What should I take? What should I know?

Guests are always asking me what they should pack, how much they should take, and what are some tips for travel in Ireland. 

Here are my pointers and a packing list.  I’ve even added a packing list that some of my guests who have been on multiple Thin Places tours (who love to travel light) have provided.  Full disclosure… if you order any items from this list, I will get a very tiny tiny tiny cut.  Really – it all total it wouldn’t get me a glass of wine in Galway.  But all of these products are ones that I use.

I also encourage you to look at Ten Best Accessories for Travel Hags post on my Travel Hag blog.

Things to know and do before you leave:

Do You Need a UK Electronic Travel Authorization? (ETA)

Since the UK left the European Union, Americans traveling through the UK need to have and ETA which can be obtained online for a small fee. Though we will be traveling through Northern Ireland (which is in the UK), you DO NOT need an ETA to move from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland.  Getting an ETA would be necessary if you are connecting through a UK Airport like Heathrow or Gatwick.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Call Your Bank and Credit Card Companies

Before you leave, call your bank and the credit card companies to let them know you are leaving the country.  They will ask you for specific dates and country locations. They will then note your account.  Not calling the bank and credit card companies usually causes a “decline” on transactions when you use the cards. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. You can find the number to call on the back of each credit or debit card.

Copy Your Documents, Credit Cards, and Passports

One of the most important things you can do is to photocopy your passport, your driver’s license and the front and back of each credit card.  Keep these in a safe place apart from where you keep your cards and ID.  If you lose your wallet, you will have all the information you need to continue traveling safely.  In many cases, the credit card companies will FedEx a new card to your next destination within 24 hours.  Having your passport lost or stolen and trying to get it replaced with no copy can prohibit you from leaving the country.

What About Money?

Getting and Changing Money. How many Euros do you need?

Ireland and the rest of Europe use the Euro. The UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) uses the British Pound. The value of the US Dollar to foreign currencies changes daily.  You can check today’s exchange rate on Google (http://bit.ly/2DdnaiI ) and download an app for your phone to check daily.  I don’t order Euros before leaving the US. It’s usually too expensive to use the bank or the exchange services.  Don’t be tempted to walk up to those money exchange places that are conveniently located in the first hallway you walk through in the airport’s International terminal.  I’ve found that the ATM machines using your bank account debit card (not a credit card) is the cheapest way to get currency with most banks. There are ATM machines in the airport, and one is located right outside the arrival hall. If you don’t see it, ask someone.  Try to get cash before you leave the airport.

NOTE: ATM machines in Ireland are referred to as “Cash Point” machines.

 

A Little Bit More About Getting Cash ….  There are certain fees associated with changing currency.

1. The Actual Exchange Rate: There is the actual rate (whatever the difference in dollar and Euro or Pound) i.e., if you draw out 100 Euros, and the US dollar is trading at that moment for $1.20 (meaning 1 EUR = $1.20) then the ATM will spit out 100 EUR, but your bank will be debited $120.
2. The ATM FEE: There is also a minimal ATM service fee. For my bank the ATM fee is $5. (no biggie).
   These two fees – Exchange Rate and ATM small fee are usually the only fees associated with drawing cash from an ATM using a debit card.
   Check with your bank and ask these two questions:

• Is your bank’s debit card accepted in ATM machines in Europe?
• Is there a bank fee or foreign transaction fee for using your debit card in a foreign bank

3. Service Charges for Converting the Cash: Some credit unions and online banks with few or no branches (like Wells Fargo) still charge a service fee simply for converting the cash, and that fee can be exorbitant. But most banks are becoming very competitive as US / European travel increases. Most do not have this service fee, above the simple ATM fee. You want to work with a bank that doesn’t charge you for simply doing its job – giving you money that is yours anyway in a foreign country.  If your bank does charge additional fees for ATM withdrawal, you may want to open a checking account before you leave with a bank that doesn’t have service charges for ATM withdrawals and transfer money into that account before you go so you can use that account debit card to get cash.

Credit Card Service Charges

The same fees apply with credit card companies. Some credit card companies charge a fee simply for being able to use the card in a foreign country.  More and more of them are dropping this fee since competition has become very strong. Chase and American Express are two that advertise NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE. Check with your credit card company before you leave to see what foreign transaction fees are associated with the card. “No Foreign Transaction Fee” means exactly that.  You are only charged the current exchange rate. Nothing else.

