This packing downsizing story was submitted by Lauren Thomas.

Almost twenty years ago, I went on my first big international trip to Ireland. Unfortunately, our checked luggage did not join us until day three of the trip!

When I got back, I decided two things: 

1) I was never going to check a bag ever again, and 

2) if I could make it three days with just the clothes on my back and a small purse, I could definitely pack lighter. 

Here’s how I went from traveling with checked bags to traveling regularly with just an 8L personal item, even as a plus-sized woman.

The Journey Towards Reaching My Packing Light Goals

• 2009 (60L?) checked bag + 1 handbag
• 2010 50L duffel + 1 handbag (in hindsight, not sure how this got past the airlines)
• 2011 – 2019 42L backpack + packable day backpack (in bag) + 1 handbag – rocked this combo for a long time
• 2020 – 2022 28L backpack + packable day backpack + 1 handbag 
• 2023 – 2025 Either an 8L PacSafe Convertible OR 20L backpack if needed to take laptop + 1L sling or 5L handbag depending on trip

What followed was spending the next few years slimming my load down to a 42L backpack (the EBags Motherload Jr.).

Starting out, I had no reference for how to pack lighter. To get down to a carry-on backpack, I took a lot of wrong turns and ended up spending a lot of money on compression packing cubes, special travel clothes, specialized toiletries bags, etc. 

All of this resulted in a very stuffed, very large, and very heavy bag that I could get away with never checking – but it was not what I would call freeing.

I am also pretty sure I knocked out a few people when wearing it.

The Realization

After a dream trip to Japan in 2019 where I used the luggage forwarding service, I knew I wasn’t traveling as light as I thought I was – and not as light as I wanted.

On this trip, I only carried a small 18L backpack that I shared with my partner for an entire 72 hours until we were reunited with our full bags.

The lightbulb went on.

I knew I could do better so I went looking for resources. I found and joined r/onebag and r/heronebag on Reddit and thoroughly read through onebag.com where I was introduced to more effective packing techniques and making a plan for laundry. 

I bought a 28L bag with the goal to take only that bag plus handbag and while I was able to do it, the bag was still very full and heavy.

Enter HPL and Handbag Packing Masterclass*

(*Handbag Packing Masterclass is now taught in a condensed format as Baggage Freedom Express.)

Reddit is also where I found out about Her Packing List. I immediately signed up for the HPL newsletter and was excited to join Handbag Packing Masterclass in late 2022. 

HPM revolutionized how I think about packing. 

Don’t get me wrong, having lightweight, quick-dry clothing and decanting all your toiletries into smaller containers is part of the equation. 

However, shifting my mindset to identifying my essential items and building a layerable, multi-purpose, trip-specific capsule wardrobe from items already in my closet was a game changer. 

Basically, HPM taught me that my “nice to haves” were weighing me down. 

My Specific Packing Light Results

I now travel regularly with either an 8L bag or a 20L bag when I have to take my laptop for work.

I have used the 8L PacSafe Convertible bag for a few trips from overnight to up to 5 days. 

The largest handbag I own is 5L. I have dreamed of doing a long weekend trip with just the 5L bag but have not yet had the opportunity. 

I travel for work 3-4 times a year where I use a 20L bag (to fit my work laptop) but enjoy traveling with it under-packed and under 7kg!

Recap

Brooke’s ultralight packing class:

• challenged my assumptions about what I thought I needed when traveling, 
• taught me key skills to make big packing decisions easier, and 
• showed me I could easily pack for a full week in an 8L bag with a small 1L sling as a plus-size woman! 

Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your packing transformation story with us – it is very inspiring! If you have a luggage downsizing story to share, please contact Brooke.

If you’d like to make personal-item-only travel a reality, join the next Baggage Freedom Express masterclass!

JOIN HERE

The post Lauren’s Packing Journey: Checked Bags to 8L Personal Item as a Plus-Size Woman appeared first on Her Packing List.

When it comes to travel clothing, the fabrics you choose can make a huge difference in both your comfort and luggage size. 

In certain parts of the world, you want clothing that keeps you warm, while in other places you want to stay cool. Fabric that holds up well in the long run is also a great investment because it means that you don’t have to keep buying new clothes over the course of several trips or replace clothes on one longer trip.

If you’re trying to travel carry-on only with a backpack, certain fabrics are better than others as far as the space they take up.

So what are the best fabrics for travel clothing? We’re going to fill you in on the pros and cons of the different materials for travel clothing, as well as answer all your FAQs like is viscose quick drying and what fabrics are good for hot weather travel.

Merino Wool

Merino wool is ideal for travel. Before you cringe at the thought of grandma’s wool sweaters from when you were a child, know that merino wool is much finer, and therefore more flexible and soft, than other types of wool.

Many people who are sensitive to traditional wool garments can wear merino without irritation.

The thermoregulating properties of merino mean that you tend to stay cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold. It wicks moisture, which helps if you’re doing something active and sweating, and then brings that moisture towards the air where it can evaporate quickly and easily.

In addition to feeling better on your skin, the natural antibacterial properties mean you can wear it longer without the garment starting to smell. And when you do wash it, it dries quickly in the shade.

Merino doesn’t wrinkle easily, which is always a plus for travel. The fabric is lightweight, so it packs up small and can easily be layered for more warmth.

Many travel gear companies create garments from merino wool these days, but one of the most popular brands is Icebreaker whose entire range contains merino and merino blends. Owners of Icebreaker gear tend to be fanatics, but there are some downsides, specifically the high price. Others have mentioned that the thinner, lighter weights of fabrics wear more easily.

• Pros: Soft, thermoregulating, moisture wicking, smells less, quick-drying, lightweight, wrinkles less, many brands allow for machine washing
• Cons: Must be line dried, can be expensive, thinner versions of some merino is not as long-lasting as other fabrics

• See how merino wool helped Brooke pack for a three week trip in a 12L bag.

The Turtleneck Thermal Top from Icebreaker is a great basic that you can use for layering. It comes in black and navy, is machine washable, and is a good option for cold weather destinations. It’s the perfect insulation layer. 

The Audrey Maxi Dress  from Wool& is the perfect choice for a day spent exploring. It comes in purple and black and it has pockets! The sleeveless style will help keep you cool in warm weather.

• For more travel dresses, check out our Top Travel Dresses for Every Trip blog post, there are lots of merino wool options there too.
• You might also enjoy this post on affordable quick-drying travel clothing.

Bamboo Viscose

Besides bamboo’s silky, luxurious feel, it has several properties that make the fabric a staple for any traveler’s wardrobe. Like merino, bamboo is temperature regulating, so you’ll stay cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather.

Clothing made from bamboo is great for layering, so you can pack clothing that serves multiple purposes and layer up if it’s cold. It’s not on the same level as merino, but it does do a better job than many other fabrics on the market.

Like merino wool, you can wear it several times before it starts to smell. It also won’t wrinkle easily. And, it contains natural UPF. Bamboo Body, a brand in Australia, has a tested UPF rating of 50+!

While it’s a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep sweat off your skin, the major downside with bamboo is the fact that it doesn’t dry as quickly- sometimes it even takes longer than cotton to dry depending on the thickness of the fabric. That makes it difficult to hand-wash items as you travel, but then again, since it smells less, you might have to do it less often!

The Pocket Culottes from Bamboo Body are made from 93% bamboo, have a UPF 50+ rating, with an elasticated waistband and hidden pockets. 

The Bamboo Jogger Pants from Cozy Earth are super soft and make an amazing option for a travel day. They also have phone-friendly side pockets.

Nylon and Polyester

Many people shy away from these synthetic fabrics, but nylon and polyester work well for travel clothing. In fact, much of the fancy purpose-built travel clothing on the market consists of these fabrics.

Nylon and polyester wick moisture, keeping your skin dry. They’re both quick-drying fabrics, so if you have to hand wash your clothes in the sink, they shouldn’t still be wet when it’s time to pack the next morning. These two are also wrinkle-resistant and lightweight, which is always good for packing.

In terms of breathability, the design of many travel fabrics helps them to be breathable, but they are known to be less breathable than cotton, merino, and bamboo.

The major downside is that these materials might not feel as comfortable on your skin as others, and the cheaper versions of these fabrics have a tendency to hold in odor if not treated.

The Sports Mesh Bikini Briefs from ExOfficio are made of 90% nylon with a bit of elastane. This underwear has an anti-odor treatment to keep you fresher for longer.

The Coolmax Seamless Socks are made from a combination of nylon, polyester, and spandex. They are moisture-wicking and have an anti-odor treatment, making them ideal for a long day of traveling. No one likes stinky socks on a plane.

