A Woman’s Ultimate Packing List for a 10 Week Trip/Tour!

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as i’ve mentioned before, my husband loves order and is a minimalist so you better believe i texted him a picture of this and said “i’m not sure where we are going to sleep…sorry.” i think i’m funny.

travel blog what to pack for a trip cothesas you may or may not know, my husband is a public speaker and motivator and we are currently on a 6 month North American Tour! i manage our business operations and keep things organized and running smoothly (if you call me his assistant…i will come after you. we are a partnership).

we are nearing the end of our longest leg on the road and this friday, we head back to Houston for 2 days so that i can finally switch out the clothes i’ve been wearing for 68 days.

a few people have asked me how on earth you pack for 4 seasons, dressy and casual attire along with keeping it to 50 pounds so we can get on airplanes. we’ve been to New England, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina to name a few places with very different weather so packing had to be strategic.

SHOES
1 pair of Brooks running shoes
1 pair of every day walking shoes (yes, as of 2 months ago i’m the proud owner of Sperry’s boat shoes)
1 pair of simple black heels that i can walk in
1 pair of strappy wedges
1 pair of Chacos because they are very versatile and my favorite
1 pair of nicer flip flops for beach and pool wearing

travel blog what shoes should i bringTOPS AND BOTTOMS:
4 dressier blouses to be worn with skinny jeans (colors orange, blue, black and light pink)
6 t-shirts that range from dressier if you put a sweater over them to very comfy and casual (nicer ones in teal, black, grey and white)
2 casual long-sleeve shirts for places that are cooler

1 cream-colored scarf that works as casual or classy

2 pairs of skinny jeans; black and dark denim (can dress them up or down)
1 pair regular jeans that are comfortable to wear for hours sitting
1 pair regular black pants
1 pair of yoga pants great for long car and airplane rides

travel blog packing list casual clothesTHE SKIVVIES:
3 bras (strapless, black and lighter colored)
12 pairs of a variety of underwear
4 pairs of regular socks
3 pairs of athletic socks

SKIRTS
1 long maxi-skirt that can be dressed up and is comfortable
1 comfortable black skirt
2 camisoles for sleeping/undershirts/easy travel

WORKOUT:
1 pair of running shorts
1 pair of running pants
2 workout tops
1 lightweight but warm MPG athletic hoodie for workouts and travel
1 running hat and armband

travel blog packing for a long trip chelsea averySUNNY, WARM CLIMATES
3 nicer tank tops that can be dressed up (black, orange and blue)
2 crossback tanks for cover ups or workouts
2 pairs of shorts (khaki and black)
2 bathing suits
1 dress over up
2 dresses that are tropical but can still be warn for events and date nights!

DRESS IT UP:

*important* since we are moving quickly through each city and living out of a suitcase, it was important to bring a majority dresses that can be machine washed since we are often not in a city long enough to get dry-cleaning done. also important that they aren’t prone to wrinkles

6 dresses that go well with either a cream or black sweater to add more variety since pictures are being taken.

favorites include: pink and purple dress from H&M, stripped dress from Betsy Johnson, zipper dress from Kenneth Cole and coral dress from Ann Taylor!

WARM UP:

3 sweaters (1 black, 1 cream, 1 patterned-layers are your friend)
1 leather jacket (works for casual and classy)
1 insulated, waterproof black jacket
travel blog what should i pack for a trip clothes on a bedTOILETRIES
1 Colossal Volume mascara
1 eyeliner (i don’t wear other make-up so that’s easy for me)
tweezers/nail clippers
1 rechargeable electric toothbrush that has 2 heads for my husband and i
floss
medication for headaches or stomach issues
glasses cleaner
(get tampons on the road)

HAIR AND BODY
1 fancy body wash that was only 1/2 full so not too heavy but makes me happy
1 face wash that works well on your skins
1 small conditioner (i pick up smaller bottles of quality conditioner on the road and use hotel shampoo)
1 bottle of Garnier Fructis mousse to control my curls
1 bottle of Garnier Fructis curl-defining spray
1 brush with a few extra hair ties around it
bobby-pins
1 Intuition razor with 2 replacement heads
1 Old Spice Deodorant 

