Essential Travel Packing Tips & Hacks for 2019!
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
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We're sharing some of our basic & essential packing tips, plus our lessons learned from a recent trip to Portugal & Spain, and the items we wish we'd brought, and a couple of things that we used almost every day.
Packing for a trip varies from person to person, by destination and climate, and by the length of time you'll be on vacation.
In this video we're talking about quick drying clothing, compression packing cubes, food and snacks, luggage options, and more!
We hope you find the video helpful and that you have a great time on your next trip :)
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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VIDEO CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives - Навчання та стиль
After washing your clothes by hand, or at a hotel without a clothes dryer, pre-dry them by rolling them tightly - back and forth - in a hotel towel… then unroll and hang dry. Sometimes the clothes have a "pressed" look and dry quicker.
Yes! Thanks so much for adding that! It's a great way to accelerate drying time and we have been using that technique for years :) :)
Hey, that is my trick too!
Sometimes we use the hair dryer for a while on damp things
Great video! Love your ideas. Here's a few of more suggestions I use while travelling.
Consider traveling with only a carry on. I understand it's not suitable for everyone but traveling with only a carry on forces me to pack light.
Pack old clothes. You can throw them out or donate them while on the road and if new clothes are needed you can shop while travelling. Your new clothes double as a new wardrobe and souviners.
Pack a foldable/collapsible day pack. While traveling it collapses into the size of your fist. If you have to check my backpack at the airport I pull out my daypack, unfold it and carry all my valuables with me on the plane.
Use a headlamp instead of a flash light. You'll have your hands free.
I'm a guy with long hair so I use clasp free hair ties. These double as elastic bands.
Instead of napkins use wet naps. They're easily avaliable from any dollar store.
Men's hiking shoes can double as casual shoes when going out.
Swim shorts for men that have pockets can double as shorts and generally dry very quickly.
I thought that was a very well made video, clear and useful. 2 things that I did this year that were useful to me that other people might find useful were, I purchased a Jayomix travel charger from Amazon, it charges everything, just bring that with some leads and leave all your other chargers at home. Secondly, take a few red rubber bands and a few green rubber bands for your camera gear, put green bands around all your fully charged batteries and when they are dead put a red band around them, so you can see at a glance which batteries are charged or dead, if you do a lot of video or photography when travelling it makes life easier.
*The number one struggle*
*Not over packing!*
This video was straight to the point without much rambling like the other videos Ive watched, thanks for that.
I used to travel without a cell phone too but eventually succumbed to, and even embraced it. It is so much more than a phone. It is a map, a book, a flashlight, a way to view and backup travel photos. A language translator, a currency calculator, a diary, a checklist, a note pad, a camera, and yes, a GPS too. All of that without needing an internet connection. Add wifi and you can book a hotel room blah blah blah. They are small enough to fit in a pants pocket and weigh nothing. Carry a spare! Looking back, I don't know how or why I ever thought I didn't want to travel with one.
Bulldog clips and some paracord are super helpful! I've used them to hang laundry (as a line and clips), make a bed curtain in a crowded hostel dorm (hanging my scarf from the cord), and the clips by themselves are super helpful to close open food bags or you know, just keep random papers together.
My FAV travel-pk story - We went on a trip for his job. I had to be in the hotel while he was in class 5hrs a day. It took 2 security's, 2extras and then myself to realize that the giant metal "bullet" in our bag... Was a roll of quarters that I brought to do laundry. LMBO
I always travel without a phone, just a camera and a printed list of Happycow restaurants. I love the fact to be fully there and the interactions I can experience with local people when asking for directions and suggestions.
A few extra tips: bring a few small over-the-door hooks-very useful in places where there’s not enough places to hang clothes, toiletry kits, etc. I also prefer compression shelves to the cubes-you can still squash your clothes down to a compact bundle, but to unpack you just pull out the shelves, hang them up, undo the strap and presto: everything is easy to access and organized on the shelves, and just as easy to repack! Finally: bring comfortable ear buds and put a sound-loop app on your phone (like “NatureSpace”), and when snoring or noisy neighbors are keeping you awake, you just put in your buds, turn on the babbling brook (or other “white noise”), and drown them out so you can sleep! :-)
You totally missed the "Planes, Trains and automobiles" reference! Don't worry I we still love you guys!
