From time to time, we like to pass along tips we've learned that have made our travels a bit easier.
Since the start of these adventures, we carry a minimal amount of "stuff." So packing a suitcase in order to maximize space, becomes an important issue. Carl packs both his and my suitcase with great care, as these items are all we own. Most of our clothing are rolled so as to take up the least amount of room and, hopefully, cut down on wrinkling. I own two pairs of slacks, three tops, five pairs of socks, a dozen sets of underwear, one nightgown, a spring jacket, a hoodie sweatshirt, a winter hat, one pair of mittens, and one pair of sneakers (which don't get packed because I'm wearing them). In addition, I have a backpack which contains my medications, sunscreen, hair brush, electric toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, as well as a couple of bars of soap, extra toilet paper, ledgers to keep track of our expenses, a few pens, a plastic rain poncho, and my Kindle. As you can see, this isn't much, but all of the clothes fit into my 21 inch roll-away suitcase which fits into the overhead compartment on the airplane. We try to avoid checking the suitcases so as to minimize the chances of them getting lost. After all, these are all the clothes we own. This also helps us to get off the plane and out of the airport faster.
Carl's clothes are two pairs of slacks, three shirts, four handkerchiefs, five pairs of socks, five sets of underwear, one woolen sweater, a spring jacket, a multi-pocket vest, one winter hat, a pair of gloves, and one pair of sneakers. In his backpack are his medications, toothbrush and toothpaste, a small amount of toiletries, a plastic rain poncho, a portable blood pressure cuff, and an IPad.
We always rent apartments with a washer/dryer (sometimes there is no dryer, just a drying rack). So each day we wear, wash, and have a spare top. It works out well. In cool countries, we layer with our shirt tops, sweater or hoodie, and jackets. In Istanbul, Turkey, we bought our winter hats and gloves as it was in the 30's and 40's during January. A summer hat is necessary in Australia and Singapore. So we each have one of those.
Now remember, this is what we've found works for us. Tailor your packing according to your own style. Keep in mind, though, the lighter you pack, the easier it will be to travel.
Lori's suitcase with her jacket on top.