Why 3:1?

Packing three tops to every bottom allows me to pack a wide variety of outfits using only a few, versatile pieces. By planning a wardrobe around a central, neutral color everything can mix and match. (This way I’m not aren’t forced to wear that one shirt only with that one skirt.) Multi-use items can extend a travel wardrobe even further.

Start with the bottom

I’ve found it’s easier to start with the bottom pieces and then figure out which tops work best. The bottoms depend on the weather and destination: For warm weather it’s usually a pair of capri’s and/or shorts, a skirt and a sundress; for cold weather it’s usually denim jeans, a nice pair of pants and maybe a warm dress. By wearing neutral colors on the bottom (like black, tan & denim) they tend to show less dirt (than white!) which means less laundry.

Work your way up

The best thing about wearing neutral colors on the bottom (tan, black & dark denim) is that any color top matches. That takes out half the stress of planning what to pack! Have fun with your tops (remember: it’s nice to have photos that don’t always show you in the same shirt) and don’t forget to take a sweater – a/c happens. I like to pack a variety of shirts: tanks, short sleeves, ¾ sleeves and long sleeves so I can layer for changing weather.

Top it off with accessories

A scarf is the perfect way to add variety to your travel wardrobe without adding weight to your bag. Get two completely different looks from the same black shirt and pants by adding a scarf or a piece of jewelry.

Tip: I like to purchase jewelry on my trips from local artisans. It’s fun to meet the designers in the market places, really fun to wear on my adventure, lightweight to pack home and is the perfect souvenir! And most importantly, I feel good about supporting the local economy.

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The definition of “doing laundry” can mean many things. From finding a laundromat to sending it out to utilizing your sink in your room; it all depends on your preference. For some travelers it’s worth the extra money to have someone do it for them. For me? The majority of the time I prefer to save valuable vacation dollars and do some hand wash along the way. Here’s how I do it.

Step 1: Pack a Travel Laundry Kit

• 2-gallon Ziploc® plastic bag
• Travel laundry soap
• Braided elastic laundry line

Step 2: Make a Travel Washing Machine
When it comes to doing laundry in the sink, do you ever wonder how clean the sink really is? Here’s my solution: I turn a 2-gallon Ziploc® bag into a mini-travel-washing machine.

First fill the bag ½ way with water & add travel soap (shampoo works in a pinch) then toss in socks/underwear/etc. & agitate and repeat. If things need to soak, you can zip the top shut and move to the counter so you can still use the sink for other things (especially handy if you’re sharing a room and someone else who needs the sink). To rinse, simply fill it a few times with clean water. Once items are clean, wring them out & roll them in a towel to absorb the moisture (they’ll dry faster).

Step 3: Use a Travel Laundry Line
Hang items to dry on a travel laundry line. Most items dry in a few hours as the air can circulate. By using a braided laundry line which grips the items (instead of a single cord) you don’t have to pack clothes pins, saving space in your bag.

I’m sure I’ve saved not only hundreds of dollars over the years by using my “travel washing machine” but I’ve also saved hundreds of hours that I was able to be out enjoying the destination and not searching for a laundry mat.

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My inspiration: For years as I was traveling the world, my mother continually gave me travel journals as gifts – reminding me to take time to write down all my amazing experiences. Unfortunately, I was always too busy having fun to stop and “journal”, however I did keep in touch with my family by sending postcards: quick & easy.

Well, guess what? My mother knew I wasn’t writing in my journals so she kept every postcard and letter I sent over the years and gave them back to me as a gift 15 years later. I now have all those fantastic memories as keepsakes (some I don’t even recall) Thanks mum!

Here’s what I do now: As I travel, I purchase postcards of my favorite sites, historical and cultural (including hotels, most of which have their own free postcards). I pop a few in my day bag and while I’m having lunch in a café or riding a train through the countryside, I jot down a special memory of the day or describe a favorite restaurant and its location.

Then I purchase the most interesting stamp I can find and mail the postcard – to myself! The best part is I receive mail when I get home. It’s fun to see how long it takes to receive mail from different parts of the world.

Once received, here’s what I do: I punch a hole through the upper left hand corner, tie a ribbon around all the cards from each trip and place them on my coffee table. These “postcard travel journals” make great conversation pieces and the ribbon looks attractive while keeping all the cards together (I also use 1” book rings from the office supply store). After a while, I pack the postcards in a box that I’ve decorated with a map from that trip. It’s an easy way to reference the trip, and when a friend asks, “What was the name of that great restaurant you raved about in Florence?” I can locate it easily.

More Great Post Card Tips:
Visit a souvenir shop upon arrival in a city and look at the racks of postcards. This gives you a quick visual of many of the famous sights and areas in the city and helps you make a list of perfect photo opportunities.

When you’re printing your digital photos, print some to use as postcards.
Collect postcards on your travels and use them to decorate your scrapbook, fridge, or to make a collage under glass on your dresser or coffee table. Display family postcards in shadow boxes.

Ask your parents and grandparents if they have any old postcards. They are great conversation starters and a window to family history. (Hint: They are usually stored in old luggage or trunks).

Antique postcards are a fun item to collect and can be found in most cities worldwide. Upside: They are lightweight and pack flat in your bag.

Another option for displaying your postcards is to cut a window in a scrapbook page, making both sides visible.

Decorate your packing board with postcards from your adventures.

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#1 If the loss of an item would ruin your trip (like your passport or credit card) it should be kept in a security wallet. The two most popular styles are the neck wallet and the money belt, both worn under your clothes and only accessed when you’re in a secure location. I recommend keeping a small amount of money ($50) in your handbag or pocket for minor expenses throughout the day (like gelato) but large sums or cards stay undercover in this security wallet.

#2 Invest in a cross body bag. Again- your passport, credit card and the bulk of your cash should stay in your security wallet, but that still leaves your phone/camera, walking cash, guidebook and sunglasses in your day bag, and you don’t want to lose those either.  The easiest bag to keep an eye on is a cross-body bag carried in front of you.

#3 Protect your data. I always recommend a security wallet that protects your items with RFID blocking fabric so you can’t be “electronically pick-pocketed”. RFID payment technology was designed to add convenience to everyday life, but it can also offer a way for thieves to obtain your data via scanner without ever reaching into your bag.

Features to look for in a security wallet:

• RFID blocking technology
• Moisture wicking, breathable fabric
• Soft, elastic waistband or adjustable neck strap
• At least one zippered pocket for organization

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