to store. For example, a scarf and a necklace.
9. How to Pack
- Take some advice from Marie Kondo on how to pack your items for maximum space.
- While packing, visualize your trip and think about all the fun things you will get to do!
- Don’t bring anything “just in case.” Everything you could need is available for purchase at your destination, so don’t worry over “just in case” items.
- Consider using vacuum packing space saver bags for your clothing.
- Only pack your luggage 85% full. Save room for souvenirs. Also, repacking to return home always seems to take up more space somehow.
- Pack a smaller bag such as a heavy canvas duffel in your carry on so that if you end up with too many souvenirs, you can always carry that bag on and check your main bag for the return flight.