Rayon

Rayon feels smooth on your skin. It dries quickly and is another great wrinkle-resistant fabric. Unfortunately, it doesn’t wick moisture as well as the fabrics above, so it’s not the best fabric for travel clothing in warmer climates where you might sweat a lot (like when packing for Malaysia).

• Pros: Quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant
• Cons: Doesn’t wick moisture well

The Merokeety Sleeveless Dress is made from a combination of rayon and polyester and comes in multiple striped or solid colors. This casual tank dress is perfect for summer and the pockets make it a dream for travelers. 

The Anrabess Palazzo Pants are made from a combination of rayon, polyester, and spandex, and with their wide leg and loose fit, they provide an oversized style that’s ideal for travel, beach cover-ups, or casual days out. They can also be dressed up for a more trendy evening look. And of course, they have pockets!

Tencel

Tencel is a wood-pulp based material that is a type of rayon. It is the brand name for lyocell. It is made using an environmentally friendly process from controlled and certified sourced natural raw material wood making it sustainable and a great option for eco-friendly travelers. 

Tencel is known for its comfort and has a silky soft feel. It is wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, and dries quickly making it super easy to look after. 

Brooke’s favorite Splice Dubai Snap-Up Shirt is made from 100% lyocell. This reversible shirt (hello two outfit options in one!) comes in two color combination options, black to blue or white to distressed gray. It’s a great layering piece in the winter and you can use it as a cover-up to protect your skin from the harsh sun in summer.

This collage even shows how Brooke wore it on one of her trips opal mining in the Australian outback. 

The Toad&Co Earthworks Pant comes in a range of colors and is a great staple piece. Dress them up or down for a day exploring the city or a night on the town. The 2% elastane in these pants makes them movable and amazing to travel in.

Fleece

Fleece is super effective at trapping body heat and sustaining warmth. If you’re looking for a material for a cold-weather destination, this is it! This is a synthetic fabric made from polyester and it has all the benefits of wool.  It’s a durable fabric so each piece is a travel investment.

Fleece is easy to wear as it’s extremely lightweight (this also makes it great for packing in your suitcase as it takes up hardly any space), keeps you warm, and is moisture-wicking in case things get a bit sweaty when you’re walking around checking out a new town.

There are many different types of fleece, think sherpa, polar, and micro to name a few, each with their own unique qualities over the above-mentioned ones. 

The Patagonia Women’s Retro Pile Fleece Jacket has a big front pocket and a half-zip for ultimate softness and warmth when traveling. All three pockets have secure zippers making them perfect for storing valuables like your passport or keycard. Plus. it’s made in a Fair Trade Certified Factory.

The Columbia Women’s West Bend Full Zip Jacket is made from a sherpa fleece and is available in a whole range of fun colors and patterns. It has spacious hand pockets and comfortable, elasticized cuffs perfect for keeping warmth in when it’s cold. 

Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is a waterproof, and breathable fabric that can repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through. This means that rain can’t get in, but perspiration can get out easily leaving you dry and comfortable all day long. It is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use. 

This high-performance fabric is perfect for active travelers who visit extreme weather destinations, BUT depending on what product you are interested in, it’s just as good for warmer destinations too as the material is breathable.

Although Gore-Tex technical travel clothing can be expensive, think of them as investment pieces because they will last for years and you are sure to get a lot of use from them both while traveling and at home. 

The Marmot Gore-Tex Oslo Jacket (shown above) is made for cold weather destinations. It’s a waterproof and windproof jacket designed for high-performance comfort. The easy-access zippered handwarmer pockets not only keep your hands toasty but they also keep your valuables safe. It’s lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

Unfortunately, this Marmot jacket is no longer available. This is a similar option from Montbell.

The Gorewear R3 Windstopper Tights are windproof, breathable, and water-resistant. While these tights are made specifically for running, they would make a great pair of traveling tights. Not only will they keep you warm, but if you spend the day hiking or walking around town, you will stay dry and fresh. Plus, there’s a back zip pocket.

Cotton

You probably have a lot of cotton in your normal wardrobe – I know I do! It’s comfortable, breathable, and easy to care for.

But cotton doesn’t wick moisture like other fabrics do, so if you’re in a hot place, you’ll start feeling uncomfortable in that sweaty shirt. It also wrinkles easily and doesn’t dry quickly, making it a less than ideal choice for travel.

There is a time and place for cotton, though. Denim might not be the quickest drying fabric, but jeans are great on a packing list when the weather’s chilly. They’re also pretty durable and versatile- as long as you don’t need to wash them often in the sink.

Linen and Silk

Linen and silk are both comfortable, lightweight, breathable fabrics that won’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase. But they are probably the most wrinkle-prone fabrics out there. If you’re staying in an apartment rental or at a hotel that provides an iron, that might be okay with you, but in general, these aren’t great fabrics for travel clothing.

• Pros: Lightweight, breathable, comfortable
• Cons: Wrinkle very easily

• Read more about how to prevent wrinkles.

Other things to look for in travel clothing fabrics

Many outdoor companies make clothing that does more than simply clothe you. Some garments are treated with insecticides to help protect you from disease-carrying bugs. Others are made with ultraviolet protection to give you an extra barrier against the sun’s rays.

Water-resistant or waterproof clothing is ideal for some situations but unnecessary in others. Though it’s always a good idea to have one quick-dry outfit (and don’t forget the fast-drying underwear), if you’re staying somewhere with a washer and dryer, or you often use laundromats, a full wardrobe of quick-drying fabrics might be a lower priority for you.

You may also want to look for garments that are wrinkle-resistant. Not only will you stay looking (and feeling) fresh at the end of a long travel day, but you can wear the same items from day to night because they will still look good. If you plan on doing washing while you travel, you’re not going to want to worry about having to find an iron once your clothes are dry.

• To learn more about washing your clothes while traveling, check out our blog post: Essential Pack Items for Hand-Washing Clothes on the Road

Some wrinkle-resistant materials include merino wool, nylon, polyester, rayon, and Tencel.

Pack clothing that works with your planned activities, and know your travel style. The best fabrics for travel clothing pack up small, dry quickly, keep you warm AND cool, and hold up well so your clothing lasts longer.

Travel Clothing Fabrics FAQs

Is viscose quick-drying?

You may be wondering if viscose is quick-drying, and the answer is yes! However, it’s often dry-clean only which doesn’t make it the best fabric for travel clothing.

What is the fastest-drying fabric?

While the quick drying capabilities of any fabric depend on the garment and the thickness of the fabric, merino wool, nylon, and polyester are some of the quickest drying materials available. 

Is viscose worse than cotton for traveling?

At HPL we often don’t recommend cotton as a fabric for travel clothing because it takes so long to dry and wrinkles easily. However, there are some instances where a pair of jeans are needed. Viscose needs to be dry cleaned and can stain easily so it might not be the best fabric for your travels! 

What are the disadvantages of viscose?

Viscose is not environmentally friendly, it may shrink in hot water, it is often dry-clean only, can stain easily and it is prone to stretching.

Can you put merino wool in the dryer?

Some merino wool garments can be put in the dryer however, we wouldn’t recommend it. It’s best to air dry your merino wool on a flat surface to extend its life.

Always check the garment label before putting your merino wool in the dryer. 

What’s a good alternative if you can’t wear merino wool?

If you can’t wear merino wool, Brooke loves to recommend bamboo. It’s a natural fabric, like merino, stays less smelly for longer, is temperature-regulating, and offers UPF protection. Unfortunately, it does take longer to dry (but you need to wash it less often…).

Silk blends are also a good option!

What fabrics take the longest to dry?

Cotton!!! We can’t stress this enough, cotton takes long to dry making it low on the list of our favorite fabrics for travel clothing. Other fabrics that take longer to dry are denim (a type of cotton) and bamboo.

What fabrics are good for cold-weather travel?

Some good cold-weather travel fabrics include fleece, Gore-tex, merino wool, and bamboo.

What fabrics are good for hot weather travel?

While you may not think merino wool would be good for hot weather travel, the thermoregulating properties keep you cool in warm weather. Many companies offer lightweight merino clothing for summer, some with blends of other fabrics that further enhance the item’s ability to work in hot weather.

The same thing occurs with bamboo.

Besides those, linen is a preferred summer travel fabric for many. Just be sure to hang your items in the shower to loosen up any wrinkles.

What fabrics are best for humid weather?