Safety pins! I always have a few pinned onto my bag and they have come in handy so often. A sewing kit is all well and good, but if something breaks, a safety pin will keep it functional until there's time to fix it.
I liked the fact that you told us what worked for you as well as what you would do differently next time. Thanks.
Duct tape retapped around old gift card and paracord- lots of uses for both of these items. Paracord works great as replacement shoe laces, clothes line, and twine. Can deconstruct to single strings to sew up backpack or tent as well.
this. Plus superglue and zipties. With all that you can repair anything
You can use hair dryer to dry your washed clothes
Super helpful stuff. Thanks for sharing your ideas and experiences. Light packing is always a challenge for me cause I want to take more "just in case" lol. Im learning the more I travel.
I pretty much keep my suitcase permanently packed! You have to store those things, and my vacation wardrobe is basically completely different from my everyday clothes, so I don't need any of it! Plus my soap-bag is ready, I take a small travel iron, so I don't have to rush around last minute, just a quick check and I'm done! Always feel a little smug watching my husband pack the night before!! 😄
Great tips. I found that my clothes definitely took more than one day to dry (during the winter) in Portugal. It was fine for me because I was there for 3 months so I had enough clothes but yes, for people going for just a couple or few weeks... you need fast-drying clothes! I had camera gear, computer gear (hard drives, external DVD drive, power supplies, etc... so I had my larger rolling suitcase and my convertible back-pack carry-on (bought it from the Rick Steves Travel Store - LOVE IT). It was great to be able to carry it on my back leaving a hand free! I am definitely going to download the Happy Cow app! Looks great.
paracord - I had no idea how handy it would be on my last trip. I tied suitcases together to secure them while traveling. It was my clothes line in my hotel room (wished I had a few clothespins though). I used it to hang a makeshift room-darkening curtain on my window. (They had a fully lit parking lot which made sleeping a little tough.) I even used some as a temporary belt. I highly recommend some time of durable string for traveling.
cggnow I imagine you could use the paragons similarly to surgical tubing for clothes drying, though the tubing works better. I can’t describe it, but if you search clothesline surgical tubing you should find a decent explanation.
Keeping packing lists is easy. Use Excel or Sheets. Have a tab for each place you've been and copy and paste over, refining as you go. Eventually you've got a bunch of lists on what you need for each region, based on your experience
This is a great idea and I’m mad that I didn’t think about that. I travel often and lead tours. I make lists for each location. I’ll move them into a spreadsheet. Duh.
I'm with you this. So easy to add or remove stuff. Print it to make a checklist.
This is very useful. I am learning how to pack light. Thank you so much for the video.:)
Really useful video, based on obvious first-hand experience. Thank you for posting.
Awesome video! Helped me a lot for the trip to Spain I'm planning! :)
Nice video. We RV around the country fulltime. I am looking for a hanging bathroom bag with a hook. We use a lot of public showers. Thanks 4 sharing. Happy travels!
Great tips that I'm going to share with my clients. So easy to overpack. Its been a goal each trip I take to try and pack less and less. Thank you for the video!
I am traveling the world full time, living out of a single 34-liter backpack. It holds everything I own and need for my travels. I have no residence or storage anywhere else. It's very freeing and convenient. I have a travel inventory that lists everything I carry, which helps when repacking for the next destination. Cheers!
That's Rich that sounds amazing ! How do you have enough money for it all? Do you do jobs along the way ?
@@savemebiatch109 Nah, I trade futures options online. Took me about 6 years to learn how to trade and I lost tons of money in the process. But I finally figured it out and so far have been able to support myself. I am not rich and try to travel as cheaply as possible. If I am able to grow my account and income, I will progressively travel to more expensive places. For now though, it's SE Asia, lol. I am too old to do working holiday visas, so cannot work in most countries.
