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10 Packing Tips For Anyone Traveling For The First Time Post-Pandemic

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Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit. Some trips required me to travel for extended periods, and others for only a quick weekend. Trying to figure out what to pack can be challenging, especially when deciding what the essentials are. Take it from me and learn from my mistakes. You don’t want to miss any key items, because they may end up being extremely important down the line. Like that one time I forgot my medicine on a two-week trip out of the country… Let’s just say my trip wasn’t as much fun as I hoped it would be (yikes). Moreover, as I plan for a weekend trip back to the Midwest to see my parents after months of waiting due to covid protocols, I wanted to share some of my own personal travel “must-have’s” for those who may not travel often and are unsure of what to bring on their next big adventure.

1. Listen to music (and jam out!) while you pack. It makes the entire process much less painful.

2. Always pack a clean pair of undies for every day you plan to be away. And then pack an extra pair… Just. In. Case.

3. And an extra pair of socks too.

4. Bring at least one black shirt. Why? Classy and sweatproof. 

5. I don’t care where you’re traveling to, always bring both a pair of pants and shorts. You can thank me later.

6. Check the weather of the place you’re traveling to. Do not leave it up to chance—you’ll be thoroughly disappointed.

7. Never leave your medicine as the last item to pack, because chances are you’ll forget it on travel day with pre-annoyance airport anxiety.

8. Always, always, always bring a book or download a movie/podcast for the plane, train, or automobile ride. I was once on a plane, hungover, with no headphones or book and a screaming baby for six hours. I felt terrible for the mother, but it was one of the worst experiences in my life. 

9. Here’s a hot take: Let someone that you trust know you’ll be traveling, and therefore to keep tabs on you. Even if that means watching your IG story. It’s 2022. You can never be “too safe.” And those that make the argument that “only women get abducted” clearly have not seen Snapped on Oxygen.

10. Remember to breathe. More often than not, the process of traveling is not fun. Being at your destination might be, but the whole lead-up usually isn’t all that fun unless you’ve had a few cocktails. Cheers!