Dreaming of strolling through rolling hills of green or standing on the edges of towering, rocky cliffs where sea thrift grows and the Atlantic Ocean roars below? What about tapping your foot in time to traditional Irish music inside a snug, local pub where the lament of the fiddle can be heard in time with the lilt of the tin whistle and the droning beat of the bodhrán?
This is Ireland, a magical land long capturing the imagination of travelers. Now, it’s your time to travel to the Emerald Isle. You bought your ticket, reserved your car with My Irish Cousin, and your itinerary is all set to go, the only thing left to do is pack like a pro. But where to begin?
Standing on the edges of towering, rocky cliffs where sea thrift grows. MerakiTravels.org
When we walked through the arrivals gate at the Dublin airport, rolling our carry-ons behind us, Malachy politely inquired, “And where are your bags?” When we answered, “This is it, one carry-on each”, his eyebrows raised. “Impressive,” he replied.
When it comes to travel, whether it’s a quick weekend escape or an extended three-week journey like our recent trip to Ireland, efficient packing is crucial. It doesn’t need to be a stressful ordeal that leaves you exhausted before you even start. With these 13 tips, pack like a pro for effortless travel to Ireland.
13 Strategies for Effortless Travel to Ireland
1. I am a big list maker.
The first thing I do to get organized is to write out my list. Putting pen to paper, or typing into my phone notes, helps me sort out what I will need for a trip. Once it’s written down, and not in my head, keeping track of what’s what is easier. I add or subtract to the list as I prepare for the upcoming journey. It is truly my first step in organization.
I begin by asking myself a few ‘big-picture’ questions. How long will I be gone? What is the weather going to be like where I am going? What type of events will I be experiencing? For example, a holiday with my partner exploring a new city encompasses very different activities compared to attending a work conference or venturing off on a hiking trip.
Begin by listing the clothes and items you feel are essential. These will be whittled down later to truly the basics but without scrimping on fashion.
Another added benefit is keeping the list as a Google document. This is especially helpful when I travel with my partner. I share the document with him, enabling us to each add to it as we need. It serves as a tool to see where we can share items too, such as toothpaste and soap supplies.
Photo credit Unsplash by Glenn Carstens Peters
2. Why Pack Light?
Packing only a carry-on will save you time and money. These days most airlines charge for checked bags with domestic flights beginning at $30.00 a bag on up. International flights can be more expensive.
Consider too, the increasing number of flight delays, missed connections, and cancelations all adding up to extra stress. If you end up on one flight and your bags on another, it could be a very long day. These are all scenarios that make me glad I keep my bags close at hand.
Then when I depart the plane, I save time by bypassing the luggage carousel and hit the ground running, my carry-on wheeling behind me. Be ahead of the pack and travel light.
3. Double-Check Your Luggage
Choosing the appropriate luggage helps ensure ease as you travel. Check with the airlines regarding their size and weight requirements for carry-ons before you get to the airport. If your bag is too heavy you may find yourself paying to have it checked or fishing through your belongings to discard those heavier items. No fun!
If your expedition is by car, you might consider a soft-sided bag. These are easier and more forgiving when packed in the boot of a car alongside camping gear and coolers.
4. Packing Cubes
I love my packing cubes! By utilizing packing cubes, organization and space optimization becomes a snap. Color-coded cubes for each traveler are a handy way to keep items separate and easily identifiable. I packed three weeks of outfits in my packing cubes which fit inside my carry-on suitcase. I am a believer!
Buying different colors for each traveler keeps them from getting mixed up and super organized. I also have used packing bags. You know, the ones you compress all the air out of and vacuum-seal your clothes in. These work well too. I used these traveling with my kids through France and they did great. Even had room for souvenirs!
Packing Cubes Purchased on Amazon.com
5. Ditch the Just-In-Case Mindset
Leave behind unnecessary “just-in-case” items. This is where making that list and checking it twice comes in handy. Are you really going to need that formal wear and high heels? Or can you pack one pair of nice slacks that do double duty on the off chance there is a formal dinner event?
This could happen but will it, really? Plus, Ireland is known for its temperate weather which can change quickly. Most of the time, dressing in casual-styled layers like a light sweater over a t-shirt and a sturdy raincoat will be sufficient.
Review that list and take a hard look at what your travel itinerary is truthfully going to look like.
Life is full of surprises, but you probably have a good idea of where you are going and what you will be doing while traveling. And even if that formal dinner manifests on your schedule, take it as a sign. It’s time to go shopping!
6. Shop Like A Local : What Can You Buy At Your Destination?
Perhaps you will need to shop for that formal wear, but more than likely you can find most everyday items close at hand in whichever location you find yourself. Forgot the sunscreen? No problem.
