In case you missed the previous posts:
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I used to live out of a suitcase for months on end.
I got used to understanding what was important, what was not and what to bring.
But here is the trickiest of them all: packing for overseas travel, for something 3 weeks or longer.
There seems to be more to remember.
And since most vacations are in the summer, I chose to do it for summer here.
(Partly because I am going on a trip, myself. Stay tuned for next week’s post on what I ACTUALLY packed)
If you are going in winter or autumn, pack a winter coat, and all the other winter things accordingly.
5 Overseas-specific things to think about:
- You will probably want to come back with souvenirs. Leave room.
- You will probably not want to be singled out as a noticeable tourist.
- I am assuming you will be washing items during the 3 weeks, especially underwear.
- Consider bringing your own plastic reusable utensils or cups.
- Do not pack items to try and have your entire wardrobe with you. It’s temporary!
Remember these are not set in stone rules
They are guidelines.
As you will see next week, I packed much more than what is listed here, due to the different climates I’ll be experiencing and unexpected family & friends events I am anticipating.
Plus two weddings.
Click on any image to make it larger.
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.
I cleared $60,000 in 18 months earning $65,000 gross/year.
Now I am self-employed, and you can read more about 
As if that is enough clothes for 3+ weeks. Sorry, but definitely wouldn’t work for me.
Do you have somewhere you share the links with people? I am dying for a few of these pieces…
Try here 🙂 http://fabulouslybrokecom.polyvore.com/
Try here 🙂 http://fabulouslybrokecom.polyvore.com/
we are going to UK for 3 weeks holiday… traveling with 2 young children from a sunny country (asia), i'm not sure how to pack for the kids and adults… it's cold, i know it… please advise…
just as one small addition – a smaller purse in the big slouchy bag that can be used when going out. I brough one big slouchy bag carry-on and then kept all my important documents in one of those wallet-purse things inside… when I wanted to go out to dinner and not lug a tote, I grabbed out my lil wallet, locked up my passport, and went out all light and happy.
Good point. I do have a traveling purse I forgot to post about.. 🙂
This is the most useful, brilliant thing I've read about packing in ages. This will help me pack for my 6 week vacation this summer. Thank you!
Thx for the article.
Love this! Going on my first long trip in about a month – live in Australia and going to England, Vienna and Hong Kong. Furthest I've ever been before is Japan, and that was for only 5 days! Will be away for 3 and a half weeks and struggling with what to pack since it is partly a business trip and partly holidays. This is a big help, even though I'll have to be a bit strategic with business wear I can also wear other times.
still loving all these posts…I also love all the clothes and accessories, everything really 🙂
Aww thank you!
I so hate packing. Ugh!
This series has been very helpful. Very chic as well! Thanks.
You are welcome!
I wish I had a guide like this when I went to Europe in 2008. I ended up carrying so much that I checked two huge bags and with two carry-ons by the time I came back. It was mainly a shopping trip (I sound so snobby but it really was because of the sales during July) but I didn't bring back enough things to justify so many suitcases. Oh yeah, the trip back to the airport was fun (sarcasm).
I really like your style, no matter what, you always look put together and stylish.
*laughing* I just have an aversion to checking ANYTHING in, because as a consultant, I am always living with the fear that I shall lose my luggage, or it’ll get smashed.. something like that.
Plus, I hate waiting at the carousel for the bags to come around to be claimed. It’s a wasted 30-40 minutes of my life.
And thank you for the compliment!
Thank you !!! As a camper and beach goer, (I am about two hours a way), packing ultra light for fishing, casual dining, and entertaining has been an issue. I feel like I never have anything to wear, even though I wash clothes the whole time I am on any trip to the hot Gulf Coast. This part of Texas has 90% humidity with wind. I never considered the accessories to stretch the outfits. Talk about a blinding flash of the obvious.
It’s something I’ve really noticed that makes a difference — accessories. Since I am shopping my own closet, a necklace, a pair of shoes.. it all changes what you wear, and makes you FEEL like you have a new outfit, which is enough to trick my little brain.
I've travelled in europe for three months at a time with only a carry-on. 5 wrap dresses, a cardigan, a jacket, a raincoat, tights, comfy walking flats, comfy walking sandals, dressy yet comfy heeled shoes, 1 yoga pant & top (doubles as sleep wear or exercise wear), tights. undies. done. I've been in paris, milan and the alps, and were fine at all three
Excellent! It can be done 🙂 I knew it. I’m doing something similar for my own trip to Europe (see June 2nd upcoming posts).
The only thing I’m not bringing is a raincoat. The yoga pant and top are also excellent sleepwear suggestions
i have started to think about packing for my upcoming trip to the UK. this post is definitely food for thought! 🙂
In the UK (England specifically), I hear it is slightly colder and perhaps it could be a bit rainier. So you might want to consider packing an thicker sweater or a raincoat, as Kelly notes above.
We’re only going to England for 4 days, so I’m not bringing extra gear, and hoping it’ll stay sunny.
UK weather is notoriously schizophrenic. Case in point – this weekend was ridiculously warm (like 25+C) and now it's cold and rainy (9-10C). Layering will help, and a raincoat is a good idea along with closed-toe shoes that are a bit waterproof.
Thank you for the tip! I am definitely trying to cover the gamut without packing too much
A sweater, closed toe, waterproof shoes.. check. I’ll have to rummage through my closet for something appropriate without being too one-purpose.
Really helpful post, and I learned the hard way, too, not to overpack. I used to fall victim to the "just-in-case" mentality, and the hypothetical event(s) I packed for never happened. Shoes and clothes that do double duty and can be dressed up or down by swapping shoes and/or accessories are a lifesaver!
My favourite are the double-duty shoes, such as low-heeled wedges that look dressy enough for going out, but can be casual enough to be paired under jeans.
I'm really enjoying these travel tip posts!!! I'll be going to London in July for about ten days and I'm trying to mentally plan ahead and figure out how and what to pack.
Keep em coming!