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Tea N' Sea

T R A V E L

Travel Tips, Uncategorized · January 6, 2019

A Traveler’s Guide to Avoid Overpacking

We all do it at one point or another, or maybe still do – over pack. Packing can be tough for so many people, and I used to over pack a TON. If I was going on a week-long cruise, I would bring one of those HUGE suitcases filled to the brim, over the 50-pound mark, and still have a garment bag with me as well. Talk about excessive! Basically, I would have been prepared with enough outfits for the ship to go missing in the middle of the Atlantic. Needless to say, I have learned a lot about packing from my travels and even lived out of only a carry on and college-sized backpack for a month traveling in South Africa (in winter too!). If I can do it for a month, I promise you can do it for your vacation! And as a special bonus, get your own free printable packing list at the bottom of this post! 

Start Small!

If you’re going to be packing in a huge suitcase, you will feel obligated to pack it full! If you start with the mentality that you have to fit everything into a small carry on roller or duffle, you will immediately start prioritizing what you actually need to bring, and what things you are willing to sacrifice.

You don’t need to make this huge jump right away, I know we are all partial to our “creature comforts” and love habit, this is no different than any other habit. If you’re used to checking a huge suitcase and bringing a carry on, try downsizing slowly. Consider checking a smaller and smaller bag each time you pack, until you aren’t checking a bag at all! Start paying close attention to each item you bring in that huge suitcase, which ones you don’t use at all, and which are your staples. This is a big part of realizing what you can reasonably leave at home on your travels.

When you’re ready for just a carry on, I recommend a hard-shell roller bag. They always fit in the overhead bins on flights and are sturdy enough to protect any fragile items you may have. Plus a roller bag is easier to carry than a duffle that can be heavy and awkward. I also like to stack my personal item on top of my roller when I’m walking, to take any extra strain off my back! This is the one I’ve been eyeballing for a while now! ​

Pack Strategically

We’re not getting into the logistics of playing Tetris with your clothes and suitcase just yet (but don’t worry, that is coming in a second!) We’re talking about the things you do and don’t need. Don’t pack 3 outfits per day because let’s be honest, you’re not going to use them and then you have more laundry to do later (and who likes doing laundry). I can almost guarantee you don’t need 3 pairs of jeans – colored or not. Traveling is about the destination, not the fashion, so plan to pack things that work for the location. 

A general rule of thumb that I like to use for outfits is to pack outfits that can be used interchangeably. I typically pack with a lot of whites, denim, and some colorful pieces that can be layered on the neutrals. I like to pack a couple dresses, ONE pair of jeans (I promise, you don’t need more), a couple pairs of shorts, and use the two-piece outfits to my advantage! Packing a two piece is super useful because you can interchange a plain top with the skirt/short bottom, or vice versa! Remember, less is more: if you can use one pair of shorts with 3 tops, you’ve got three different outfits! Check out how I was able to use one top for two completely different trips, in two completely different seasons in the images to the left! It was hot and sunny in Bermuda, so I paired it with some light cotton shorts, but cold in South Africa, so wore it with jeans, booties, and had a leather jacket on top (not pictured). You want to have lots of outfit options but want to keep the amount to a minimum, so it will all fit in your carry on! I don’t want to bore you with lots of lists, so I’ve made a printable list that you can use on your trips! The list is designed for a 1 - 2 week trip but is about the same amount that I packed for a month in South Africa, I just did one load of laundry in the middle of the trip.  Check out the packing list that I use as a starting point for all my trips below! 

For toiletries – only bring the essentials that you can’t live without or that you can’t replace on your trip. For example, pack your toothbrush, a mini toothpaste, a face wash (it’s best to keep your skincare routine the same to prevent breakouts or reactions from a new product), deodorant, etc. Leave the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at home and purchase a travel-size when you reach your destination! If you do want to bring your own shampoo and conditioner, consider a solid shampoo bar to save on space and reduce plastic consumption! You can check some out here! 

​Makeup is a similar situation – don’t bring ALL your makeup, you’re not going to be using it! Bring your everyday staples and a small eyeshadow palette (I bring the Tartlette palette, small and has every color I could need!). Only bring the brushes you know you need, and if your palette, bronzer, powder, or other product has a small brush that fits in the packaging – use that one instead of bringing a full sized brush! 

