Things I Never Pack For Vacation

So my apologies to Heathrow! Evidently they now have the scanners that don’t require taking out your liquids. Thank goodness!😂❤️

Omg.. "You want to pack for YOU. Not the you-you-want-to-be-on-vacation." I need that quote framed in my closet!!!

Packing me apparently thinks that vacation me does yoga and face masks and changes clothes multiple times a day. 😂 it’s been a journey trying to remember to not account for every single possibility but having less is so much more peaceful!

Frequent flier here. I make sure I try on all the clothes I'm taking. Not just because my weight fluctuates but sometimes pieces don't look as good together as I thought they would. Shoes are always a problem. I need walking shoes, hiking shoes, dancing shoes and flip flops.

I absolutely LOVE packing ideas - no matter how many I’ve watched.

Great tips! I would add that a hanging toiletries bag is a good idea. My bag has lots of clear pockets, so I can see and access everything, plus it's up off the wet counter. And I totally agree, that you can look stylish and not sacrifice comfort.

While you don't often do sponsorships, I appreciate when you do mention brands that you like. I've not heard of many that you mention and discover new favorites because of you.

I love this no-nonsense advice! Extremely practical, good results, nothing frou-frou or 'delicate'. All apparel, including shoes, needs to be multi-purpose, comfortable, and blend to whatever fashion you will be wearing. In fact, traveling can be the jumping-off point to start working your wardrobe into 'capsule format'. We all have way too many articles of clothing, with the estimate being that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. Most women have at least 2 items hanging in their closet with tags still on them from when they were acquired more than a year ago. It would be smart to go a few rounds through the closet to identify and set aside those items that look the best and feel the best on, then go another round to find anything that can work with your best items to create different looks. If you do that every season (so four times a year), you will whittle down the glut of unused and rarely used clothing that go to your closet to die. When you warned against not bringing valuable items when traveling, my very first thought was that carrying flashy, expensive accessories or wearing expensive clothing will mark you to locals as a great crime target. It's not just the item they see, but the promise of other items in your accommodations or even the likelihood you're carrying significant cash or credit. Bad enough that you get robbed, but worse if you don't carry what they are expecting and they get mad. I applaud your choice of bringing a 'medicine cabinet' of health items. I pack a first aid kit of plasters (flex-fabric bandaids, moleskin, and Tegaderm), alcohol wipes, tweezers, ointments (a contact lens case with antifungal in one side and antibacterial in the other), and a ten-compartment pillbox (for pain relievers, supplements, and immunity-boosting echinacea). I would suggest carrying also a clothing care pouch: Singer-brand mini sewing kit (TSA-'approved' folding scissors, pre-threaded sewing needles, extra thread, safety pins, straight pins, measuring tape), some iron-on fusing tape (applied to the inside of clothing it's a quick fix to a tear or a ripped seam), detergent sheets (cut into thirds for handwashing in a sink), and a stain treatment item (Tide pen or Shout & Go wipes). You can also wind about 9ft of duct tape to squash down flat to a 3 or 4 inch length (for quick repairs of coarse fabric found on backpacks and cloth luggage). All of this fits easily into a snack-size ziplock bag. My toiletries bag is miniscule, mostly because I rely on accommodation amenities (bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower cap, toothpaste) and destination purchase (disposable razors, travel-size deodorant, cheap toothbrush, etc). This also almost eliminates liquids for the Liquids Bags. Most of my toiletries fit in my crossbody sling or purse (nail clippers, nailfile, comb, collapsible brush, hairstick, hairties, witchhazel wipes, and a day's worth of feminine supplies). Hairties can be looped through the zippers in your bags or backpacks (if they stretch out, I just saw a great Youtube that hairties can be contracted back into original shape just by putting them into boiling water!). Also, something to consider is to use inexpensive baking soda (available widely) in place of toothpaste and/or deodorant. One last thing: Cash. Don't take a LOT, but do take a little. How much to take should be thought out as carefully as what clothes or shoes to pack. How long will you be traveling? What activities are on your list (not that you'll do everything, but be prepared). When and how much do you tip? How likely will you face venders or dispensing machines that may require exact change? Will you need cash for ground transport fare? Just think through situations that may call for cash and in what denominations. I just flew round trip coast-to-coast, and I brought about $125 cash, which included a roll each of quarters, dimes, and nickels. Didn't need the coins, but the ones and fives came in the most handy. And these small amounts fit easily in a purse or crossbody.

When I go to Hawaii, I buy cheap flip flops, hat, sunscreen and a rice mat when I get there. They don't come home with me as I usually use up the sunscreen, wear out the flip flops, and give away the hat & rice mat. Agree 💯% about packing only comfortable clothes! I've learned that no matter how nice something looks, if it's not comfortable I will never enjoy wearing it, so there is no point in packing it. I also avoid packing clothes that could easily get/show stains.

Your previous packing videos have helped me truly be strategic when I'm packing--especially when it comes to shoes and toiletries! This is much appreciated!

After you’re comments about not bringing expensive handbags and then talking about bringing your Gucci finished with the ta-daaahh, I just shook my head, and with a grin thought, “Oh, Jen.” You brighten my day.

Can we take a moment for the hair?!🤩Love this look on you. love your packing videos too, you are the Queen of informative packing, thank you .

great video, Jen! I do take quite a lot of meds on cruises because the cruise store have almost nothing and it's expensive! I take a lot of bandaids because I'm a klutz. My biggest space downfall are glasses. I have to wear several different kinds for different lighting conditions and there's no way around it. (vision condiiton). Plus contact lens solution takes up so much space in your liquids bag. What a pain!

You are always always always so sensible, helpful and real! I almost always pack carry-on only. And it’s not the clothes I struggle with. It’s the toiletries! They are so heavy! Every time I go anywhere I edit it down more than the last time. Thank you Jen!

Don’t pack too many toiletries, don’t pack too many toiletries, EVERYONE BE QUIET, IM GOING TO PACK AND I NEED TO KEEP CHANTING THIS, don’t pack too many toiletries……..l😂

Great video Jen! I just got back from a trip and consciously packed less. It felt great travelling with a lighter bag! I must thank you for the recommendation on the Aloha bags. I got mine while on vacation and just love it! It’s so light and the matching pouches are so handy. These will definitely make it on my packing lists in future (they are so light after all !).

Loved this video and can’t wait for the upcoming ‘Personal Style’ video you mentioned! I always appreciate your practical ideas and advice.

I am new here and clicked on this because I don't travel a lot but will be traveling soon, and I really appreciate this video. I have been stressing about all the things I think that I "need" for this trip.

Thanks for sharing your list of things you never pack. It's so helpful for planning my own trips!

Also allll about the comfort - always! Love your hair curly 😊 Also… reading “The Body Keeps the Score” on your rec… despite having done all the therapy in the past, it hits and offers a different persepective… it’s tough to read, but also healing… so thanks for sharing ❤