Google ” What credit cards have no foreign transaction fees ”  to see a current list.

What Cards Are Accepted? VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted throughout Europe. Some small merchants (smaller stores / food outlets) may not accept credit cards due to the fees.  American Express is not accepted in most retail places.  DISCOVER is not accepted.  Travelers’ Checks are not accepted.

Medications and Health

If you are taking prescription drugs, ensure that you have an ample supply for the duration of your trip.  Always keep prescription drugs in your carry-on luggage as well as other medication, glasses, contact lenses, and dentures.  Daily pill containers are a good option for those who take multiple medications.  Being on the road and away from your routine can make medication management confusing.

Phones

Your smart phones will work in Ireland, but the cost for roaming can be high.  Almost all the hotels have WiFi, though there may be a cost for use.  When you use your iPhone or Android through the WiFi system, there should be no charge from your American service provider.  Contact your provider to check their policy for international calls.

Wi-Fi

As stated above in the PHONE section, Wifi is available in most hotels. Sometimes it’s free, and sometimes it’s several Euros for 24 hours. Sometimes it is accessible only in the lobby and sometimes in the rooms NOTE: Some remote areas barely have enough broadband to send email. You’ll have to be flexible and understand that you may not be able to be “wired” at all times.

Electricity

Don’t worry about carrying a hair dryer.  Almost all the hotels and B&Bs have them.  If you pack any electrical appliances, you will need an adaptor to convert to the correct size plug (220 volt) and a transformer to convert American appliances.  When purchasing a converter, don’t go cheap if you’re going to be using it for a laptop or other high-powered appliance.  I use a grounded adapter plug http://amzn.to/2wMfX2C.   I take a few of them with me.

Our Daily Schedule

Our schedule is pretty much the same every day.  We usually leave about 9 am.  We have two stops in the morning.  We break for lunch at about 2 pm.  We have one last stop in the afternoon, then back to the hotel by 5 or 6 pm.  Your evenings are your own unless there’s a group dinner included in the tour.

Shopping

Since we focus on thin places and mystical sites, I don’t build time into the tours for shopping.  There may be opportunities to shop in the towns at lunch time and when we return for the evenings, but please understand that shopping isn’t a part of our daily itinerary.  However, there is always a free day in a vibrant city with no scheduled activities, so you’re free to shop away on that day. Don’t forget to bring reusable bags. Europeans aren’t accustomed to giving merchandise in bags – especially in grocery stores.

What do I need money for?

You will need money for all lunches and for the dinners that are not included. All breakfasts are included in your tour.  We stop for lunch daily, sometimes in a town and sometimes at a small market / deli type store.  Many guests will hit the town grocery and pack things to snack on – breads, cheeses, fruit, nuts, and bottled water.  A pub meal for lunch runs about 10 to 15 euros ($20) and an evening meal slightly more – but can go very high if you want fancy food.  Typically, meals are about 30% more expensive than American restaurant meals.  So, figure about $50 a day per person.

TIPPING – See Tipping section at the end of this document

Reusable Bags

Plastic grocery bags are not provided in most of Europe (Yay) and paper sacks must be paid for IF they are even available.  So, bring a few reusable bags in case you want to get some things to munch on in the bus or to have in your hotel room.

On the Bus – no perfume or scented hair products

We will have the same bus at our disposal for the entire trip so you’ll be able to keep things on it if you like and take advantage of the lower storage area for extra bags you may not use. The bus becomes a haven for us, and we get to know each other well during these rides. Because it can be close quarters, please refrain from using perfumes or heavily scented lotions, hand sanitizers, or hair products while riding in the bus. Being in an enclosed area magnifies those scents about 3 times their strength. You can use them in the evenings and on the free day, but it can be bothersome on board the bus, and some guests have allergies that make them quite uncomfortable.

Smokers
Sometimes we have guests who are smokers on our tours. They are always polite and smoke away from the other guests and away from the entrance to the bus.  But be aware, that the smoke clings to your clothing and hair and the smell is magnified once you step on the bus. This usually evaporates after about 10 minutes. So, smokers, please allow that 10 minutes after finishing a cigarette before you step back on the bus.

