#packing-tips

#packing-tips

"I always mix brands that are more about style with those focused on comfort and technical aspects," says Rossini, citing Ralph Lauren and Hermès as enduring favorites alongside specialist labels.

The button-up shirt is consistently my ultimate travel multitasker, bridging the gap between casual and sophisticated outfits throughout. The flowy silhouette keeps me cool during hot afternoons, but the crisp fabric looks polished enough for ship dining and evening strolls.

Although I often write about packing and have it down to a science, I decided to try a little travel experiment. Before our trip, I asked ChatGPT to create a packing list for seven days in Copenhagen. At first glance, it appeared to have great suggestions, and ones that were pretty aligned with my tried-and-true list. However, upon further inspection, there were some recs that I immediately threw out-plus, a few that I didn't realize were off-base until visiting Copenhagen for myself.

However, looking back, I didn't need to bring my own snorkeling gear. Last year, my husband and I decided to celebrate his birthday in Hawaii. We fell in love with Maui's natural beauty and endless beaches, and a few short months later, found ourselves returning to the state to spend time in Kona on the Big Island, where the laid-back atmosphere enchanted us.

Paris is a city designed for strolling, with its grand boulevards, photogenic buildings, and hundreds of beautifully manicured parks. My biggest mistake on my first trip to Paris? I packed the wrong footwear. I visited in late May and brought an overstuffed suitcase of strappy sandals and heels. After a day of rain (leading to chafing and blisters), I popped into a few shops in the Marais and purchased comfortable sneakers and ankle boots that I wore on repeat for the rest of the trip.

I spend a lot of time in airports. Like, a lot of time. Last year alone, I took more than 100 flights and logged over 200,000 miles in the air, which means I've seen just about every airport mistake imaginable-usually unfolding in real time at security, the boarding gate, or mid-aisle as someone realizes their phone is at 3 percent.

Unruly passengers barely register anymore, but truly efficient travelers always do. They board calmly and prepared, slide seamlessly into their seats, and settle in without breaking a sweat. From the front of the plane, it's easy to spot where trips go sideways: overstuffed vintage luggage, items better suited for a bedroom than seat 12B, and habits that quietly add stress before the plane even leaves the gate.

When it comes to travel, my dad-a doctor of 25 years-has always preached one rule: be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it's a change in weather, a delayed flight, or the occasional upset stomach, he insists that having the right items on hand can make all the difference. Over the years, I've learned to follow his advice. That's why I always pack a small "just in case" bag in my carry-on suitcase.

Holiday rental homes can be a lottery for anyone actually planning to cook. Having recently spent four months in rentals around Europe and the UK, I am a battle-weary veteran of self-contained accommodation with advertised features including a coffee-maker that was just a small stainless steel milk jug, and a kitchenette that comprised a bench and an air fryer. At such times, it pays to have a truckload of resourcefulness and a small but effective travelling toolkit.

When traveling in Europe, there are so many things you'll likely want to bring home. Some of them are easy to transport like tea towels, jewelry, or fancy salts. But one of the most difficult items to bring back is a special bottle (or several) of wine. In a blog post on his website, travel expert Rick Steves shares a few tips for travelers on how they can safely and securely transport wine home from a European vacation.

Whether you're getting out of a two-bedroom house in Nashville or moving on from a studio apartment in Chicago , moving on an abbreviated timeline is stressful. But here's the good news: packing for a move in a hurry is absolutely manageable when you prioritize the right things, cut decision-making to the bone, and use a few shortcuts. You don't need a picture-perfect packing system. You need a system that gets you out the door on time with all your stuff safely packed.

I've been on over 20 cruises in the last 10 years, and always have another one on the horizon. Over the years, I've accumulated an array of helpful travel tips, but my favorite hacks go beyond the usual advice like downloading the cruise line's app and packing a lanyard. Here are five unconventional cruise tips I swear by that make life on board easier, more comfortable, and more cost-effective.

"We often encounter guests who either forget or choose to leave behind certain amenities that just don't make the cut," says Joon Chang, assistant general manager at Kimpton Hotel George in Washington, D.C. "Ultimately, we want guests to feel their best while staying with us, and if our amenities can free up a bit of suitcase space for souvenirs and unforgettable memories instead, that's even better."

Fall is unexpectedly one of the hardest seasons to pack for. Depending on where you're traveling, the weather can vary. It's often warmer than you'd hoped or cooler than expected-or it changes significantly by the hour. The uncertainty and variability are usually the top reasons for overpacking. Plus, because it's probably your first taste of chillier temperatures in several months, you may be inclined to pack all of your favorite bulky, heavy sweaters and other layers.

Packing for an international trip often means triple-checking that you have your passport, wallet, and phone before you leave the house. But one essential item travelers often overlook-or mismanage-is their medication. Forgetting a travel pill case, packing it in checked luggage, or not following TSA rules can quickly turn a dream vacation into a stressful scramble. Even over-the-counter basics, like children's Tylenol or chewable Pepto-Bismol, can be surprisingly hard to find abroad, especially in countries where pharmacies stock different formulations or ban certain medications altogether.