When the weather is hot and humid, you want fabrics that pull moisture away from your body and are breathable. Merino wool is actually a decent fabric for summer weather, believe it or not. Some brands also create a cooling blend, such as Icebreaker’s Cool-Lite fabric clothing, that works well in summer.

Cotton is breathable and absorbs moisture, but it does tend to stay wet. If the temperature were to suddenly drop when stuck outdoors, being cold and wet can be dangerous. This is one big reason why cotton clothing should be avoided when traveling for hiking/trekking trips.

When the weather is cold and humid, cotton should be avoided as much as possible, especially as your base layer. Not only does damp cotton insulate less, the moisture remains close to your skin and acts as a conduit to move heat from your body.

We absolutely love merino wool for cold and humid conditions. Merino wool has the ability to maintain warmth even when wet. This, in addition to pulling moisture away from skin and drying quickly, makes it one of our favorite fabrics always.

What are good natural fabrics for travel clothing?

Merino wool, bamboo, and Tencel are some of our favorite natural fabrics for travel clothing.

What do you think, what is your favorite travel fabric?

The post Best Fabrics for Travel Clothing: Pack with Purpose appeared first on Her Packing List.

When it comes to personal finances and saving money for travel, there’s pretty much one tip that I can’t abide by these days…

Give up the lattes.

To that I simply say, no. No, you cannot take away my coffees.

And this is coming from someone who so strongly preached and practiced this very same tip in the past. The same type of minimalistic, shoe-string budget tip that helped me save $23k in a year and a half so I could live out my travel dreams. But…

This saving money tactic, while tried and true, is overdone and pretty unappealing. Am I right?!

Sure, my almost daily $6 habit for a small almond cappuccino could set me back over $40 a week, but for me, my coffee experience equates to much, much more than a caffeine hit.

I love walking to my favorite cafes for a morning coffee, and I especially love taking the long stroll home on the waterside bike path with coffee in hand. I love meeting friends at cafes for casual talks and business planning sessions. And when I’m feeling frustrated with working from home, I love heading to a cafe in the afternoon for a relaxing, chill-out break.

My coffee experience brings both joy and routine to my days, so it’s just not something I’m willing to sacrifice for a bigger travel fund. If you’ve gotten this far, you’re probably hoping for some fresh ideas to spruce up the travel fund while also keeping a hot brew in hand.

Here are some legit, non-sucky ideas for saving money for travel (plus 10 others that are simply good practice to keep in mind).

1 – Utilize Airbnb During Peak Times

My friend lives in a Sydney suburb and easily earns an extra $700+ every year by opening up her small loft apartment to Airbnb guests. But she only does so for a short time around New Year’s when tourists flock to the city to experience the world-renowned fireworks display.

During that time, she and her husband stay with family for free, and the extra money pads the travel fund.

Of course, given where you live (and also the logistics of your living situation), you may not be able to have such amazing results. Still, it’s definitely something to think about if you want to take advantage of Airbnb without needing a spare room or being active on the platform on a regular basis.

Think about listing your space for during popular festivals and events, and definitely high-traffic holiday periods.

Interested in becoming an Airbnb host? See how much your space is worth.

2 – Buy More Food, But Also Buy Less

Uhm… Yes, I just said that! Let me explain:

Going out for a great meal gives me all the same good vibes as my daily coffee, but the cost of eating out every single day in Sydney would probably bankrupt me. Buying less food at restaurants is a definite tip I follow to save money for travel.

However, I’m not going crazy and eating peanut butter sandwiches for lunch every day for 6 months like I did when I saved that initial $23k over a decade ago. As a food lover who’s done it before, that would make me so depressed!

Instead of tired peanut butter sandwiches, I’m toasting up fancy peanut butter, jam, banana, nut and honey sandwiches for lunch.

Instead of a boring pouch of pumpkin soup, I’m plating up pumpkin soup topped with toasted cashew bits and a dollop of sour cream, along with herby garlic bread on the side.

Instead of basic 2-minute noodles, I’m having 2-minute noodles with added stir fried tofu, veggies, and chili flakes for a full meal experience.

Instead of a plain veggie burger, I’m throwing on slices of avocado, shredded carrot, fresh spinach, salsa and jalapenos for a restaurant flavored experience at a fraction of the cost.

So, when I say to buy MORE food to save money, what I mean is to buy more of the additional items – like condiments, sauces, spices, and extras – that can take a rather cheap and unfulfilling meal at home to the next level. Those items tend to last a while, and they can help you partake in other money-saving practices, like: embracing leftovers, zero food waste challenges, and pantry challenges.

There’s nothing more money saving than using what you already have, right?

3 – Put Your Money Where Your Happy Is

I’m gonna tell you a little secret…

I made around $200 in regrettable purchases last month. (As of writing this original article in 2019.)

Let’s just pause here and let that sink in…

That’s $200 in purchases that didn’t actually bring me happiness or joy, and that could have been avoided had I been better prepared or more knowledgeable about my spending habits.

Two hundred dollars in ONE MONTH. That’s $2400 a year of money that could otherwise be buying me a cruise to somewhere exotic. Or a flight to a far-flung destination.

YUCK, right?! When I made that discovery, I just about fell off my chair!

But it was something I really needed to come to terms with. I knew I was making some purchases here and there that were a bit pointless, but I had no idea the extent.

And I only came to this realization because I signed up for Sarah Von Bargen’s course, Put Your Money Where Your Happy Is which is unfortunately no longer available.

Sarah is the woman behind the site Yes & Yes, and if you don’t know it yet, I highly recommend rectifying that immediately. Like seriously, grab a coffee and clear your afternoon! It’s smart and funny, and oh-so-motivational.

Her Put Your Money Where Your Happy Is course helps you re-evaluate your relationship with money, essentially by getting to the nitty gritty of how, why, and where you spend it. You might be surprised at how easy it is to free up extra money for travel without needing to earn more money or live unhappily in your current non-travel life.

Or without needing to give up those precious coffees! Winning

4 – Drive for Rideshare Apps in Your Spare Time

If you own a decent vehicle, there’s probably no easier or more flexible way to make an extra income than by becoming an Uber or Lyft driver.

I know what you’re thinking… but Brooooooke, this is no different than telling someone the same old advice of getting a second job to save money for travel.

Yes, but also no. While I have a few girlfriends who have dabbled in driving for rideshare apps, it’s not usually a method of extra income sought out by females. And the barrier to entry is just so low! If you own a decent car and have a license, you could very well be flipping the Uber or Lyft apps on whenever you please (although daytime hours are probably best).

Plus, you get to meet several new and interesting people every hour!

So take this as a friendly reminder that rideshare work can be an option for earning and saving extra money, and don’t forget about things like Uber Eats if you live in the right areas.

5 – Don’t Sell Your Stuff… Sell OTHER People’s Stuff

Don’t take this as permission to steal your mom’s favorite purse and schlep it on eBay! Do, however, snatch up free furniture, clothes, and other goods listed on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Gumtree, and community message boards.

Then take these goods and sell them at your convenience.

I cannot count the times when moving apartments that I have ended up giving away things that could have gone for a bit of cash. But when I was in the mode of moving and super busy, I simply didn’t have the time to focus on selling stuff. Someone taking the items off my hands provided more value.

If you think this is something you could get into for extra cash, keep an eye on moving sales and make a habit of stopping off at garage sales later in the day. Even garage sale type markets (like the Kirribilli Markets here in Sydney) can result in some massive cheap and free clothing scores towards the end of a market day when owners don’t want to take stuff back home.

10 MORE Ways to Save Money for Travel

They’re just good reminders!

1 – Use tools or apps to track your budget and expenses.

A simple spreadsheet will do the trick. It’s all about becoming aware of where the money is going so you can allocate it more wisely. But also check out Credit Karma (formerly Mint.com) or You Need a Budget.

2 – Set up a ‘save the change’ automatic bank transfer.

Some banks have a system that rounds up your debit card purchases to the nearest dollar, putting the extra change into a separate account. When you pay for something with cash, keep the change and put it in a jar at home.

3 – Set up bank alerts to message you with every purchase you make.

It’s so easy to mindlessly make purchases with our tap-and-go debit cards. But when you get that text message a few minutes later reminding you that you just spent $10 on a bottle of water and a couple of packs of gum, it makes it a bit more real. It’s also a great way to keep on top of potential fraud charges.

4 – Any time you receive a specific cash denomination, put it in a jar.

I don’t shop with cash much, but whenever I receive a $5 note (I live in Australia, btw) it goes into a jar for a future trip. You can try this practice with quarters, single dollars, etc.

5 – Sell unnecessary belongings.