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ACCESSORIES
4 necklaces that make me happy and also go well with all dresses
3 silver bracelets that dress up outfits
nail polish (subtle color for my toes when wearing wedges)

whew! so there you have it. that’s what i’ve been lugging around in my suitcase for the past 10 weeks and cannot tell you how excited i am do to a wardrobe change in a few days! i was feeling very panicky when i first started packing for this long time away from home but now realize that with some planning and preparations, i can pat myself on the back for bringing all the right things!

the new wifestyle: when on the road for an extended period of time, it’s important to pack strategically for not only the weather but how to feel the comforts of home when away from it!

questions:
1) what can you never ever travel without?
2) how soon do you start packing before a trip?
3) any other pieces of advice when packing for a long trip?
4) how many pairs of shoes do you usually pack?

 

*please note that i have included affiliate links for the selected items above. i personally use each of the items listed and do not promote things i haven’t tested and enjoy on a regular basis!

7 Comments

  1. Heather Hawkins

    November 26, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    1) Aiden has this orange blanket that she got as part of Project Linus from the hospital. http://www.projectlinus.org/ She’s usually with me when I travel so its a must have. And when she’s not using it, I do. If she’s not with me, I have to have my headphones. Very, very important!!!!
    2) I start the planning the second I know I’m going somewhere and start packing pretty soon after that. Nick gets panicky if we pack too quickly because he gets all anxious about traveling and all the things that can go wrong. So I pack away from him til 2 or 3 days before a trip. I start to flip out hardcore at the 3 days before mark and that’s when Nick’s “let’s get this business done!!!” self gets kicked in. So I freak out somewhere quiet and Nick finishes up.
    3) Things can almost always be replaced or bought along the way. That’s one I don’t quite believe myself, but it helps to think about the fact that there is a Target or Walmart everywhere so the little things can be replaced easily should you forget them.
    4) Depnds on where I’m going and for how long!

    • chelsea

      November 27, 2013 at 4:54 am

      ahhh very good call about the headphones-totally a must! what a special blanket and i can totally see why that always need to be a travel companion. sounds like you and Nick at least have your system worked out for who panic when 🙂 i need to work on ‘freakout somewhere’ quiet part-good strategy! yup-i am finally realizing that most things can be replaced along the way (although my brain feels very differently when packing)! thanks for your comment Heather!

  2. Ken Batty

    November 26, 2013 at 7:18 pm

    WOW!! Awesome planning on the wardrobe.. Will Ryan also publish his list?

    • chelsea

      November 27, 2013 at 4:55 am

      thanks Ken! it was quite the process 🙂 i’m not sure that Ravery will but i’ll tell him there’s been a request! his is kinda boring because it’s nice pants, button downs and sport coats 🙂

  3. marc gabris

    November 26, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    that’s crazy! i read through your list and i still don’t comprehend how you pack for such a long time for so many situations. is ryan able to pack any lighter than you do?

    1) i need my cell phone and charger in order to travel (must have)
    2) i usually pack the day before or day of (i don’t understand the need to pack weeks in advance)
    3) try to pack light! when traveling by flight, try to only have a carry on – no luggage to check
    4) 2 pairs (2 casual all purpose ones) i’ve never traveled in as complicated of circumstances as you!

    • chelsea

      November 27, 2013 at 4:57 am

      it is kind of crazy…when i was writing i kept thinking “whoa…that’s a lot of days and not a lot of clothes!” i would Ravery packed a little lighter because his clothing can be much more versatile with the changing of ties, button downs and sport coat variety!

      ah yes many charges are super important for travel! my carry-on back pack could be a whole other post in itself! ah you are one of those last minute packing folks 🙂 for people who stress about travel or have anxiety…we need lots of time to process-ha! thanks for our comment Marc!

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