Facebook Site

Our guests always want to share their pictures. We have found that creating a Facebook group among the guests is a fast and easy way to post pictures so everyone in the group will see. You may think that this won’t interest you, but believe me… once you get there, you’ll want to do this. In preparation, you may want to create a free Facebook account www.facebook.com so that you can participate. The only people able to see our postings are those in our private group. Then we can share pictures throughout the tour and even afterward if you like. I will notify you about the link once I’ve established the private group.

The Weather

Weather —- Learn to love the rain

It rains in Ireland and Scotland – sometimes every day, at least for a little while.  Remember that the misty weather is part of the mystical quality of the landscape that keeps it so green and lush.  Water is one of the four elements.  It is an energy connector.  We love it.  It is not common to have constant downpours, but on my tours, we get rain on most tours – especially in the West.  You will at some point be walking outdoors in the rain. This can be an uncomfortable experience if you don’t have proper attire.

We tell our guests to say this to themselves every morning.

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.

So, pack some waterproof gear, a waterproof hooded jacket, waterproof shoes for tromping in wet fields, and a collapsible umbrella (though sometimes the wind is too strong for umbrella use).  THINK LAYERS – Layers are good.  The weather in May and September can be chilly, so a jacket or sweater that you can remove if it heats up midday is helpful.  If you carry camera gear, have zip-lock bags or protective waterproof coverings.  I do not suggest Wellies or boots as they are bulky to carry. Waterproof walking shoes are a much better choice.

Packing – Gear, Clothes, and Packing Light

Guests always ask me about what they should bring in the way of gear. So here are my suggestions. I’ve added links to some product on Amazon so you can actually see what these things look like and order if you wish.

TIP 1. You will learn to hate your bags. Every year I notice guests who come in with several bags just get so frustrated with having to schlep their gear on and off the bus from town to town.  One suitcase and a carry on will offer plenty of packing room 10 days.  One extra pair of shoes, one thin waterproof jacket, one sweater, maybe a long-sleeved T-shirt or turtleneck and a few pairs of pants.  We don’t dress up so there will be no occasion for dressy clothes or shoes.  Nice casual clothes are fine for our group dinners and for any of the restaurants or pubs in town.  Many of the hotels offer laundry service and sometimes you can find a laundromat in town. That can be an option if mid-week you feel like you want to have clothing laundered.

Most airlines limit luggage to 50 pounds.  Check your airline’s baggage requirements on their website.

Some of our hotels have gyms and pools.  Check the website and note what the amenities are.

TIP 2. Get a 360 degree “Spinner” – A spinner is a suitcase with 4 wheels as opposed to two. You can drag it behind you as you do with 2-wheeled suitcases, but a spinner allows you to push the bag easily on all four wheels. This is much less strain on the back and shoulders.  If each of the wheels is able to turn independently, then it’s much easier to turn and maneuver.  Here is a picture of the bag I have https://amzn.to/4iIHtEu Those 4 wheels make life very easy for me when moving through airports, hotels and city streets.  I just push that bag along.

TIP 3 – Avoid thinking about “having everything you could need” on the road. This is a downfall of Americans … a few favorite books, a favorite jacket, nice clothes for dinner, shoes, and handbags you love and may secretly want to show off. I’ve even seen guests bring framed pictures of their pets to put at their bedside. This is the curse of the tired traveler. You rarely use this stuff, and it weighs you down. Think of doing without the comforts of home. Consider “travel comfort” differently than you do home comfort.  – What you need is about 12 items of clothing (as long as you’re willing to launder during the trip).

GEAR  – What to Take

Here are some packing tips I can offer based on years of traveling to Ireland.  There is a whole “gear” section at the end of this post.

