As someone who enjoys options and fears decisions, packing can be the worst part of travel. Its stressful, requires a lot of planning, and the existential crisis that comes with condensing your lifes necessities into a 20-inch box is the polar opposite of what I want to deal with pre-vacation. So, of course, I do the smart [read: completely wrong] thing and save it for the morning of my trip.
In pursuit of a future wherein I leave home without that definitely-forgot-something-important feeling, I sought out someone who genuinely enjoys the packing process [they exist!] for help. Meet Hitha Palepu, an entrepreneur, writer, and all-around packing expert. Shes traveled more than half a million miles around the world for work and play. And using tips from her blog, Hitha on the Go, and her new illustrated book, How to Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip fitting a weeks wardrobe and all of the trimmings into a carry-on seems very doable and even, dare I say, easy.
We caught up with Palepu to discuss the book, her best tips, and where she and her impeccable packing skills are heading to next.
Lets start simple: whats your packing philosophy?
Break it down into individual tasks. Do a little bit every day. Pack what you love, and what you already own. And less is more.
And how does perfect packing translate to a better trip?
Its about approaching packing as a pleasure and not as a pain to free up the mental energy youll need address the parts of the travel process you cant control. There are going to be delays. You could potentially miss a flight. But if you know you packed your suitcase perfectly, youre able to relax on that front, because packing is something you do have control over.
Do you think theres a specific key to packing well?
I think its writing a packing list. When you do it, youre really being mindful about what it is you already own, what is it you love, and what outfits make you feel good when youre home. The way we formatted the packing list helps people stick to their power pieces and the accessory math rule. Its applicable to everybody.
Whats the biggest mistake people make, and how should they fix it?
Do not wait until the day of a trip to pack. I know the packing timeline can seem like a pain at first who wants to plan a week in advance for packing for a trip? But by being mindful and writing your list out that early, you can make sure everything you want to wear is clean and in good condition. That way, the night before the trip, youre not stressed and you wont go into your trip with a rushed mindset.
So, packing really starts a week in advance, every time?
Yes, it is something I still do even now that I could easily pack the night before. For this past weekends trip, I took the whole week to pack and Im glad I did because I realized the dress I wanted to pack had a little rip in the seam and I had plenty of time to get it fixed. It seems like overkill, but it makes the process so much better.
Is there one thing you pack for every trip?
A travel steamer, always. I use it not just to de-wrinkle my clothes, but I also add a drop or two of essential oil and re-steam items Ive already worn to replenish them. And I also use it to give myself a little post-flight facial. The steamer I have sits flat on the ground, doesnt take up too much room, and comes with an international converter kit.
Any other favorite tips from the book?
You really dont need more than three pairs of shoes. I would also say to pick your shoes first before you pick your outfits if you tend to stress about shoes. Whether youre packing a statement shoe thats going to jazz up any neutral outfit or a simple pair that goes with everything, shoes are a great way to filter everything else to know youre only packing things that go together.
Where are you excited to travel to next, and what are you planning to bring?
Im going to Greece for two weeks this summer and I am thrilled about it. Ill be taking a pair of Allbirds sneakers because were going to be doing a lot of trekking and exploring the ruins and I love how breathable they are as well as stylish. Ill also be taking a lot of linen.
What places are on your bucket list?
Antarctica. Norway. Myanmar. And New Zealand, with a Lord of the Ringsinspired itinerary.
Note: This interview has been condensed and edited.