How to fit it all in your bag

Now that you’ve cut down the amount of stuff that you are packing, here’s how I manage to fit all of that into one rolling bag. I promise it's possible, and you might be surprised that you have some extra room!

Packing cubes – these will be a Godsend if you’ve never heard of them. They help to organize your clothes into easy-to-remove packs and help fit everything back into the suitcase when you’re all done! The ones I use are pictured to the right, and I love them! While they are not the ultra-compressible ones, like some are, I find that they help me prevent bringing too much in the first place! I typically use the smallest one for my toiletries and makeup, then try to use the smallest cubes first to avoid over packing. I use the “shoe” bag for all of my undergarments – bras, undies, socks, and even my bikinis! It helps keep the loose ends organized and separated from my actual outfits. Another tip from (@flying_behind_thesun) is to use vacuum sealed bags – they work as a great alternative to packing cubes!

When packing your cubes full of your clothes, the best method that I have found (along with many other travelers) are to roll them! Rolling your clothes helps to prevent wrinkles, and saves a ton of space! When you roll your clothes and put them in your packing cubes, you will be amazed how much space you have even though you’ve packed all of these versatile outfits into your carry on! Another piece of advice from me is to fold your bulkier items, rather than roll them –things like coats and jeans seem to pack better lying flat on the bottom of the packing cube. 

Bulky, odd shaped items like shoes can be a hassle when it comes to packing, but I’ve got a couple options for you here. First of all, definitely wear your bulkiest shoes – that way you have maximized the amount of space in your carry on. For the remaining pairs – you have two options. The way I like to pack my shoes are stacking them one on top of another, toe to heel. My friend Courtney on Instagram (@little.brave.travels) offers another solution: pack your socks and undies into your shoes! This helps minimize space and also maintains the shape of your shoe! She has another tip for a popular bulky item – hats. While I don’t travel with hats most of the time, bringing a hat to a warm and sunny destination is sometimes necessary. If you’re going to be packing it, she suggests turning it upside down and filling it with bikinis to protect the shape! Great idea! 

Time to sit on your suitcase and try to zip it!

Just kidding… if you follow the above tips, you should actually have a little wiggle room in your suitcase still if you put them in there correctly. Since I’m referring to the hard shell carry on - I’m going to explain how I pack the cubes into the suitcase itself. Most hard-shell suitcases have two distinct sides. The “bottom” which has the bumps from the handles and elastic straps, and the “top” that has a zipper that closes off that whole section. Everyone has their own way of packing, but this is what I’ve found to be most effective. 

On the “top” section, I organize all of my packing cubes that contain clothes, with the largest at the end with the wheels, and lighter items (like blouses, undies, or bikinis) at the other end. That section should zip up pretty flat, with maybe some extra room. Use that extra room to your advantage and pack a lightweight, foldable duffle or travel bag to use for souvenirs (if you need it!) Another option suggested to me by (@maarjaressar and @osbronlikelebron) is to bring a lightweight bag to use for laundry, to keep them separate from your clean clothes (or here’s an idea – use that big packing cube that comes in the package)! 

On the “bottom” section, I use the ridges from the extendable handle to my advantage. I place shoes parallel with the handles down by the wheels. Since I have 2 pair with me, and one on my feet, that leaves the third section open for my cosmetics bag. My toiletry bag goes towards the other end of the suitcase, and if I have extra room or a packing cube that just doesn’t quite fit on the other side – I can place it there! That space is also good for packing your charging cables, universal adapter, hat, or other miscellaneous items you may have. 

But wait, what about electronics? 

As I mentioned early on into the post, I usually have a personal item with me (like this floral backpack I used in NYC) as well as the rolling carry on. This is where I put my valuables. Not only does it ensure that they are with me in the event my roller gets checked at the gate, but it gives me something to do on the plane. Everyone’s personal bags are always packed differently, so I won’t go into too much detail, but this is typically what’s in mine. Cameras and lenses, laptop and charger, over-ear headphones, reusable water bottle, phone and charger, a book to read, wallet, and any other personal items I usually carry in a bag. If I’m bringing a cross body bag or a little backpack for a day pack, I’ll usually stick it in here too (if there’s extra space in my carry on, it’ll go in there instead). There is more on packing a personal item in the printable packing guide. 