3. DAILY TEMPS – In the Spring and Fall, Western Europe isn’t very hot. It’s rare that we’ll see “tank top” weather. The temps will hover in the 60s and possibly the 70s. Layered clothing is best.
4. SHOES:  I always feel so sorry for the people who bring several pairs of shoes and boots. They are the heaviest bulk in the suitcase. Boots are great in wet and muddy spots, but not the best for long walks. Two pairs of shoes – a pair to wear and a spare. Here are some shoe-type suggestions:
   • New Balance 928 Walking Shoe http://amzn.to/2DbEN2I: I’ve done a lot of research on walking and I still think this is the best all-purpose walking shoe for the money. They give the best support for a long day of walking and grip the ground like a hiking shoe would. Black is better than white – as we will be walking out into the grassy – sometimes muddy landscape. I bring a pair of these that I’ve sprayed with waterproof spray and wear them every day. They’re good for 300 miles and offer such support that your feet rarely get tired.  Pricey but worth it.
   • New Balance Trail Walking Shoe http://amzn.to/2wLqATh: Like the sneaker mentioned above, these have great support. But they have more of a grip over uneven and boggy terrain. They still need to be sprayed with Scotch Guard as water will seep in if you’re in very wet weather. These are a good alternative to a bulky hiking boot.
   • Gravity Defyer Iokia Athletic Shoes – https://amzn.to/2zQf7ar I just bought a pair of these and they are like walking on marshmallows.  They are the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve ever had.  Pricey – but worth it. I bought my husband a pair as well.
5. FOLD UP UMBRELLA – A cheap fold-up, so if it gets killed in the rain, you won’t miss it much, and you can throw it away at the end of the tour if it’s damaged. A little umbrella can be very handy.
6. BACKPACK or DAY BAG – You’ll need some kind of bag for day trips – for your camera, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars, and anything else you’ll want during the day. A backpack can be handier than a tote-style bag, especially if you carry a camera.  A backpack balances the weight while walking, putting less strain on the back and shoulders. It’s also a great thing to have on the bus with snacks, a bottle of water, and other things you might need throughout the day.
7. IN-ROOM LAUNDERING – Packing light is easier if you hand-wash some things in your room. The key to making in-room laundering go smoothly is to bring lightweight clothing made of some kind of synthetic blend that repels water. These are quick-drying. Forget about handwashing jeans or heavy fabrics. They take forever to dry in a hotel room. I learned from one of our guests that a laundry bar is easier to use than liquid detergents.  I use Zote Laundry Bar http://amzn.to/2DbhdTs, and I also carry a small travel clothesline https://amzn.to/3DJ44ll that needs no clothespins.
8. WALKING STICKS – On this tour, it would be good to have walking sticks. I use a wooden stick because I have bad feet. But I also have a collapsible pair of walking sticks, and they offer stability when walking across fields or stony paths. We will be walking every day. The York Nordic walking and hiking poles http://amzn.to/2D90BvH  aid your balance while walking, and they’re moderately priced.
9. LAYERED CLOTHING – Some days it’s warm and some days it’s cool – depending on whether we’re in the mountains, valleys, or towns. mock turtle necks, t-shirts, vests, and jackets are good… things you can peel off and put back on. All our clothing is casual. Sometimes we dress “nice casual” for dinner, but no need for a tie or a dress on this tour. So, choose twelve items of clothing that you can mix and match with scarves and jewelry for accents. Think comfort.  You should definitely have a waterproof jacket with a hood.
10. PACKING CUBES – I’m a huge fan of packing cubes. They keep me organized and save space in the suitcase. I’ve had many kinds over the years because companies send me theirs to review. My favorite brand is Eagle Creek http://amzn.to/2wLXfrO. Their cubes have ample space and also have a handle. I lift the cubes from the suitcase and place them in the hotel room drawers. Then I stow away the suitcase. It’s so much easier than rifling through the suitcase to find something and having to repack every few days. I have about six cubes – one for underwear/socks, one for tops, one for bottoms, one for electronics, one for meds/makeup, and one for toiletries. Almost everything fits in the cubes. I wish I’d known about these things years ago.
11. ZIP LOCK BAGS – Infinite number of uses. Both large and small sizes. You will use them. I take about six. I also bring a sharpie or two so that I can write on the bag if I need to label what’s in it.
12. SWIM WEAR – Though we don’t go swimming or spend enough time at beaches to go swimming, sometimes our hotels have indoor swimming, spas, or Jacuzzis. Take a swimsuit if you’d enjoy using these facilities.
13. ROLLING VS FOLDING – For years the travel gurus have noted that rolling clothes saves space and prevents wrinkles. I used to roll everything. But since reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up http://amzn.to/2wLL3XS by Marie Kondo (and yes, it did change my life), I now fold – but do so in the way she suggests. Each piece of clothing is gently folded into a compact rectangle, then stacked fold side up in a row in the cube. This saves an enormous amount of space.
14. TROLLEY SLEEVES ON BAGS – I love a carryon with a trolley sleeve. This is a little sleeve on the back of a bag that allows you to sling it snugly over the luggage handle and pull a second bag on the handle of your spinner. This photo shows a foldable, waterproof carry storage bag with a trolley sleeve http://amzn.to/2wLMXrB. This one is on the cheap side, but Vera Bradley and many other designers make them. Just search Luggage with trolley sleeves http://bit.ly/2DaPuCF and you’ll have a lot to choose from.  They make moving luggage so much easier.
15. BLOW DRYERS NOT NEEDED –All of the hotels and most B&Bs in Ireland have blow dryers in the rooms. American blow dryers often use different currents and may smoke, spark or worse when trying to plug in. Leave you blow dryer at home.