That's Rich Hey Rich! Do you mind sharing your packing list?
Can't find your packing list can you please share thanks
@@thatsrich944 Hey rich ,I want to become a trader and I'm currently still losing money,what did you do to lose less? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.CHEERS!
welcome back! i just spent 6 weeks in portugal last year and really enjoyed it. i've been traveling for 19 months and about to head back out. i love these shorter videos on travel tips you have made but have also watched most of your others and really enjoy your work. keep it going and thanks for sharing your lifestyle and taking time to make the videos!
Nice! Happy you also got to enjoy Portugal and thanks for your positive feedback :)
This video is sooooo helpful and timely for my next trip! THANK YOU!
thank u. I am definitely going to look at getting a bag that can be checked in but can be folded and carried on if needs be for my travel, I like those little red pads u used for separating and packing clothes. be welk
Great vid missed you guys!!! I would be interested in seeing the food you brought and the types recipes made abroad!! =)
No cell phone? That's amazing. I can't live without it.
Great tips- I especially loved the reminder about using HappyCow to find where all the groovy veggie folks might be hanging out!
Thanks for posting this video. It made me aware that I have certain travel items in excess and a lot of things that I simply don’t need.
Great tips! I love seeing how people pack lol
I remember that old video on packing where it was just a backpack in the old van! Come a long way!
Thanks for sticking with us that whole time!! :)
Good list! Throw in a simple had band to turn that flashlight into a headlamp, makes for better usability!
" we don't own a phone "
"... so we used this app.."
Jacob Wigley they use an ipod touch
I think that they mean that they don't use any data plan, only wifi
Well done! Keep going. I always find something useful in your videos. As for me: I like having 10-15 Wysi wipes as well: really broad application. I also like "multi-" and "several purpose use" things. Stay safe
Great video as always! I am always concerned about how much waste I am creating when abroad-- I have a reusable water bottle and tumbler, but I need to get one of those foldable sporks!
Wool socks are my must-have. They are comfortable, won’t stick, and easy dry.
I compile a packing list stating even snack/number of tea bags and the tiniest item (q tip) on it under categories. I edit the list every week or so, forcing myself to take items out. By the time I am ready to pack, the list is pretty solid. I can pack quickly without thinking. I also know by heart exactly what I have in my luggage.
My fave snack is hard boiled eggs, sliced apples (brine them lightly with salt water to keep them from yellowing), dense bread, cheese, and peanut filled pretzel. A handful of hard candies and nougats are quick energy boost. Fisherman’s Friend lozenge is another essential.
I use a convertible sling carrying on the front side as a daypack (large enough for a small mirorless camera and iPad). I can access items quickly and won’t worry about my pack getting slashed or zipper being opened. I can also carry my luggage backpack (Farpoint 40) on my back and the sling on my chest at airports and bus stations.
I can't wait to watch the videos you filmed on this trip! Thank you for another interesting informative video.
Thanks! We can't wait to share them with you :)
The TSA allows almost any food item like hummus, mayo or peanut butter through as long as it's 3.4oz or less. Whole fruits can go through....just cut up that apple or orange and use a rubber band to keep it together.
Don't take this the wrong way but this video is so much better than a few earlier others I've watched...in other words, like a back-handed compliment, while your previous vids were great and I've learned a few tips, you two are getting better and this video was FANTASTIC!! You are following your own advice and learning and evolving after each trip abroad. I'm going on a 3wk tour of Europe in September and I'm definitely going to be watching all your vlogs and apply the your tips and tricks that work for me. Besides that, you two just are a joy to watch and seem like such good(in the real sense of the word), kind, inspirational people. I also love how calming your vids are to watch. Thank so much! Peace, Blessings and SAFE, HAPPY TRAVELS!!