If you do have things that you don’t use anymore, or won’t need once you become a world traveler, sell them for extra cash. Have a good old-fashioned garage sale.

6 – Move to a cheaper place, or take up house sitting.

Can you downsize your living situation, move into a house share, or even back with your parents for a while? If you’re okay with moving around a bit, why not look into what it takes to be a house (or pet) sitter where you can often live rent-free?

7 – Make early morning plans on weekends.

Want to make sure you don’t have a crazy late night out spending too much money on booze? Make plans you can’t easily miss for weekend mornings. Or sign up for a community sports team that has practices on weekends.

8 – Keep a busy calendar with free or low-cost activities.

You can’t spend money if you’re busy with life and work. Tackle a project you’ve always been meaning to but never had the time. Take up a new hobby, like drawing or knitting. Hit the gym more. Volunteer at an animal shelter or a soup kitchen. Have a weekly movie night with girlfriends. There are so many things you can add to your calendar that don’t involve spending heaps of money.

9 – Take a second job.

If you make more money, you can save more money, right? Look for casual, part-time work, or utilize a skill for freelance projects.

10 – Make your goal and progress visual.

Pick a savings goal and write it down. Put it on the wall in BIG, FAT LETTERS so you can see it every single day and stay motivated. And also track your progress. Be sure to celebrate all the little wins along the way – they add up!

• Further reading: How to Create a Travel Budget

What other tips can you give for saving money for your travels? Share them in the comments below!

Pin these to your favorite boards

The post 5 Legit, Non-Sucky Ways to Save Money for Travel (+10 more good reminders) appeared first on Her Packing List.

It can be easy to get caught up in your destination and spend money freely until you check your bank account… and cry a tiny bit inside (or, let’s face it, a lot out loud!).

This might be a once-in-a-lifetime trip you’ve saved for over years, or it might be one without a fixed end date that will require you to not overspend along the way. Either way, setting a budget is an important part of any trip prep.

Tracking travel expenses is also essential if you’re on a work trip where you’ll be reimbursed by your company. 

We’re sharing a few different methods you can use to track your travel expenses in this post.

Setting Your Travel Budget

Before you can track your expenses while traveling, you first have to set a travel budget to begin with. 

This requires some research into several different factors like the exchange rate and the cost of travel in your particular destination. 

You don’t want to set a low budget and then find you don’t have enough to cover both your accommodation and daily meals.

I found my budget to be incredibly low when I arrived in Australia back in 2011. I thought $3,000 would last me a while but thanks to bank fees, high cost of living, and unexpected costs, it quickly disappeared.

You can also start using the expense-tracking tools below before you even leave to cut down on costs at home. 

You might quickly realize how much you’re spending on that daily coffee or lunches out and eliminate them in favor of bungy jumping in New Zealand or a safari in South Africa. 

Plus, it’s good to test the method before you really need it just like you’d test gear before bringing it with you.

Old School Methods for Tracking Travel Expenses

When I first started traveling, these are the methods I used. Different things work for different people, so here are a few non-technological ways to keep track of expenses if you don’t travel with a smartphone or just don’t want to mess with it.

Notebooks

For my year in Australia, I kept copious notes of all spending in small Moleskine-like notebooks. 

I drew lines in the pages, although you can buy them with grids or lines, and put in everything I spent every day and what I spent it on. 

I also listed how much I earned, as I was on a working holiday visa, and was able to see the extra that I saved for travels.

I later ended up putting it into an Excel spreadsheet (which you can see here) at the end of my trip and wrote a blog post about how much I spent traveling in Australia. 

I did the same on my three month trip through Australia and Southeast Asia a few years later, which allowed me to track expenses with my sister and split the difference.

Cash Only

Another reader suggested only using cash rather than cards, which can be lost or charged high fees for overseas transactions. 

Instead, you can place a specific amount of cash in an envelope for a chosen destination and when that runs out, you’re out of luck. I like this idea for a shorter trip that you don’t have to constantly take out cash for.

This will also keep you from carrying around all your money at once, stashing the rest in your bag, and only having the amount you need for the day. 

You can either set aside cash in your home currency to change over when you arrive or do it in advance for best results.

Technological Methods for Tracking Travel Expenses

If you want to cut down on the extras like notebooks, your smartphone or laptop can do just about anything you need it to when it comes to tracking expenses.

Spreadsheets

This is my preferred method for just about everything, especially in my work, and you can make spreadsheets on a smartphone or laptop. 

Excel is one computer program that performs these functions, as is Google Sheets, which also has an app as well as functionality on Google Drive. 

Here you can make different columns for different destinations and categories and tally the totals up at the end. 

They’re fairly straightforward to use, even if you’re not necessarily tech-savvy.

Smartphone Apps to Track Travel Expenses

Just Google “travel budget app” and you’ll see dozens of options to keep you organized on the go, but we’ve narrowed down a few of our favorites, a few recommendations from readers, and some you don’t even have to pay for! 

Note that some of these are not available on all systems and some may only be available in certain countries.

If you have a favorite we didn’t mention, please leave it in the comments below!

• Notes
  
  

  Just about every smartphone has a Notes function, which you can use to type in your daily expenses and add them up with your Calculator app at the end of each day. Easy peasy! (FREE)

• Credit Karma (Previously Mint)
  
  

  It’s a good idea to use Credit Karma (Formerly Mint) whether you’re traveling or not. In addition to setting budgets, you can also track your cash flow and credit score, and see your most recent transactions. (FREE)

• Toshl
  
  

  The Toshl personal finance app allows you to set budgets and add expenses in any currency, which is ideal when you’re traveling. You can also take photos of receipts to add to your reports, all of which can be synced with your other devices. (FREE or $39.99 for 12 months for Premium)

• TripRider
  
  

  TripRider incorporates all aspects of your trip, from packing lists to maps to budgets to trip plans. You can also add multiple travelers to share the information with your travel companions. ($4.99)

• Trabee Pocket
  
  

  Trabee Pocket tracks your spending in multiple currencies and can quickly convert amounts to your home currency so you have a better idea of what something is costing you. You can also add a note or image to your spending like a small diary (FREE with in-app purchases)

• Travel Spend
  
  

  Travel Spend allows you to track costs and even split costs with your travel companions to keep track of who owes what. (FREE with in-app purchases)

How do you keep track of your travel expenses on the road? Let us know in the comments below.

The post How to Track Travel Expenses and Actually Stay On Budget appeared first on Her Packing List.

Figuring out how much your trip will cost is important, but it’s also a bit like trying to predict the future.

You don’t want to be halfway through your trip and realize you’re almost out of money. At the same time, it’s hard to know what you’ll be doing months down the road.

So how do you know how much money you need to travel? 

Here are my tips for how to create a travel budget.

Research What Other Travelers Have Spent

This goes for long term travel or short trips. 

Search for blog posts about travel budgets for the locations you’re traveling to. But don’t just look at their numbers, read about how they travel as well. 

A blog post about traveling on $25 a day won’t give you a realistic budget if you’re not a bare-bones backpacker.

Look closely at: 

• The types of activities they did.
• Where they stayed. 
• How they got from one place to the next. 

These things will all factor into how much you will spend.

Seeing what other travelers spent on their trips will give you a ballpark number for your budget. But I like to dig a little deeper to get amounts that are specific to the trip I’m planning, especially since prices can change from one year to the next.

Research Transportation and Accommodation Costs

Since you probably have a general idea of where you plan on traveling, start looking up the different pieces as if you’re booking it all right now. 

• How much do flights cost? 
• How much does other transportation cost, like buses or trains? 
• What about hotels or hostels?

For example, I recently planned a trip to Central America. 

Some backpackers will save lots of money by taking the chicken buses, but I know this isn’t comfortable for me. I’d much rather take a more direct, more comfortable bus even if it costs more. 

So I looked at the bus company websites to see what they charge. I also found a few hotels I’d be willing to book to get an idea of what they cost.

Budget for Activities

Activities can be a little harder to budget for because they’re one-off things, and you might not plan on them ahead of time. But it also means there isn’t as much variation.

• If you’re going to Southeast Asia and you know you’d like to see Angkor Wat, find out how much it costs to see the temples and hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you there. 
• If you’re going to Australia and you want to go scuba diving, do some research on scuba trips. 

It’s also worth finding out if haggling is an option where you’re going. 

You probably can’t negotiate your way into a cheaper live-aboard scuba experience on the Great Barrier Reef, but you can haggle on the cost of an island tour in Thailand. 

I think it’s still worth using the cost you find online as a guide for budgetary purposes, but it helps to know when you might be able to pay less.