PACKING TIPS & GEAR LISTS – At the end of this document, I have attached Carry On Packing: Suggestions and Packing Lists, which is written by Don and Cheryl Jordan of Toronto. They’ve been on many of our tours, and they have great gear, nice clothes, and they each travel with only a single carry-on bag (and Cheryl also has a purse). The attachment offers tips on how to travel light – and they’ve included packing lists. I’ve also attached my own packing list since so many guests ask me if I have one.

How to act in Ireland

We work very hard to ease the people on our tours into the Irish culture so that you experience it rather than observe it from afar. But here are a few tips that will make that integration easier.

• Initial greeting – The Irish people are not big hand-shakers. That’s much more of an American tradition. Good, friendly eye contact and a sincere “hello” are acceptable. Also, while Americans tend to speak quickly, get to the point, and avoid wasting a person’s time, the Irish might consider this as abrupt or rude. It’s polite to ask how a person is, comment on the weather, and ease into a conversation, especially before you ask something of the person, like directions or recommendations. This, of course, applies to strangers you might meet in public.
• Mind the Union Jacks – While the Troubles are long over and Ireland is connected and friendly with England (for the most part), wearing a British Flag on clothing or having it emblazoned on a bag isn’t helpful when you’re trying to socialize with the local Irish (especially in Northern Ireland). Remember, Ireland is a young country, liberated from British occupation just 100 years ago. That’s 4 generations.
• Be kind with your cameras – Taking pictures of people in pubs is frowned on. Pubs are where the locals socialize, and picture snapping can be a bit distracting and considered rude. It’s okay to take one or two pictures of the interior of an interesting pub, but it’s generally annoying when you put locals in your pictures without their permission. The Irish are generally very happy to be photographed if you’ve had an initial introduction and then ask permission. Photographing children without parental permission is not accepted.
• Pub etiquette – Pubs are places for socializing in Ireland. If you want to talk to the locals, sit at the bar. If you want a more private conversation, sit at the tables. After 9pm, you may have trouble finding a seat at the bar.
  • Ordering at pubs – many pubs require that you order at the bar and then the order will be brought to the table. You also pay at the bar individually.  So splitting a check is usually no problem – but ask beforehand.  There is no tab system in Ireland. You’re generally expected to pay for your drinks when they are poured.
  • Standing your round – when you’re in a group, there is an accepted system for buying a round of drinks. One person buys a round. It’s okay to refuse a drink, but not okay to refuse buying your round of drinks or “standing your round.” So if you happen to be chatting with a group of Irish locals in a pub and someone buys a round, understand that you’re expected to stand your round. Best to do this on the front end of the evening or you’ll be drinking all night before you get to stand your round.   There are few greater insults in Ireland than being a person who didn’t stand his round.

 

Irish Words that designate a destination

Bally or Baile– town (as in Ballyvourney)

ben – mountain (as in Belbulben or the Twelve Bens)

carrick or carrig – rock (as in Carrick-on-Suir)

cashel – stone fort (as in the Rock of Cashel)

crock, croagh or knock – hill  (as in Knock)

curra or curragh – marsh  (as in the Curragh of Kildare)

dara, darry or derry – oak (as in Londonderry, Kildare)

dubh or duff – dark or black (as in Ballyjamesduff or Dublin)

dun – castle, fortress (as in Donegal, Dún Laoghaire)

eden – hilltop (as in Edenderry)