I hope you find this helpful and that you can learn to slowly overcome the packing dilemma that we all face at one time or another! Did I miss any tips? Comment down below and share yours so we all become better packers! Don’t forget to look out for my YouTube video at the bottom of this post! 

 Happy Packing! 

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Posted In: Travel Tips, Uncategorized · Tagged: avoid overpacking, carry on, how to pack, luggage, overpacking, packing, teanseatravel, Travel, travel blog, travel blogger, travel guide, travel tips, vacation

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Comments

  1. Diana says

    January 6, 2019 at 11:13 pm

    Thank you for those great ideas…I plan to follow your tips on my next trip! 😊❤️

    Reply
    • TeaNSea says

      January 6, 2019 at 11:16 pm

      I am so glad you found the tips helpful! Can’t wait to hear some feedback!

      Reply

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teanseatravel

TAYLOR • TROPICAL TRAVEL ⛵️🌺
Some major tips for a huge bucket list item: visit Some major tips for a huge bucket list item: visiting the piggies in the Bahamas 🐷

📍There’s lots of tour companies in the Bahamas that claim to be the original pigs. The true original pigs are on Big Major Cay (near Staniel Cay) and can only be reached via boat.

🐽 The baby piggies are what everyone wants pictures with, but don’t pick them up! The big pigs are probably going to be way bigger than you expect, but are the ones that’ll actually get in the water (the babies don’t)

🥕 Everyone always wants to feed the pigs, but in my experience: DON’T bring food. They are way too pushy and aggressive with food around, and are much more enjoyable without (they’re happy for scratches with no food). There’s also a good amount of foods that are toxic to pigs, and you definitely don’t want to accidentally feed one and make it sick!

💧 At the back of the beach, you’ll find a little tiki hut with some water barrels and names of all the pigs. Fill up the water troughs if they’re empty by turning the nozzle on the barrel, the piggies appreciate it!

⛵️ If at all possible, try to go privately instead of with a big tour group. We saw a tour boat that had over 50 people onboard and it takes away from the magic of it. They were also only on the island for about 10 minutes, not enough time in my opinion!

Have you ever visited the famous pigs? Have any tips that I missed? 🐷🌊 #teanseatravel
I’ve got the ULTIMATE guide to the Florida Keys I’ve got the ULTIMATE guide to the Florida Keys for you up on my blog! You’ve got to check it out if you want to hit all the highlights of the Keys, but here are five of my favorites! 🌴

🐟Robbie’s of Islamorada - feed the huge tarpon and see other natural wildlife!

🍰Lorelai’s - the BEST Key lime pie in the Florida Keys, hands down!

🦞Keys Fisheries of Marathon - get a delicious spiny lobster roll or reuben!

🦜Duval Street - become a true “Parrot Head” by visiting some of the bars that Jimmy Buffet used to frequent

🌅Mallory Square Sunset Celebration - the best place for the sunset in Key West, with live music, performers, and a killer sunset!

If you’ve ever been to the Keys, you’ll know there is a ton to experience, these five don’t even touch the surface of all the things there are to see and that I have organized for you! I can’t wait to get back and spend more time in the Keys again, it’s the perfect tropical experience right here in the States! 🌺 #teanseatravel
Hi, I’m Taylor and I wanted to reintroduce mysel Hi, I’m Taylor and I wanted to reintroduce myself! Let’s get to know each other, comment some fun facts about you so I can learn about you too! 🌺

I realized today that I don’t think I’ve ever actually introduced myself on IG, so hi, I’m Taylor! I’m a sailor, traveler, adventurer, and lover of sunshine and warm weather (anything below 75 F and I’m in a sweater). I have a bikini addiction and have lived in the Caribbean (take me back!) 🌺 Some fun facts about me:

🌊 I’m a Florida girl, born and raised in the little historic town of St. Augustine

⛵️I’ve sailed roughly 3500 miles in the last couple years

⛰I’ve bungee jumped off the worlds tallest bungee bridge

👩🏼‍⚕️A couple years ago I was in vet school, but left because my heart wasn’t in it anymore. Today I’m working at a vet clinic for my “9-5” (but forreal it’s more like a 7-6 lol)

🦈 My last job was working closely with sharks, sea turtles, rays, and lots of other marine life

🗺 I’ve visited the same number of countries as US states!