Budgeting for Food

Food costs vary greatly depending on how and where you travel. 

• You’ll spend less if you stay in hostels with kitchens or rent apartments so you can cook instead of eating out all the time. 
• Eating out in Hanoi will be much cheaper than eating out in Paris.

Do some research on what food costs in the destinations you’re visiting. If you know you like to eat at nice restaurants, find a few that have menus posted and see what their prices are.

Make sure to account for alcohol if you like to drink. If you like to party while you travel, that can increase your budget a lot.

Track Your Expenses

HOT TIP: Always round up your travel estimate. 

I’d rather have more money than I need, as opposed to running out before the trip ends. No matter how well you plan, there are almost always unforeseen extras that pop up while actually on the road.

In order to see how your budget is working out for you, keep track of what you spend when you’re actually on your trip. This will help you stick to your budget. It’ll also show you where you can cut back if necessary. 

Track your spending on a spreadsheet, old-fashioned pen and paper, or get a tracking app for your phone.

Some popular travel expense tracking apps include:

• Credit Karma
• Toshl
• TripRider

Now It’s Time to Save

Now that you know how much money you need for your trip, it’s time to save up! 

Find ways to cut expenses at home: 

• Reduce your cable or cell phone plan.
• Eat out less.
• Stop buying new clothes.
• Take public transport. 

Find ways to earn more:

• Pick up extra shifts.
• Get a side job.
• Sell things at a garage sale or on eBay or Craigslist. 

Also, consider picking up your travel gear at thrift stores or other unexpected places.

Keep that trip in mind as your main goal. And since you already know how much the different pieces of your trip cost, compare the cost of a new dress or a night at the club with what that money will pay for while you’re traveling. 

That makes it really easy to resist spending money you should be saving towards your trip.

Do you have any other tips for how to create a travel budget?

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Packing for a trip, whether it’s an overnight business trip, a weekend away, or a long-term backpacking adventure can be a big chore. Add in very restricting weight limits imposed by airlines, it’s suddenly a challenge.

Even with several years of flights and road trips under your belt, you can still slip up and forget something vital at home.

Her Packing List offers our own packing list template that you can customize and print to use for your trips. 

However, if you want to go paperless and fully digital, here are some great packing list apps that will help you become a packing pro!

Find The Perfect Packing List App For Your Travels

One Bag

OneBag speaks our language: pack light and keep it all in one bag as much as possible.

The app allows you to create custom packing lists for the type of trip that you are taking. You can add items to your personal inventory so that it is easy to build your packing list trip after trip.

The best part of this app is that it lets you input the weight of each item that you are putting in your list, and it will automatically add up everything so you know if you’re already past your airline’s weight limit.

Your items are categorized, so you can even see which section of your packing list can be trimmed down in weight so that you can stay within the baggage limit.

• The OneBag App is only available on Google Play. It is free to download, though a Pro version with premium features is also available.

Pros

• Easy and simple to use
• Weight feature
• Perfect for packing light

Cons

• Doesn’t auto-generate pack lists
• Available on Android only

PackTeo

If you feel like premade templates don’t really suit your packing style, then the PackTeo app is for you.

It does have premade lists that are customized based on the kind of trip you are taking, but its manual packing list creation is one of the more robust features of this app.

You can add single items, a list of items, items from a template, catalog, or from the list generator.

The app’s list generator makes lists based on your destination, the people on the trip, mode of transport, accommodation, weather, location, and activities.

• PackTeo is free on Google Play.

Pros

• Free
• Shareable
• User-friendly

Cons

• Available on Android only

Packr

Packr is a weather-driven packing list. Once you input your destination and date of travel, it will get the 8-day weather forecast and generate a packing list based on the conditions when you are traveling.

It allows you to create packing lists for multi-destination trips, so you are sure to be ready for any kind of weather and climate.

It is available on iPhone and iPad and can seamlessly sync your account. No matter where you are accessing the app from, you get the updated version of your list.

If you use TripIt to organize your trips, you can also connect it to Packr, and it will make sure that your trip details are taken into consideration when creating your packing list.

• Packr is available on the Apple App Store as a free version or for $2.99 for the premium version.

Pros

• Easy and intuitive to use
• Ideal for families
• Multidestination packing lists (perfect for any length of travel)

Cons

• Available on iOS only
• You have to pay for the multidestination packing list feature

PackPoint

The PackPoint travel packing list is generated based on your destination, weather, and activities.

What’s really great about this app though, is that it’s available in both Android and iOS, so you can easily share your curated list with the people you are traveling with, regardless of the device that they are using

The premium version of the app can also connect to TripIt and Evernote.

• PackPoint is free on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. The premium version is available for $2.99.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Shareable
• Available on Android and iOS

Cons

• Minimal features without the premium version
• Can only be used for one person

PackingPro

If you’re traveling as a family or a large group, PackingPro is for you. This app allows you to create a comprehensive packing list for everyone, including your pets, perfect for a family vacation.

It features a catalog with an extensive list of items that you can add to your list. It also features an assistant that can create the list for you, based on the number of people joining you on the trip.

The list can be exported into Excel or Google Docs, which you can then print out.

• PackingPro is available only on the Apple App Store for $2.99.

Pros

• Can export your packing list to a PDF to print
• Shareable
• Fully customizable

Cons

• Intensive set up
• Available on iOS only

Our Top Picks

We have listed some of the best packing apps and it’s hard to choose our favorite. 

Ultimately, there is no best packing list app and the app you choose depends on the needs you have.

We love OneBag because it focuses on packing light and fitting everything in one bag! 

If this is your vibe too, but you have been struggling to limit your packing list items, check out Baggage Freedom Express – a live, 5-day masterclass helping you to free yourself of excess baggage.

We also love the PackPoint app. 

It’s perfect if you are looking for something that’s hassle and fuss-free and it’s great for beginners. Because it’s available for both iOS and Android it means that this app is accessible to almost everyone and is easy to share with the people you are traveling with. And it connects to TripIT and Evernote as a bonus too

Getting The Most Out Of Your Packing List App

You don’t only have to use your packing list app before you leave for a destination. You can ensure a smooth trip by utilizing your packing list app while on vacation too.

• Check items off your list as you use them. This way you can see exactly what you have used and what outfits you haven’t worn yet. This will definitely save you time searching through your clothes. 
• Use your packing list checklist to make sure you have everything you brought before you leave to go home.
• Use this new list to see exactly what went unused on your trip and then use that information to pack lighter and smarter for your next trip.

If you find that you are always bringing things you don’t need on your trips, you can download our free guide to ensure that you only pack what you need and nothing more.

Which one is for you?

These are five of our picks over the hundreds of packing apps available online. 

Did we miss your app of choice or do you have any feedback on these apps? Share them in the comments below, we’re always on the lookout for great apps!

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The post Ditch the Paper Checklists: The Best Packing List Apps for Travelers in 2025 appeared first on Her Packing List.

This packing list post for winter in Prague was submitted by Irene. Find all packing list posts here.

Winter looks ravishing on Prague.

The Czech capital is a looker in any season, but when its roofs are covered with a sparkling coat of fresh snow and people gather at the Christmas Markets for a chat and a hot meal, the city’s no less than mesmerizing. 

And without the masses of tourists that battle each other with selfie sticks for the best views during summer’s high season, you feel like you’ve got the city all to yourself … and the charming Czechs.

So put on your warm hat and head out to wrap your mittens around a steaming cup of mulled wine with this winter packing list for Prague.

Packing List for Prague in Winter

Outerwear for Prague in Winter

• Scarf, hat, and gloves:

Prague gets chilly in winter. Nothing too dramatic, but expect temperatures around 0 °C or 32 °F in December with chances of snow and light rain. 

Whether wool, fleece, or hitech‐tactile gloves, or fluffy mittens ‐ you’ll be happy to wear something warm to hide your face and hands when you get caught in an icy gust of wind.

But don’t forget that packing light for cold weather trips is still possible.

• Winter coat:  

You won’t exactly be facing Arctic weather circumstances, but since you’ll be spending a lot of time outside checking out Prague’s romantic scenery (and drinking mulled wine at the Christmas Markets) a warm winter coat is mandatory.

Quilted down jackets are warm, lightweight, and easily stacked away in a suitcase or backpack if you’re traveling from afar.

Footwear

• Rainproof walking shoes or flat leather boots:  

While Prague has an excellent public transport system that connects both sides of the river Vltava through a network of metros, trams, and buses, the city’s charm is best captured on foot.

Take a pair of sturdy walking shoes that can handle a bit of rain and snow. As you’re walking down the winding, narrow streets admiring Prague’s beautiful gothic architecture, the last thing you want is to get distracted by wet feet and frozen toes!

