🎒Packing Tips From An Improving Amateur

I’ve mentioned my packing struggles in a few posts, and a friend finally said, “Dave, you should make that its own story.”
So here we are.

I’m not an expert packer — not even close. I’m just a 60-something guy who’s slowly learned what works, mostly by screwing it up first.
If this helps you, great. If not, well… I tried.

😬 Confessions of an Over-Packer

I used to be a world-class worrywort when it came to packing.
I was always afraid I’d forget something “essential,” so I’d load up like I was moving across continents — and then use maybe half of it.

Actually, less than half. More like one-third, if we’re being brutally honest.

My mistakes were always the same:

• Too many shirts.

• Ignoring the weather.

• Not thinking about what I’d actually be doing.

I’d come home muttering, “I wish I’d brought X.”
Turns out, it wasn’t about packing more — it was about packing smarter.

🎒 The Carry-On Commandments

Not all carry-ons are created equal. It either fits under the seat… or it doesn’t.

Pro tip: don’t store your bag under the seat if you can help it. That space is for your legs, not your luggage. Your knees will thank you later.

That said, some airlines now charge for overhead storage (thanks for that, capitalism), so it pays to think twice before tossing in “just-in-case” shirts. If you really need one, buy it when you get there. Souvenir and solution.

🧮 My Foolproof Math Formula

Here’s the math I use — very scientific:
Stuff = # of days × (shirts + underwear + socks) + pants(-1)

Then add:

• 1 jacket or coat if the weather calls for it.

• 1 pullover or fleece, because even hot places cool off at night.

• 2 pairs of shoes if you can swing it: your walking pair and your “look like an adult at dinner” pair.

For a 3-day trip, everything — clothes, toiletries, chargers — fits in one carry-on. Easily.

Roll your stuff- don’t lay it flat, gives more space and less wrinkles, I don’t know why, but it works.

This isn’t gospel. If you pack more, I won’t fine you for poor luggage management. I’m just saying… this works for me.

☀️ Planning Is the Secret Sauce

Check the weather — not just the day you arrive, but the range over your whole trip.
Forecasts beyond three days are basically fiction, but at least you’ll know the trends.

If there’s any mention of rain, bring something.
My favorite: those cheap plastic ponchos. They’ve saved me more than once when the forecast said “0% chance.” (Spoiler: there’s always a chance.)

Why a poncho over an umbrella? Because rain usually brings wind, and wind turns umbrellas into modern art. Most hotels have spares anyway.

🕶 Things I Always Bring (and Why)

Two pairs of sunglasses.
I’m a professional sunglasses loser. I keep one in my bag and one on my face — usually. And I use a tether. Because, again… professional.

A hat.
Ball cap, bucket, whatever. A hat is the Swiss Army knife of travel gear: keeps sun off, rain out, and hair under control after long flights.

Sunscreen.
If you’re checking a bag, bring your favorite brand from home. It’s usually cheaper and more familiar than what you’ll find abroad.

A universal power adapter (with USB ports).
I don’t leave home without it. Europe alone has more plug types than I have passwords. Mine covers them all and charges multiple devices at once — simple, cheap, life-saving.

A portable battery stick.
Phones die faster when you’re navigating a new city. A backup battery gives peace of mind — especially when you’re lost, hungry, and your map app quits.

🧠 Final Thoughts from an Improving Amateur

1. Pack for what you’ll do, not what you might do.

2. Leave space for souvenirs (and snacks — always snacks).

3. Less stuff = less stress. Nobody ever says, “I wish I’d brought more.”

I’m still not perfect — not even close — but I’m so much better than I used to be.

Packing well doesn’t make you a pro traveler, but it does make the trip smoother. Less stress, more space, and no more 20-minute wrestling matches with a suitcase zipper.

Pack light, travel easy, and remember: it’s the trip, not the suitcase, that you’ll remember.