8 Tips for Active Trips

Organized “Bagged” Packing for long and far trips…
Not so much what to pack, but rather how to pack and prepare!

 

As my brother would say, “Overpack - you can never have enough”; however, there are other ways to go about packing if you want to actually know what you are bringing, which can avoid the feeling of having forgotten something very important (but you just can't seem to remember what).

One benefit of being organized is knowing where everything is at all times. I have had quite of bit of experience with packing from various family vacations and now, with my life split by an ocean. That requires a lot of packing, for moving or when going home, as well as a lot of planning. It has also gotten me into a routine… what and how I pack when I travel.

I am currently packing for an exciting Kite-surfing vacation, which means lots of activity. The accommodations are shacks on a beach, so the packing requirements call for sporty and simple clothes. The list of what to pack varies slightly for this trip, as I will need beach clothes and bathing suits, rashguards and boardshorts, work-out clothes for yoga or morning runs on the beach, and casual dinner outfits.

My goal of this post is not about telling you what I think you should pack (although I do have a few pictures that might spark some ideas), but rather to share my insights on how I approach packing, specifically for an active trip that requires a variety clothes for all the activities. Here are the 8 tips that I find helpful as guidelines for packing for such an adventure!

Tip 1: Make a To-Do List

Yes, a packing to-do list is also important, but first, I would suggest making a list of all the things you want to do on the trip(s). Will you be working out or just going on excursions? In other words, will you need actual workout clothes or just clothes that are comfortable enough to explore in for a few hours? Then you can pack based on what's on your travel bucket list.

My trip is casual beachwear along with some sporty workout clothes for kiting and exercising. Nothing big planned for dinners so also casual, but a few cuter tanks that won’t get beach sandy.

Tip 2: Plan Outfits, Don’t Overpack

Try to avoid just bringing everything you love. Even if you are going away for more than a week. I go by the rule of four… four shorts (including a skirt/dress/whatever bottoms suit you), four casual tops (beach wear), four “nice” tops (clean dinner clothes), and four workout tops (these you can wear a couple times in a row or wash in between).

To make the most out of the clothes you bring, color coordinate. Try to make as many outfit combinations as you can; this shirt goes with these shorts, sweater, and skirt. Can you double any of the workout wear as beach clothes or beach cover-ups as dinner attire? The more you can mix and match all the clothes you packed, the more you will get out of less.

First two pictures together: four nice tops, Two dresses (above) and one dress + a skirt (below). 4 Shorts (three in first picture, one (nicer pair) in second). Four casual beach tops.

Four workout shirts (that match with the two work out shorts as well as the two board shorts). Two rashguards. Three sports bras for kiting, three for working out.

Tip 3: Lay It Out (Tip 2.1)

This is just my trick to make sure I don’t forget anything. I have separate little piles for each “like” group. I have a pile of toiletries and make-up, a pile of bathing suits, a pile of workout clothes, a pile of nice dinner shirts, a pile of shorts, skirts and cover-ups. This is just my way to count the amount I'm bringing and to make sure I’m not overpacking. Most importantly I can check that I’m not forgetting anything.

All toiletries, cosmetics/makeup, shampoo/conditioner laid out ... Making sure its all there!

Tip 4: Bag “like” Items 

Dividing items into bags is a good way to keep them together or from leaking, which is often the case with toiletries. I have a little bag for everything; this way I can organize all the smaller items into like groups, to have easier access later and remember where that aspirin is that I was looking for.

I have a bag for everything that goes into my wash-kit and anything secondary (medicine/creams). I have also put bathing suits and underwear into separate bags. Those are easy to lose, plus where I am going, everything is “open-concept” so it is easy for small animals to make homes on the shelves where my clothes are. Not only will it keep the animals out but it also keeps all “like” items together.

Wash-kit bags. Bathing suits and socks/underwear.

Tip 5: Carry On Thoughts

Here I also organize everything in their designated bags. I have one bag filled with everything that I’ll need on the plane/mode of transportation.

The Go To Carry On Baggie
The little “you are my sunshine” canvas bag contains chapstick, mints/gum, headphones, tissues, a little container filled with Advil/Tums/Gravel (whatever you may need), hand cream/hand sanitizer, and lipstick (which can sometimes just be nice after a long sleepless flight).

Electronics Bag
The other small bag is for all my chargers and chords that I will need for computers, iPads, iPhones, and watches. I try to keep the electronics that I take with me on vacation to a minimum, but unfortunately, that is not always possible.

Carry-on and Electronics Bag. Backpack: "Mochi Things" - With lots of pockets for organization!

Travel Document Folder
This is where I organize all my flight information, passports, money and different currencies. As a big sister, you end up being in charge of passports and the documents of other people, so it is important to stay organized… for everyone.

Small, Accessible Wallet
I also travel with a small wallet with another form of ID, health card, bank card, and some cash. This way I don’t have to reach into my “travel document folder” to get money out. The smaller wallet is also easy to hide in a small side pocket and still reach quickly. I do this for anything I buy at the airport or towns/cities before reaching the final destination.

Entertainment 
Of course, a carry-on must include anything else you might want to keep yourself busy. I bring my laptop, a book(s), and my journal. This gives me more than enough to do, but usually, I just end up watching movies shown on the plane anyways:)!

Everything that Goes in my Carry-On Backpack

Tip 6: Wash-kit Essentials 

There is lots of micro-organizing that can be done here, so everything within the wash-kit is organized as well.
Micro-Organization Part 1:
In the main area of the wash-kit I put all the essential toiletries; toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face cream, face wash, and aloe vera.
Micro-Organization Part 2:
In the inside pocket of the main compartment, I have a few little cosmetics; blush, mascara, a little concealer, and some lipstick.
Micro-Organization Part 3:
In the outside pocket, I have some “emergency” tools; nail polish to touch up my toes if they break and a nail clipper and file/buffer (if any nails break).
Micro-Organization Part 4:
Finally, in a separate, smaller wash-kit, I have creams for cuts, bites, and wounds. I also have some stronger sunscreen as back-up. 

On a trip like this, where its very relaxed and there is not a lot of dressing up, I try to be as minimalistic as possible with what I pack in my wash-kit. Only bringing mascara, blush, and concealer, instead of the whole naked pallet. Same with face products. The sun and salt water do a lot of the clearing up for me.

Tip 7: Travel Clothes

Lay out what you will wear to travel so that you have an extra outfit. I always need to wear pants when I fly because I get cold easily, so I need a completely separate outfit anyways if I’m traveling somewhere warm. I brought a skirt along this time because we had a full day layover where it would be HOT, so I changed for the day. Alternatively, if your destination is hot as well, you can change when you arrive. If your layover is tight, I would also suggest throwing in a bathing suit or a toothbrush into your carry-on, just in case your luggage doesn’t make it to the destination as fast as you.

In general, it is nice to have a designated travel outfit, especially if you're going on an active or beach vacation where you won’t need pants and your clothes will get wet, dirty, sweaty, or stinky. It’s  just pleasant to have a completely new set of clothes to wear on your way home. You’ll thank me later.

Tip 8: Just In Case … if you have the extra space.

I suggest bringing something extra … just in case. I know I get cold easy, so I bring an extra long-sleeve and little sweater, just in case. Even if you only wear a sweater once, then you have some option. If you’re going somewhere where they are having a rainy season, maybe throw in a rain poncho or even jacket. I always throw in a baseball cap even though I don’t like wearing hats. For these few little things, it's better to lug it around than wish you had packed it. If you have the extra space, DO IT.

And most importantly, enjoy your adventure!