• Flip flops:

If you’re staying in one of Prague’s plentiful hostels, a pair of flip flops will make your showers and nightly bathroom visits that much more comfortable ‐ and hygienic.

Underwear

• 4 pairs of warm socks
• 2 bras
• Daily panties plus 1 extra:

There’s no need to take fancy thermal underwear with you.

• A pair of thin leggings:

Some simple cotton/nylon blend leggings or tights are great travel companions in Prague’s Winter Wonderland. They’re lightweight, roll up easily into small bundles and come in a variety of colors. Stick to 30 – 40 Den for maximum comfort. 

Wear them underneath your pants to layer up on a particularly chilly day or combine them with a dressy skirt or frock when you’re off to night out at the Opera House.

Clothing to Pack for Prague

• 2 long‐sleeved shirts
• 2 t‐shirts
• 2 light sweaters
• 2 pairs of jeans
• Dress or dressy skirt/shirt combo:  

A trip to Prague isn’t complete without a visit to one of the famous opera houses, but make sure to dress appropriately.

The Czech take the opera seriously and you won’t see them enjoying an evening of Dvorak or Mozart wearing jeans and sneakers. Pack a simple dress or skirt to wear over your tights or leggings, combine with some flat boots and you’re good to go.

• Remember to pack in layers for your winter getaways.

Toiletries

• Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Medication
• Lip balm, moisturizer, body lotion
• Make‐up

Electronics

• Phone
• Camera
• Chargers, USB cord, batteries
• Plug adapter if you’re traveling from outside of Europe

Good to Bring

• “The Metamorphosis” or other literature by Franz Kafka:

“Prague never lets you go… this dear little mother has sharp claws”. The famous author Franz Kafka was born in Prague and spent a large part of his life living and working in the Jewish Quarter. 

Although he never explicitly referred to the city in his works, it is said his stories were strongly influenced by the bureaucracy in 1920s Prague. Check out the Kafka Museum for the full “Kafkaesque” experience!

• Umbrella:  

On the “warmer” winter days in Prague, for instance during November or February, expect showers instead of snow. It’s not heavy enough to bring out the full rain gear, but it’s a good idea to pack a small, portable umbrella.

And you know how it works: as soon as you take one with you, angels start singing, the sky clears up and warm, blissful rays of sun grace your face. So take one!

Would you add anything else to this packing list for Prague in winter? Let us know in the comments below.

About the author: Irene Broer is a Dutch freelance journalist and travel writer currently living in Hamburg, Germany. She has a passion for Eastern and Central Europe and digital activism. Right now she’s helping to set up Hamburg’s first English language print magazine GUTE LEUTE. Check out her portfolio here.

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The following packing list for a road trip in Iceland, submitted by Jenny, has recently been updated. See all packing list posts here.

Out of all the adventures that I’ve gone on in the past few years, few compare to my week­-long road trip through Iceland. 

I traveled there towards the end of winter hoping to see the northern lights. What I found was more than I could have ever expected. 

Iceland is a place filled with endless beauty. An incredible destination that awakens your senses to all that nature has to offer.

This blog post is filled with tips for visiting Iceland and my winter road trip packing list.

Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice

Known as ‘the land of fire and ice,’ Iceland is filled with dramatic landscapes ­- incredible waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, black­ sand beaches, and more! 

Visiting Iceland feels like visiting a small­ town where everyone knows each other.

It’s one of those trips where you could easily travel on your own: 

• English is spoken nearly everywhere.
• Crime is low.
• Navigating through the country is easy.
• Outdoor adventures can be found throughout the country.

Female Packing List for a Winter Road Trip in Iceland

So what to bring on a trip to Iceland? 

When you hear people say, the weather is unpredictable in Iceland, it’s no joke! On any given day, you can literally experience multiple seasons, so layering is a must.

Clothing and Shoes to Pack for Iceland

Raincoat:

You never know when it will start to rain in Iceland! 

Throughout most of the trip, I wore a lightweight raincoat which was great for the constantly changing weather.

Packable Down Jacket: 

For days when I needed extra warmth, a packable down jacket was incredible to have and layer underneath.

Tops/Sweaters: 

I loved having cozy sweaters for the car ride.

A lot of our trip was spent in a car driving the Ring Road and stopping at destinations along the way. Being comfy sitting in a car for hours is important to an enjoyable road trip. 

Base Layers:

Be prepared with a few base layers to give you extra insulation, especially if you plan to hike.

• Take a look at this post for some more information on layers: Choose Travel Clothing in Versatile Layers.

Pants: 

A pair of denim and hiking pants/leggings will go a long way.

Shoes: 

We spent the first and last day of our trip in Reykjavik. Depending on what you prefer to do in the city, I would suggest a pair of casual shoes to explore the town. 

Don’t forget hiking boots/athletic shoes though. You’ll definitely need them to explore the country.

Undergarments and socks:

I recommend Smartwool socks. Not only are they comfy, but they wick away sweat.

Knit cap, scarf and gloves:

The wind can be pretty brutal but having a few little essentials to cover your extremities will help make your time outside in the cold weather manageable.

Swimsuit: 

Even if you don’t plan to visit the Blue Lagoon, there are natural hot springs throughout the country. I highly suggest seeking one out and going for a little dip.

• Read our tips for packing light for winter travel.

Toiletries

Essentials:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, & floss
• Deodorant
• Other hygiene supplies

• To streamline your travel toiletries, take a look at this post: The Essential Travel Toiletries Kit

Makeup bag:

• Cosmetics
• Lotion
• Sunscreen

Medications: 

Put together your travel medical kit.

Gadgets

Camera:

Don’t forget a camera! 

The scenery in Iceland is breathtaking. You will want to stop and take pictures everywhere.

Video camera/GoPro: 

We mounted a GoPro to our car to capture the landscape while driving throughout the country.

Memory cards, external batteries, and chargers

Laptop/tablet

Headphones

Adapter

Other

Music:

I love having a specific playlist for road trips! 

There are songs that I can hear today that remind me of specific moments from an adventure that I had.

Books:

Most of the places we stayed at did not have internet, so I spent nights curled up reading a great book.

Water bottle

Tips for Visiting Iceland in Winter

Navigating Iceland

Iceland is magical during the winter but be aware that some of the side roads may be impassable if you are visiting during that time. 

If you drive the Ring Road, rent a vehicle with 4WD and make sure to get GPS. GPS coordinates are incredibly helpful in finding certain locations.

Outside of Reykjavik, we opted to stay at Airbnb options along the Ring Road. Some of the locations are quite remote, so if you decide to use this service, get exact routes from your host especially if you are arriving at your destination late.

• You might enjoy reading some of these camping hacks, which could be useful when road tripping, too!

Budget

Flights are relatively inexpensive from the East Coast of the United States, but once you get to Iceland things can be pricey. 

If you are looking to explore on a budget, stay at a hostel and stock up on food at the grocery stores. 

Don’t forget to allow yourself to splurge on an adventure or two, such as glacier or ice cave trekking, scuba diving, or possibly a helicopter tour.

Finally, be prepared to fall in love with Iceland!

Are you planning a road trip to Iceland soon? Would you add anything to this winter packing list? Let us know in the comments below.

About the author: Jenny is a management consultant, graduate student and avid traveler. She’s constantly on the go and always dreaming of her next destination.

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The following French Alps packing list by Katie Doyle has been recently updated. Find all packing list posts here.

Skiing in the French Alps is the winter trip of a lifetime. 

Although the altitude of the Alps is much higher than most ski resorts in the States, winters can range from mild to freezing. Hopefully, snow will be abundant during your time there because the powder is unbeatable. 

I was incredibly lucky to spend a few months skiing in the Savoie nearly every day, but if you’re staying for a shorter time, the two suitcases I brought with me might be overkill.

Here’s what to pack for a winter spent skiing in the French Alps!

Packing for Your French Alps Ski Trip

For adventurous ladies, packing for style, warmth, and comfort can be challenging. Hence why the laid-back attitude permeating most Alpine resorts is a relief. 

You can fit in with the coolest seasonaires without a Sex and the City-scale luggage entourage. 

Laundry can be expensive so having more than one of certain essential items will keep you and your body happy. No one wants to wear the same sweaty ski gear for too many consecutive days.

• Take a look at this post on hand-washing your laundry: Essential Pack Items for Hand-Washing Clothes on the Road.

If you are bringing along ski or snowboard boots (or skis or a snowboard!) you will probably have to check at least one bag. Renting gear is also an option for those who want to pack light.