ennis, inch or in(n)is – island (as in Enniskillen)

gael – Irish (as in the Gaeltacht)

gall – strange, foreigner (as in Donegal)

inver – river mouth (as in Inver, County Donegal)

isk or iska – water (as in Murrisk)

glas(s) – green (as in Ardglass)

glen or glyn – valley (as in Glendalough)

kil(l) – church (as in Kildare, Kilkenny, Kilarney)

lin(n) – pool (as in Dublin = Black Pool)

lios or liss – mound or ring fort (as in Lisnaskea)

lough – lake (or a lake-like sea inlet, as in Ballinlough or Lough Foyle)

mona or mone – peat bog

mor – great or big (as in Tramore or Inis Mór – big island)

mullen or mullin – mill (as in Mullingar)

raha or rath – ring fort (as in Rathmines)

slieve – mountain (as in Slieve Russell)

toom – burial place

tra – beach (as in Tralee or Tramore)

tul or tullagh – small hill (as in Tullamore)

Other Irish Words You Should Know

Garda – A guardian of peace or – policeman

Fir – Men

Mná  – Women

Áth Cliath – pronounced “ah cli-a” meaning “ford of the hurdles” and is the Irish name for Dublin, referring to the county.  Baile átha cliath refers to the City of Dublin.

An Lár – “the middle or centre”

Seirbhiís – Out of service

Sláinte – pronounced “slan-sha” and it means “health” Typical toast. American version – Cheers!

Slán – pronounced “slawn” meaning healthy or safe. Slán abhaile (slawn uh wahl yuh) means “safe homewards”

Fáilte – (fall-sha) means welcome.

Craic – pronounced “crack” means fun, convivial times among friends “Where’s the craic?”

Tipping

Gratuities are included with all meals included on the tour, but alcoholic beverages are not.  On most food served in restaurants, a service charge is included, which serves as the tip. So watch your bill. In pubs, it’s polite to leave a Euro or two as a tip if you feel the service was good. Hotel porters usually get 2 to 5 euros for assisting with bags.  Here is a great article by Rick Steves on Tipping in Europe.  Remember, though…. Rick’s whole deal is being thrifty… but his advice on this is very helpful.  https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/tipping-in-europe

 

Tipping Tour Director / Bus Drivers / Private Tour Guides

Guides that are employed by the town or Visitor Center do not expect a tip. Gratuities to your private tour guides, the tour director, and the coach driver are not included in the cost of the tour and are appreciated.  Tips are customary and presented on an individual basis in an envelope at the end of the tour.  Local guides, tour director, and coach driver should be tipped in the native currency of the country being visited.

Bus Driver and Tour Director – each usually  5 euros or pounds per person per day.

Private Independent Tour Guides offering tours at the site 2 to 5 Euros at the end of the tour.

 

Packing Suggestions, Gear Suggestions, and Packing Lists

One Bag Travel:

Don and Cheryl Jordan have been on many of our tours. They always have attractive gear and clothing, and they never check a bag at the airport. Each of them travels using a single carry on bag. I asked them to offer our guests some packing suggestions and a copy of their packing lists.  

Thoughts from Cheryl:

I’m not a fashionista, nor am I a high-maintenance girl. I have short hair. I wear minimal makeup. This makes traveling light – being able to go on an extended trip using one piece of carry-on luggage and a personal bag – doable.

I used to do this with a rolling backpack, but have gone to a higher-end Samsonite carry-on (dimensioned to comply with airline size restrictions). The suitcase is a 4-wheel, rolling suitcase. This makes it so I don’t have to check a bag. My personal bag for travel is a small satchel-type purse.

I use the “rule of threes” meaning three of each pieces of clothing. You’ll have one to wear, one for spare, and possibly one laundry-washed/drying.

Flying with minimal liquids can be challenging. But we have gone to a solid laundry bar for washing clothes. Sunlight makes one in Canada. But they are also available in the States. We keep the laundry soap bar in a zip lock bag. Other liquids like shampoo and body soap are available at the hotels.

I use compression packing bags for packing – one for tops, one for pants, one for socks and undies, and one for accessories – hats, scarves etc).  Always roll everything. It makes it smaller. I also use large elastic bands to keep things like vest and rain pants compressed.

