When we designed our trip to Australia, we knew we had to limit the amount of things we took with us. With 7 total flights, 5 housing changes, and 3 cities in 16 days, we just weren't up for hauling more than we needed. So, we decided we had to pack light and get through the trip with one carry-on and "personal item" per person. And, believe it or not, we did it!No matter where we're headed, or for how long, we try to apply the same packing techniques each time to limit overpacking. The main factors break down into five categories: 1. Weather 2. Toiletries/Bathroom Gadgets 3. Planned Activities 4. Access to W/D 5. Needed Free Space Special Packing Tips within these categories are highlighted. Make sure you read those! Weather: Knowing we needed to take articles of clothing that would work for 90 degree days in Hamilton Island as well as 50 degree nights in Sydney, meant we'd have to layer. Layering helped add warmth on the cold nights but also allowed for outfit versatility. A t-shirt used under a sweater in Sydney was going to double as a beach coverup at Moreton Island. In the end, I took 9 tops (mix of light sweaters, tees, and blouses), 3 bottoms (2 shorts, 1 pant), 4 dresses (mix of romper, casual, and LBD), 4 different swimsuits, 4 pairs of shoes (2 sandals, 1 sneaker, and 1 small wedged heel) and my unmentionables. I also took two small sling purses, a tiny one that I used with my evening outfits and one that could fit an extra camera lens for our DSLR. Chase took 9 tops (mix of sweaters, tees, button downs), 5 bottoms (3 shorts, 2 pants), 3 swimsuits, and 3 pairs of shoes (2 sandals and a dress shoe) and his unmentionables! Chase made the decision to not wear anything that would need black accessories. This way, his color palette could go with brown and match his shoes no matter what he paired together. That black vest was worn a lot in Australia. I used it as a coverup at the beach, over my LBD when we went to church on a chilly Sunday morning, and anytime I wanted to add some texture to my outfit. Toiletries: When it comes to toiletries, we share! Instead of having our own shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, etc. we take one of each. Chase found a TSA approved plastic travel set so we had 12 vials to fill with all of our favorites, including soaps, moisturizers, sun tan lotions, aloe, salves and creams. This was a life saver because we realized how much space is wasted when we take our full sized toiletries. No one needs 8 ounces of face cleanser when you're only going to use 2oz! As for bathroom gadgets, I stopped taking a hairdryer years ago because they're heavy and most hotels/Airbnbs supply them. I invested in a high voltage curling iron (a nice converter will do if your favorite is low voltage) and only allow myself that one appliance. Chase sticks to old school shaving and leaves his electric razor at home. This is the set we have. We filled every bottle and had enough (if not too much) of everything! Including sunscreen! Planned Activities: Sometimes, activities require specific articles of clothing. For instance, when we were in Iceland, we had to take shoes that would work with crampons while we were ice hiking. For Australia, we knew we wanted to take our own snorkel gear. We decided that the equipment was more important than a few extra outfits so we made sure we had room for two pairs of flippers, neoprene socks, two snorkels and masks. We made use of them in Brisbane, at the Great Barrier Reef, and on Hamilton Island! For us, we felt they were worth the room they stole in our duffel bags. Those socks are a must for anyone that enjoys snorkeling! They save your heels from rubbing/blisters but most important, they make getting the fins on and off super easy! Access to W/D: We decided to do Airbnb housing for the entire trip. The only apartment that didn't have a washer/dryer was our first place in Sydney. The Darlinghurst options that had a W/D were about $15 more a night. We knew the only thing we'd really need to wash that early in the trip would be our swimsuits so we opted to wait until we got to Brisbane on day 5 before doing laundry. The rest of our Airbnb housing from day 5-16 had washers and dryers and all of our hosts provided detergent, pods, and dryer sheets. Getting apartments with W/D in house was the KEY to our carry-on success! I can see how some people might think laundry on vacation is a burden. But for us, we've done vacations where we pack enough for the whole trip. First of all, it's a lot of stuff and usually causes stress about weight limits once we get to the airport. Secondly, everything starts out clean but by the end, the clean things are shuffled around the dirty stuff and it's all kind of smelly and there's SO MUCH in the suitcase you have to dig around until you find that last pair of clean whatever... we prefer to pack less, clean it along the way, and keep our suitcases fresh and light! It really is as easy at starting a load before you leave and throwing it in the dryer when you get back. Free Space: This one can be personal preference. If you are a person that likes to bring home souvenirs, make sure you haven't crammed your case full to begin with! Leave yourself some space for the extra goodies you find along your trip. Our go-to suvies usually falls somewhere in the home decor category with art being our number one preference. Because Chase's suitcase is slightly bigger and firmer than mine, we limit the size to his case unless we can ship it. I bought a pair of Havaianas, a straw hat and a beach towel but anticipated buying the latter two. The shoe purchase were a result of a pair I had packed that wrecked my feet and needed to be replaced. You live and you learn! Hopefully this helps with your future endeavors. Whenever we overpack, we usually find ourselves more stressed, more frustrated, and by the end of the trip, headed home with a sore back! Until Next Time,
C + D
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