Keep in mind that the higher up you go, the more expensive things are. You don’t want to make too many purchases at 6,000+ feet above sea level! 

Give some thought to packing so you don’t find yourself unwillingly spending euros that would otherwise be put to good use at the après-ski bar.

Female Packing List for the French Alps in Winter

Ski Gear to Pack

Outerwear

A good winter coat and snow pants are a must. These items will be on the expensive side if you have to buy them, and bringing your own means you can get out on the slopes as soon as you arrive. 

Warm and waterproof will keep you happy, trust me.

Skis & Snowboards

A few airlines, such as Swiss Air, offer a free checked ski equipment luggage incentive when flying into Chambery, Grenoble, Geneva, or Lyon. 

If you’re flying an airline that doesn’t accommodate skis, you can rent them for a reasonable price at the resort. Rentals are usually available for daily or weekly rates, so you have some flexibility.

Ski Boots

Ski boots are available for rent as well, but if you have a good pair, it might be worth it to bring them. 

You don’t want to waste precious skiing time getting your feet painfully extracted from uncomfortable boots!

*Packing tip: Roll up your socks and clothes and stick them into your ski boots for a little more efficiency.

Goggles

You will not regret bringing your own goggles. 

They will be expensive regardless of the resort you’re staying in and they’re a must-have while skiing.

Helmet

A helmet can be taken or left, as it’s one of the few very necessary items that can be rented from a shop on the mountain for a reasonable price. 

Your hair doesn’t have to be perfect in Alps society, so wear a helmet!

Clothing for the French Alps

Layers are the key to staying warm and dry in the mountains. 

Even if you travel during a warmer week between November and April, you won’t regret packing a few of every layer of clothing. 

When shopping for necessities, I recommend Cold Gear by Under Armour, but really any decent-quality thermal will do.

• Thermal leggings – The warmer, the better!
• Thermal undershirts

• Tank tops – Keep your core warm on those chilly powder mornings!
• Good quality ski socks

• Underwear & sports bras – Regular bras are good to have too, but stick with a trusty sports bra on the slopes.
• Jeans & other pants – Take a pair of jeans or other pants along for the time you’ll spend off the slopes. It’s nice to have something else to change into for a French dinner of fondue or raclette, although the dress code is usually ski-casual.
• Sweater or other top – Just an option for when you’re not skiing.
• Pajamas

Shoes

Leave the heels at home, ladies. You won’t even take them out of your bag. 

You’ll notice that most people leave their ski boots on from first lifts until après-après-ski… basically, until very late at night. Bring a pair of winter boots or two and you’ll be all set for walking through snow and dancing on bars.

Toiletries

You don’t need to go overboard on makeup or other toiletries; if you bring a mini-hair dryer, great, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. 

Everyone who loves skiing as much as you do is on the same page.

Although, here are two toiletry items worth mentioning:

Dry shampoo

You might not need to wash your hair every day, but it’s nice to feel a bit refreshed.

Lotion

High altitude equals dry skin.

Accessories

Gloves

You’ll want to pack both liners and heavy, waterproof gloves. 

Make sure they thoroughly dry out overnight, as there are few things more unpleasant than putting on damp gloves first thing in the morning.

Beanie

They do look cute while keeping your head warm. 

More for fashion than practicality, hats like these are all the rage in the mountains. A fuzzy beanie easily fits in your luggage.

Sunglasses

Depending on your personal preference, packing sunglasses may trump goggles in nice weather. 

They’re a good alternative for lunch breaks or chilling with a cold beer after a long day’s skiing.

Electronics

GoPro Camera

Everyone in the Savoie Region has one. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Plug adapter for charging everything

Laptop

You know your blog readers can’t wait to see the beauty you’re experiencing in the Alps. Buy a cup of coffee in a café with wifi and get those photos and videos uploaded! (Or just stick with Instagram and pack lighter.)

Extra SD cards for the GoPro

Spare batteries and chargers

Headphones

Miscellaneous

Sunscreen

Without fail, I have gotten sunburned each time I’ve visited the Alps. Switzerland, France, Italy… it doesn’t matter. 

Bring sunscreen and wear it to protect yourself from the rays that will inevitably bounce off of the bright white snow.

Hand and toe warmers

I didn’t really need these during my trip because the weather was pleasant most of the time, but they’re a good idea if your extremities tend to get cold. 

Again, it’s best to bring a couple than spend a lot of money on them once you get there.

Ibuprofen

In France, Ibuprofen is sold in a pharmacy. 

This can be inconvenient as pharmacies – especially in the Alps – aren’t always open when the ski lifts close, so bringing some along will ensure that you get the most time on the slopes.

That’s it! With this French Alps packing list, you should be ready to hit the slopes in no time.

Are you heading to the French Alps soon? Would you add anything else to this packing list? Let us know in the comments below.

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About the Author: Katie is a writer and videographer who chronicles her travels from wherever she happens to be. A winter in France, a summer on Cape Cod, with road trips and fishing expeditions in between—she’s up for anything and will tell you the story about it later. Check out www.kadoyle.com.

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The post The Ultimate Female Packing List for the French Alps in Winter appeared first on Her Packing List.

This female packing list for Lapland by Kristin Repsher is still one of our favorite packing list posts and has been recently updated. Find all packing list posts here.

I am NOT a winter person. 

I was just short of my 18th birthday the first time I saw snow actually stick to the ground, and moving to Brisbane didn’t improve my chances of seeing that happen again. 

Needless to say, when I started planning my trip to Lapland in winter, I was most concerned about how I would stay warm in sub-Arctic temperatures. 

With only a few modifications to my initial female packing list for Lapland, I made it through 28 days in temperatures as low as -38°C! This is what I recommend packing to survive those long nights of northern lights watching in Scandinavia’s far north.

The Best Bag for Lapland: Suitcase vs. Backpack

I recommend taking a backpack to Lapland. 

I made this choice after traveling in Lapland with a rolling bag last year and finding it the most annoying thing in the world. The bag dug into any uncleared snow and it seemed twice as heavy when I tried to pull it out. Plus, it slipped all over the place on the ice.

My Osprey Farpoint 55 worked very well on this trip — it was large enough for my clothes and tripod and had a detachable daypack for carrying during the day (since I often needed to carry extra layers and gear). 

Plus, its straps zip away to keep them from getting damaged in the baggage holds on buses or planes.

• Read another traveler’s review of the Osprey Farpoint 55 here.

Female Travel Packing List for Lapland in Winter

Clothing to Pack for Lapland in Winter

No cotton: 

Cotton absorbs moisture and quickly becomes a fabric that makes you colder rather than warmer. Avoid it in all of your layers if you possibly can.

• Take a look at this post for more information on the best fabrics to travel in: Best Fabrics for Travel Clothing.

4 layers of thermals: 

Thermal underwear is one of the most important things you’ll take with you. 

I had at least two layers on top and bottom at all times — a layer of 200GSM merino wool and a layer of polypropylene. Wool is the best fabric you can get since it helps to regulate your temperature more (keeping you warm in winter and cooler in summer) and doesn’t smell. 

I recommend bringing double the number you plan to wear since you’ll still want to wear thermals when one set is being washed!

2 bras: 

I recommend supportive bras over cute ones since they’ll be hidden under a pile of other clothing. 

Plus, you’ll be doing a lot of activities that cause a lot of bounce, like snowmobiling and dogsledding.

5 pairs of underwear: 

I brought 5 just because I didn’t want to wash them every night, but it’ll be easy enough to wash them and hang them on a radiator to dry for the next morning.

1-2 shirts: 

I wanted to feel like I was wearing something other than thermals so I took a T-shirt and a V-neck sweater to wear over them.

2-3 mid layers: 

Warm fabrics without the bulk are important here so you don’t end up feeling like the Michelin man. 

I wore multiple zip-up wool sweaters (one around 160GSM and one 320GSM) and an ExOfficio hoodie which is unfortunately no longer made.

Jacket: 

Preferably one that’s rated at least 10,000/10,000 (meaning it is breathable yet waterproof). 

My jacket was thicker than a simple outer shell, but it wasn’t thick enough for the nights when it was below -20°C. I really wished I had a down jacket because they are incredibly warm yet compact down a huge amount for packing.

Fleece pants & ski pants: 

I felt that the combination of fleece pants & waterproof/breathable (again, 10,000/10,000 rated) ski pants worked much better than jeans. 

I was much warmer and the ski pants had elastic that sealed around my boots to stop snow from getting in.