I make sure all clothing separates can be mixed and matched. I usually only take black pants, and all of our clothes for travel are made out of wicking material – modern technical fabrics that draw moisture away from the body. These absorb very little water, so they dry extra fast. It sometimes takes time to find the right clothes for me as I’m not a small girl, but clothes made from wicking materials are widely available.

Everything can be layered for unpredictable weather. I don’t bring dress-up clothes. Use your scarves for style. As for jewelry… bring a minimal amount of low-value pieces. Leave your good stuff at home.

Besides having clothing that is easily hand-washable and quick drying, it is crucial to have a raincoat. It needs to be fully rainproof, not resistant. Northface and Columbia both have lots to choose from. It’s the best purchase you can make. I like them to have a breast pocket for those valuables.

Cheryl’s Packing List

Carry on:

6 undies	2 bras (wear one)
4 – 6 pairs of socks	3 pants / capri pants (wear 1)
3 T-shirts	3 long sleeve shirts (1/4 zip, hoodies)
2 tank tops	1 down compressed vest
1 nightie	Rain jacket
Rain pants	Scarves
Make up	Athletic shoes (wear these)
Sandals	Shampoo/toiletries, etc
Extra glasses/sunglasses	Neck pillow
Power converter	Laundry bar soap

 

Purse – personal bag on plane:

Pen	Notebook
Kindle (with cord)	Phone (with charger)
Extra earbuds	Travel documents
Passports	Credit cards
Medications	Shawl/wrap
Water (purchased at airport)	Knitting
Money	Business cards
Thank you cards	Snacks

 

Thoughts from Don
Travel light – travel fast

I am not fastidious about style, but more a “form follows function” person. Plus, I am prepared to do some clothes washing by hand in order to reduce the load I have to carry. I do clean up well as to be pleasingly passable.

I travel with a duffel bag dimensioned to comply with the airlines’ size restrictions for carry-on. I like the duffel bag because it is more forgiving on expansion when you put odd-sized items into the bag.

Concerning clothing, I follow the principle of layering. That way, you can be prepared for weather variability.  Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, breathable jacket – Anorak (hooded, pullover jacket) can be your best friend.

Buy the best clothing you can afford. Quality will never let you down. Look for lightweight clothing – preferably made from wicking (quick-dry, repels moisture). Your favourite sporting goods or outdoor shop (Dick’s, REI, or L.L. Bean) will be a source for such items. A few quality items last a long time with proper care.

I have bought some items from overseas suppliers such as Craghoppers http://bit.ly/2D9ew53. My theory has been that if I am going to a particular climate, I like to know what the folks there wear and where they shop.  A word of caution about cotton items, such as sweatshirts and blue jeans… they can be bulky, heavy, and can take more than a day or two to dry out (think of hand washing or being caught in a deluge). Be prepared for damp clothing to be packed in with your dry gear if your clothes won’t dry out during a particular hotel stay.

Buffs http://amzn.to/2Dazq3G: These are a great piece of kit. These are the cloth tubes you pull over your head and wear around your neck. It’s amazing how they will keep you warm. They cut the bite of wind as well.

Shaving: a couple of disposable razors, shaving cream (a gel or a tube cream in containers under 100 ml for Canada or 3 ounces for US carry-on requirements).

First Aid Kit: We put Band-Aids and other supplies into a little plastic sandwich container.

Don’s Packing List

3 pairs of wool socks	Wool is anti-microbial and provides good protection against blisters. It washes easily and usually dries overnight. I have alpaca wool fibre socks, which are handmade by a friend. The outdoor stores will sell hiking socks like Smart Wool.
3 pairs of underwear	Lightweight (dri-wear type). These are easy to wash and they dry quickly.
3 pairs of pants	Lightweight, usually a blend fabric that is breathable and dries quickly. There may be a type of jean available that meets those specifications.
4 T-shirts	Cotton blend or synthetic active wear type – breathable and easy to wash and dry.
1 Turtle neck	I use this as a base layer (merino wool blend). The high neck helps against the wind, and it keeps my core warm.
1 Vest	I like the lightweight packable vest L.L. Bean sells. It’s great for warmth and is compressible for packing.
2 Long-sleeve shirts	I usually take a couple of these – again, the synthetic blend, breathable and lightweight.
Hats	I like the Boonie style hat – waterproof and easy to pack. A ball cap can work on nicer days. I also like to wear a toque or beanie. I bring two of them.