Great tips guy! Heading to Belize next week so we'll be sure to try out some of these 👍
That's awesome, enjoy your trip to Belize!!
Tip #1
Travel with a cellphone
T-mobile and At&t phones are really easy to use overseas.
I love packing cubes but know what you mean ... Glad to hear others begin so early with packing .. Have a friend who laughs at me -One thing I did especially in very varied climates .I took basics and then went to charity shops This worked welling Australia etc .At the end of my trip I took back or kept say 1 ...I kept me travelling lighter and how . Enjoyed this video and have subscribed ..* my way of marking thumbs up .. Happy travels
It also helps to write down the addresses of the place you are staying and key contacts in case your phone runs out of battery ( it is good to bring a portable cellphone charger too)
Yes! Great tip! Thanks for sharing :)
I bring business cards with the hotel name, address, and phone number with me ... so I will remember where I’m staying and they’re handy to show cab drivers especially in a foreign country where they don’t recognize my bad attempt at speaking their language!
This is great advice. I got lost in Cologne when I was 16, and it took me several hours to get back to my hostel. Believe me, after that experience, I learned my freaking lesson!
Wow...another great video! I going to source the compression bag for packing :) My granddaughter is going to France this coming summer with a school group. I'm thinking that just the right piece of luggage (or a backpack) will make an excellent birthday gift for her!
I discover your Channel and I suscribe cause I love what you're doing for a better live and you give me lots of ideas, so, thanks a lot.😊
So happy you guys went to see my country !! and the images of it :') !! thanks for the tips
Your country is beautiful!!
i use dumpling package bags and sandwich zip bags to organize all the smaller items.
I travel with a lot on uniglo clothing. Airsim is great fit an weather and does quickly after a band wash. Heat tech gives warmth with minimal weight. Block tech hoodie and chinos keep the wind out.
You could reduce further by using a microfibre cloth instead of wipes and ditch laundry powder - use the liquid soap.
If you add swimwear and a dressy jacket and pants that's really all the clothes you need travelling or not.
I’ve never heard of Happy Cow but I’ve needed this for the longest time! Gosh I already love the app!! Thank you for sharing that little piece of information 👍🏽
I totally agree. I wasn't familiar with it before. Now it's one of my favourite apps!
thanks for the packing & travel tips!
Thanks for sharing this info... love watching your all videos...👍
great video! loved the tips and tricks. :)
Great info. Thanks for sharing.
Wool clothing is great for travel, breathable and dries super fast.
I use gtasks as a chrome extension on my laptop which also syncs to app on my phone & iPad; I use it for all my lists. I have a travel list I use over and over again. When i've check everything off, its easy to recheck for next time. Also if you don't want to bring your phone/ipad you can just print out the list on paper.
Well done! Thanks for sharing.
Nice video; thanks! I like the calm and quiet way you both have of speaking.🙂 Some other people seem to be just too frantic and excitable when presenting their information!
Canadians are like that.
I sometimes use hotel iron to quick dry my clothes. Heck, sometimes at home if I am in a rush for time like my laundry I just washed need to be worn in less than an hour, I would iron them 80% dry and just wear it as it 100% dry since I live in a hot weather anyways and it is cooling lol 😅🤣
Thanks for the great travel hacks
Hey guys thanks so much for the videos. Haven't seen you updated in a while. Hope all are well
Packing cubes work great.
Great tips. I just downloaded the Happy Cow app. The app help me find more restaurants I didn't know about.
Thanks for teaching me how to travel better cuz I’m going to LAS VEGAS!!
I found your video very helpful I am an over packer I don’t know why I just have always been but I can see my life would’ve so much more easier if I practiced some of your ideas thank you so very much for sharing
As a minimalist I always enjoy this type of videos offering tips and new ideas sometimes we don't think about. Thank you.
good stuff. and calmly presented. thanks.
Great tips. I’m interested to know what brand of packing cubes do you show in this video?