♻️ I’m super passionate about trying to live a little more sustainable every day to protect our oceans

🩰 I was actually a ballerina for 20 years (started at 2 and only stopped when I graduated college), which has now led to a love of yoga!

There’s a lot of interesting things about everyone, and I’d love to get to know y’all too! Thanks for joining me on this crazy adventure called life ❤️ #teanseatravel
Bummed to have left, but a weekend away in the Flo Bummed to have left, but a weekend away in the Florida Keys was the perfect tropical escape! So here’s five tips for when you head down to the islands! 🌺

🍋Everyone claims to have the best key lime pie. In my experience, Lorelai’s in Islamorada blows all the others away.

👙Pack in layers, especially if you’re going in the next couple months. It’ll be nice and warm during the day, but can be a little chilly at night, so it’s a good idea to have a light sweater or jeans to throw on!

🐟 The best food in the Keys is seafood. Try some Hogfish, spiny lobster, or conch for some local favorites!

🌊 There aren’t actually many natural beaches in the keys. Most of the islands are coral or rock edges, but there are a few to check out: Harry Harris Park on Tavernier, Founder’s Park and Anne’s Beach on Islamorada, Bahia Honda on Big Pine Key, or Smather’s Beach in Key West for your beach fix!

🎨 Drive down the islands and stop off at many little art galleries, the local art is gorgeous and is a way you can take a little piece of the Keys home with you!

Have you been to the Keys before? What’s your favorite thing you’ve done in the Keys?! 🌴 #teanseatravel
A little throwback pic because I’M ON MY WAY TO A little throwback pic because I’M ON MY WAY TO THE FLORIDA KEYS! 🌺🌴

While I’m not heading to Key West, I’m so excited to be heading to warmer weather, since it’s in the 40s right now in St. Augustine!

I’ll be spending time exploring the Keys a bit closer to Miami, about halfway down the chain of islands. Some spots we may hit are Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon Key, and all the little islands in between. It’s just a long weekend trip, but my little island heart is so happy!

I’d love to know if y’all have any recommendations for the Keys, I’d love to hear them! Have you ever been to the Keys? 

PS this pic is from a trip in 2014, and is on Ley West at the Southernmost point of the Continental US, just 90 Miles to Cuba🌴 #teanseatravel
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#keywestflorida #keysbound #floridakeys #floridakeysroadtrip #floridatravel #tropicalisland #visitflorida #visitfloridakeys #southernmostpoint #islamorada #keylargo #marathonkey #tropicaltravel #tropicalvibes #tropics #tropicalparadise #adventuretravel #gltlove #saltyluxepresets #pinktrotters #saltyluxe #theinfluencerbootcamp #florida_greatshots #instatravelgram #travelerography #tropicaldestination #tropicaldestinations #tropicalgirl
Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates 🍫 and I hope this year is as incredible as this chocolate bar was 😍

For my first post of 2021 I decided to share a little more of Savannah, GA since I really haven’t posted much about it!

This pic was taken in Chippewa Square, the park that was made famous by Forrest Gump at the bus stop. Although the park doesn’t look quite like it did in the movie (thanks people who had to vandalize the bench), it is still neat to be “on set” of a famous movie scene. 

Now it’s not a Russel Stover box, but I just knew I had to have chocolate in this famous square. As we walked towards the park, we stumbled across a teeny, whimsical place called @chocolatbyadamturoni with the smell of freshly made chocolate wafting out the door. We had to go inside, and Steve bought us this gold-leaf covered peanut butter bar.

I’m sure you can see by my face, but WOW it was the absolute best chocolate I have had in my life (so far). Every bite was like a little trip to heaven, and I never wanted it to end! So I’m curious: where was the best chocolate you’ve ever had? Are you a Forrest Gump fan? 🍫 #teanseatravel
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#savannahgeorgia #savannahga #visitsavannah #visitgeorgia #chippewasquare #forrestgump #travelbloggervibes #usatravels #femaletravel #bestchocolate #instatravelgram #adventuretravels #theinfluencerbootcamp #saltyluxepresets #saltyluxe #dametraveler #travelawesome #welivetoexplore #wefoundluxury #stayandwander #iamtraveler #wearetravelers #sheisnotlost #globelletravel #ladiesgoneglobal #mytinyatlas #instapassports #travelstory #gltlove
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