 

Mindie’s Packing List

The most often asked question I get from guests is “What do you take?” I’m not a big one for trying to fit everything into one carry-on bag for a 10-day trip, but I’ve gotten my packing down to a science. I take only what I need, and I stay very organized on the tour. For the many guests who ask about my travel gear and whether I use a packing list, I’ve mentioned all my “gear” tips in an earlier part of this document, but here’s my packing list for all inquiring minds.

Keep in mind that I’m a travel writer and photographer, so some of this stuff listed would not apply to you

DAILY WARDROBE – 12 items of clothing that can coordinate can comprise your daily wardrobe. Just make sure you can mix and match the colors.

• 3 pairs pants – poly-blend, quick drying, 1 capri-style
• 1 mock turtleneck
• 1 cotton button-down shirt (warmer weather)
• 2 long-sleeved t-shirts (lightweight)
• 2 short-sleeved shirts/blouses (lightweight)
• 1 sweater or pullover (for when it’s chilly)
• 1 travel vest (for layering) – Scottie Vest https://travelhag.com/skip-the-carry-on-get-a-scottevest/

Additional clothing:

• Loungewear / jammies
• Scarves (2)
• 2 pairs shoes
• 1 waterproof jacket (preferably with hood)
• 1 waterproof boonie hat  https://amzn.to/48kQ9i3
• 5 pairs quick drying underwear – 1 bra
• 5 pairs socks – quick dry, thin, breathable
• (Optional) swimsuit if you like the hotel spas. My swimsuit went to Goodwill years ago. 

Travel Organizer – I packed my Vera Bradley Hanging organizer https://amzn.to/3Ir4ZZR with travel gear years ago. I never remove it and keep it stocked.  I use it for long trips and short weekends or overnight. It’s so easy to just throw in my bag and not have to worry about those details. The only thing I take in and out of it is my makeup and jewelry.  When I get to the hotel, I hang it in the bathroom and work directly out of it.  In this organizer, I keep ….

 

• Toothbrush / toothpaste / floss
• Sunscreen, lotion, deodorant
• First aid – Band-Aids, Neosporin, Benadryl cream
• Ear plugs
• Small shaker of Gold Bond powder
• Tweezers, Visine, Tide Stain Stick http://amzn.to/2AYut88
• Razor, replacement blade
• Shower cap, Q-tips, hair ties, bobby pins
• Lip balm, nail file, nail clippers
• Small bottles – Advil, Tums, and other OTC meds
• Prescription medication
• Face wash, moisturizer, hair product, shampoo, conditioner
• Make up
• Laundry bar, clothesline, sink stopper
• Jewelry – separated into small pouches
• Small scissors (NOTE: Scissors cannot go into a carry-on bag.)

 

ELECTRONICS – (I am a travel blogger. I you’re not a writer, you don’t need all of this stuff)

• Phone
• Airpods
• Charging cubes and cords for each device
• Electric adapters/converters (3)
• Laptop (MacAir – very slim)

OTHER ITEMS

• Fold-up tote bag, reusable bags
• Zip-lock bags
• Writing Field Journal
• Envelopes, pens, Scotch tape
• Leatherman (packed in checked bag)
• Small binoculars
• Small roll duct tape – I have found a use for this every tour
• Fold-up umbrella
• Personal motorized fan (I’m always hot) https://amzn.to/3JXhjSa
• Backpack
• Mesh laundry bag
• Neck pillow. https://amzn.to/4gvXfCC <— best neck pillow ever
• Airplane Pocket Tray Cover  https://amzn.to/464sPUk

 

DOCUMENTS

• Passport
• Drivers License, credit cards
• Photocopy of all ID’s and Credit cards stored away from wallet
• Tickets – Airfare, ground transport
• Itineraries, tour info

 Read More about Tips and Gear
Travel Hag’s Ten Best Travel Accessories

 

Disclaimer:  The links to these products go directly to our Amazon.com company store, so we are receiving a small (and I mean small) commission if you purchase any items from these links. Don’t feel the need to purchase these exact items. We list them because guests always ask about my gear and what I use. I’m to answer any questions you have about the products or alternative items.   Thanks, MB