5 pairs of thick socks: 

I didn’t want to try re-wearing socks since I didn’t want them to start losing their insulation, so I took as many mid-weight SmartWool socks as I could fit.

• Travel Socks Guide: Compression, Hiking, and Why You Should Pack Them.

Swimsuit: 

I forgot mine and had to buy another one at H&M! 

You won’t want to pass up sitting in that hot tub with a view because you forgot yours, and it’s occasionally handy for mixed-gender saunas as well.

Protection from the Elements

Gore-tex gloves/mittens with glove liners: 

Gore-tex is one of the warmest, most waterproof fabrics you can find for winter gear. It comes with a big price premium, but even at -33°C, my Gore-tex mittens kept my hands quite warm. 

I chose mittens because they keep your hands warmer than gloves since warm air can circulate across your entire hand.

I really recommend buying a pair of gloves that comes with glove liners (or alternatively, buying a thin pair of gloves that fits inside the larger ones), especially if you’re planning on taking photos. 

Thick gloves (and especially mittens) make it impossible to work any controls on your camera, and you don’t want to be continuously exposing your hands to the cold air to get your focus right.

As a side note, if you plan on using your smartphone a lot (see electronics below for more details on that), you can buy special gloves with little nubs on the thumb and index finger that let you work the screen. 

I have a pair of Mountain Designs that work exactly as advertised. But Amazon has a lot of cheaper alternatives.

Fleece neck gaiter: 

A scarf is handy, and I wore mine for the majority of my trip for a bit of extra warmth. However, a fleece neck gaiter is an absolute necessity. 

Not only does it let you keep your cheeks, nose, and mouth warm while doing things like dogsledding or snowmobiling, but it also helps you breathe during the cold nights. 

I found that at any temperature below -20°, I would go outside and immediately start coughing from the harsh, dry air. Wearing the fleece over your mouth helps to humidify the air and avoid coughing fits.

Beanie: 

You’ll be wearing this all the time, so make sure you’re not allergic to the material it’s made of. Taking your beanie off will make you lose heat quicker than anything else. 

I had a thick woolen beanie with extra reinforcement around the ears to help stop the wind from getting through, but I also acquired an Arctic hat with ear flaps since I often found that my ears were cold no matter how much I pulled down the beanie.

Sunglasses: 

You can actually experience snow blindness if you don’t have sunglasses — and even if you don’t, you’ll end up walking around with your eyes squeezed nearly shut to cope with the glare of the sun on the ubiquitous snow

Warm Winter Shoes

Good, broken-in winter boots: 

Of everything you take to Lapland, this one is the most crucial to get right. 

These are the only shoes you’ll be wearing outside, so you’ll want to make sure: 

• They are comfortable.
• They have a good grip.
• They are warm enough to keep your toes from freezing during a night outside watching for the northern lights (nearly all other organized outdoor activities will provide thermal overalls & boots).

The most important thing you can do to ensure a warm pair of boots is to buy them a size larger than your normal shoes. This way, you can wear thick socks and still have extra room inside the boot for warm air to circulate. 

Also, do not believe the ratings on boots — even if it says you’ll stay warm down to -40°C, it’s unlikely that that’s the case. I adored my Columbia Bugaboot Plus XTMs, but my toes started to get cold when it was below -20°C — which was way off the -65°C that the label said they were rated to.

While my boots didn’t have them, many Sorels offer removable liners that you can pull out and dry at the end of the day.

Yaktrax: 

After breaking my leg falling on ice last year, I don’t know if I could have coped in some of the cities without these. 

While many towns had snowy sidewalks and roads that my boots could grip quite easily, cities like Kiruna and Tromsø often had very slippery ice that you couldn’t avoid. 

The Yaktrax – little contraptions made of bungee cords wrapped in spring-like steel – give that additional grip to stop you from uncontrollably sliding down the sidewalk. 

It’s a bit annoying that you can’t wear them on non-icy surfaces since it will damage the steel/break the bungee cords (the latter happened to one of mine), but it’s worth having to take them on and off a few times.

Flip flops: 

Even though I didn’t stay in many hostels, these flip flops came in quite handy for trips to saunas and hot tubs. 

You wouldn’t want to put wet feet in your boots because the boots are likely to stay wet; at the same time, running through the snow to a sauna is a good way to not feel your feet for the next 15 minutes (I know, I tried it).

Toiletries

Non-water-based hand lotion: 

My hands were covered in cracks by the time I left Lapland. 

Why? 

Because the only lotion I took with me was water-based, and water-based lotion accelerates frostbite. That meant I could only use it right before bed — when I knew I wouldn’t be going out to watch the northern lights anymore. 

Had I had other lotion, I could have used it much more regularly and avoided the painful cracks.

On a side note to do with frostbite — you shouldn’t shower or sauna within 2 hours of spending time outdoors. Both of these strip your skin of the necessary oils it needs to help insulate so you’ll feel the cold much more quickly.

Chapstick: 

The dry air will destroy your lips.

No makeup: 

I’m not big on traveling with makeup at the best of times, but it’s really not necessary in Lapland. It’s more likely to be an annoyance when it gets all over your scarves/neck gaiters, etc.

Shampoo/conditioner/body wash: 

Since there are not many hostels, most places you stay in will provide this for you. It’s good to have a small stash just in case though.

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Deodorant

Razor: 

Although getting a wax beforehand is a good idea since shaving is one more thing that dries out your skin.

Hair ties: 

It’s possible to keep your hair under control with a beanie, but with the number of outdoor activities you’ll be doing, you’ll probably want to tie up your hair and keep it out of your way.

Brush: 

After all those activities, your hair will be a mess.

Prescriptions/other medication: 

Most towns will have small pharmacies (sometimes as part of the supermarket), but it’s good to travel with any medicines you might need. I recommend adding some Sudafed and Benadryl to your travel medical kit to knock out any sniffles you might get.

Tech Gear

Batteries, batteries, batteries: 

Batteries just don’t last in the cold — some people say their lifetime can be up to 5x shorter. 

You’ll need to make sure you have multiple spare camera batteries. When they die, you can put them in the inside pocket of your coat and warm them back up to get a bit more juice out of them.

Power Bank: 

My iPhone often died without warning when it said there was still 50% battery left, and even when warmed it wouldn’t turn back on until I’d plugged it in. 

I’d definitely consider taking a portable power bank if I went back.

Camera: 

This goes without saying. Cameras with a bulb mode (or a manual mode that lets you adjust shutter speed) are important for taking northern lights photos, and you’ll want something very portable to take on excursions (since shooting with an SLR while driving a dogsled isn’t really an option). 

Most activities have somewhere to store your big camera so you can get it out at stopping points, but I liked having my GoPro so I could capture the action hands-free.

Memory cards: 

Take a lot of memory with you (or alternatively, a device that you can transfer photos onto). I took more photos in Lapland than I’ve taken in nearly every other place I’ve been.

Tripod: 

If you want to get any photos of the northern lights, you’ll have to take a tripod, otherwise, you risk blurry photos (or none at all, since the lights aren’t usually as bright as they appear on camera).

 A cheap one (like this one from Velbon) can do, although having a tripod with legs that aren’t attached to each other (like this one from Manfrotto) is helpful since the surfaces you’ll be shooting on will be uneven (and you won’t know how uneven until the tripod sinks into the snow). I use a carbon fiber tripod for its lightweight.

If your tripod has a detachable head, I recommend putting it in the freezer and testing how maneuverable it is in cold weather. This would have saved me having to buy a new tripod after mine got jammed.

Power adapters & chargers: 

Norway, Sweden, and Finland use the European two-pronged plug. You’ll want a few so you can make sure your phone and camera batteries are always charged to start the day.

Kindle: 

You’ll spend a lot of time in the evenings expectantly waiting for the northern lights to come out. 

Reading on your Kindle is a good way to pass the time without having bulky books taking up space in your bag.

Headlamp: 

If you plan on going out on your own to look for the northern lights, even if it’s just behind your hotel, it’s much easier to not fall into a massive snowdrift if you can see where you’re going.

Other

Handwarmers: 

Having these in the toes of your boots or in your pockets can feel like a lifesaver.

Are you planning a trip to Lapland soon? Was there anything on this female packing list for Lapland that surprised you? Let us know in the comments below.

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About the author: Kristin grew up in Houston, Texas, and moved to Australia after university. Be sure to check out her blog and her account on X.

See some of Kristin’s other guest posts on her favorite travel sandals and her Travelon bag.

*All photos, except for the title photo, by Kristin Repsher.

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The post Ultimate Female Travel Packing List for Lapland appeared first on Her Packing List.