A Mosquito repellent, Dry shampoo, Small towels, spare batteries amnd if you have Cell phone, have a power bank with multi head cables. Sketchers are also a good idea to carry along.
And sometimes sunscreen...
I carry spare ZipLock bags, a small flashlight that I can put on a key chain or caribiner, a North Face flyweight packable duffel that I can even pack the packing cubes into before putting the unpacked duffel into my roll on luggage and a small pouch with paracetamol/ibuprophen/asperin, tweezers, a few band aids and individual alcohol wipes. And I don't care: I pack my stupid ugly city Crocs. Comfortable for walking around where ever I'm staying and sometimes you just want extremely comfortable shoes for a day if the previous day was a lot of walking. Nobody is going to remember you so who cares, right? Biggest thing I've learned: do not cheap out on your rolling luggage! I look specifically at the quality of the zipper, wheels and handle mechanism. Last thing I do: I carry two extra Flip & Tumble bags that don't require folding, just squishing. I have small carabiners through the label tags and sometimes attach on bag onto my belt buckle at the back or toss them into my day bag. I end up looking like some strange rabbit with a bunny tail but they come in really handy for surprise purchases (especially now that so many places are going no-plastic).
Great Video 👍. Thank you for posting.
you two channel is soo helpful, you are lovely couple and I love your lifestyle, my goal. Thanks you two, love you
I do use a list to organize what I want to take. My tip would be to lay everything out before you pack it away to verify that you actually have it.
I do the sams since I am 15 yo
thank you, great video!
Great tips. Could you do a video about travel toiletries? I'm always trying to find better solutions for these.
Ty for telling me about compression packing cubes
You're very welcome Karen, thanks for watching :)
good to know you have been in my country! I hope you enjoyed Portugal!
We loved visiting Portugal, your country is so beautiful!! Thanks for watching :)
Go to VANQUEST GEAR. They have various bags and pouches that I use for essentials. They help me stay organized and I can carry only the pouch I need at any given time. I also use packing cubes and never over pack them. Hence I don't use the expansion zippers. This is from years of traveling and hiking.
do a video on why you dont use phone during travel, advantages with ipod during travel anything electronic etc. 😁
I use iPod to listen to my fave music and to have several audio books. I don’t use the phone either (no space for more photos). I prefer using a camera to take photos.
Thanks for sharing. Helpful :) Other technology than the GPS ?
I travel with three 65 l backpacks and a boogie board lol one bag is just my memory foam pillow blanket
I feel like I haven't seen your videos in ages! Missed you guys!
Thanks Mara :)
Multi-tools without knives (the Gerber Dime Travel, etc.) are handy and don't need checked!
Thanks for the tip!
I can’t wait for the videos that will be coming out of this trip! Did you film in the canvas covered truck?
We sure did! We also can't wait to post those videos.......they should be coming in the next couple months. Thanks for watching :)
Always excellent tips. You guys are experts.
Thanks, happy you found the video helpful :)
Nice idea on the napkins!
Yes, it's a well known fact that napkins do not exist outside of North Ameria.
Love your channel, guys! And how fab that you shared the Happy Cow app. I was wondering which camera/lens you’re using these days? Were you using the Sony a6500 a while ago? I know you can’t reply to all the comments but hopefully you can maybe make a video on this soon xox
love this video. i`m a fulltime traveller as well and i think your tipps are all super helpfull and great that you are vegan as well... german greeting from new zealand. happy travels!
thank you very much for this video
Great video THANK YOU !
Great tips thank you
Excellent, thank you!
Look in to the gear that through hikers carry on the Appalachian Trail. Light weight and pack space is key for those folks
I like the 20:20 rule. If you forgot something you can usually get it for $20 in less than 20 minutes.
Cool guy says' "50:50 rule. The sooner you spend it the sooner they steal"
Great Video. Thank you for posting.
Hey guys, nice vid!
Where is the sweater's brand ( at 1:53 ) from?
Yes for the bigger backpack, with a lightweight daypack thrown in there too.