Packing Tips

Now that you have your luggage selected you need to get packing.

1. Try and maximise on the number of times you can wear your bottoms (pants and skirts) – target for at least twice per item during the trip. I would opt for jeans as your safest bet, but that solely depends on whether you are going for some stuffy workshop or for some personal down time. When necessary, as you take your shower, steam your already used clothes by hanging them on the door hanger to freshen them up.

2. Bring travel-sized containers of detergent to hand wash bras, swimsuits and to beat stains out before they set. A tip here is to refill empty bottles of shampoo (around 120 ml or so) with detergent if smaller sizes of detergent aren't available in the market. Alternatively, carry with you a bar soap (think Ushindi) but just be careful to carry with you a zip lock bag so that it doesn't rub against clean clothes after use.

3. Bring a change of undies  for everyday - and throw in 3 extra pairs. (Who wants to take an evening shower and put on the same undies they wore during the day?)

4. Bring three bras (preferably in black) for a one week trip. Of the two one should have detachable bra straps for that outfit which cant work the ‘normal’ bra.

5. Roll your cotton pieces and fold everything else in squares so as to save packing space.

6. Carry clothes in darker shades for everyday use (black, dark blue, purple, green, dark red) or neutral (all browns and shades of gray) colored clothing, so any dirt or stains acquired along the way won't be too apparent. 

7. Pack clothes first then tuck in shoes in between. Pack shoes in cloth or plastic bags.

8. For cooler weather travelers:  layering clothes is more effective than hauling around bulky sweaters or coats.

9. One way of ensuring you pack what you will actually need and will use is to write out your outfit ideas before hand. Sounds a bit OCD but it makes perfect sense. This way you ensure that you limit your luggage as well as you get a chance to see if the outfit works.