Consider shopping for essentials locally. Many items, like toiletries and even clothing, can be easily purchased at your destination, and lead to some memorable, adventurous experiences. Try shopping at a Dunne’s department store or the local town market. You will be helping the local economy as well as traveling a bit lighter.
You can always check with your hotel concierge or look up the nearest store on a map app. Some of my funniest stories stem from small adventures having to do with shopping like a local, especially when conversing in another language may be required!
Leave the bulkier bathroom supplies at home and consider a shopping trip upon arriving at your destination.
Photo by Social Cut on Unsplash
7. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Leaving packing until the night before or last minute generally leads to hurried overpacking. You may also find the tendency to forget things due to the stress that comes with eleventh-hour travel prep!
I tend to begin packing two days before departure time, at the bare minimum. This lead time allows me to assess what I actually need, consult my list, and keep an eye on my destination’s weather. For the sake of argument, say the forecast upon my arrival is rainy all week. I better bring that Macintosh but ditch the umbrella. Too bulky! I can buy an umbrella if needed, but honestly, they are pretty useless in Ireland.
Thinking ahead allows for level-headed planning. For example—are your favorite jeans still sitting in the washing machine? You would be packing them wet if you packed them at the last minute. But giving yourself a grace period allows you to have clean and dry jeans for your trip.
Consult your list. As you pack items into your cubes or bags, check them off your list. Done!
Now you’re ready to zip up your carry-on and store it by the door, ready to head out in the morning. I keep my electronics, charging cords, and small toiletries bag out until the morning I leave, then throw them into my shoulder bag. I prefer to keep these items handy and accessible. In addition, I carry a pair of warm ankle socks in case I want to slip off my shoes on the plane. Some other items going into my personal bag include my passport and wallet, a book, my laptop and cord, a hairbrush, make-up, and lipstick, and even an extra clean pair of underwear—an exception to my “just-in-case ban.”
When it comes to what goes in your shoulder bag or backpack, think easy access, because your carry-on will be stowed in the compartment above you. And you really don’t want to be that person who is constantly getting up and down to retrieve items from their suitcase, annoying their fellow travelers.
8. Double-Duty Clothing
The concept of double-duty clothing may be the most important packing tip for carry-on-only travel.
The idea is this, pack only clothing that can serve more than one purpose. One idea is to pack a light, yet simple dress that can be trussed up with heels and a scarf (for that formal dinner), or alternatively, worn with sneakers for a casual, dressed-down look, perfect for that romp around town. The key here is the more versatile the item, the better! Ask yourself, can I wear these jeans or shorts more than once?
Scarves or wraps are very forgiving, as they double to dress up the look or act as bathing suit cover-ups as you lounge by the pool.
Personally, I like to keep the color scheme pretty simple, too. I tend to go for basic or neutral colors. Much of my wardrobe consists of blacks, whites, and greys, as well as one pair of favorite jeans. Jewelry and scarves, or a fun jacket can add a splash of accent color and be interchanged to create a different look. No need to bring your entire closet or the kitchen sink!
One last tip—pack the clothes you feel good in, are comfortable, and that fit you. Are your pair of pretty designer slacks truly practical or does the waistband cut into your skin every time you sit down? Think twice about the “too-tight” of slacks. Pack clothes you feel great in!
9. Consider Doing Laundry
If your trip is for several days to several weeks, consider doing laundry. This goes hand-in-hand with packing items that serve double duty. You may not need to pack ten days of underwear, only five, and then hand-wash them in the bathroom sink if needed. Pack travel laundry soap or consider using the laundry facilities at your hotel or guest house. Check what is available for your use when booking your accommodations. Only, remember to take coins since you may need to exchange currency and those machines are not always free.
Most accommodations, including Air B&B, will have laundry facilities for use.
The key here is to know before you go what to expect and what is available. If you need to adjust from there, you can. Be nimble.
Photo credit Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash
10. Wear Your Heaviest and Bulkiest Items
Every travel guru from Rick Steves to Samantha Brown recommends wearing your heaviest items on the way to your destination. Remember, space is at a premium inside your carry-on. If you are traveling to a cooler climate, consider wearing that bulky jacket on the plane. You can always remove it once seated, plus it works great doubled up as a pillow if need be. The same applies to your heaviest and bulkiest shoes. Wear the boots for the plane ride and save pace and weight inside your carry-on.
I tend to wear a large scarf or wrap, not only to dress up my wardrobe but also to act as an extra blanket or cushion. I even wipe down the tray table with it sometimes! Very handy.
11. Shoes or Not the Shoes
It’s important, if not essential to minimize the number of shoes in your luggage. It also happens to be the hardest thing to do, but remember to wear your heaviest and bulkiest pair on the plane, leaving room for 1-2 pairs in your baggage.
The best way to begin is by planning outfits around your shoes. Remember that list?
Only make sure the shoes you choose are versatile enough to be worn with several outfits and on various occasions. I recommend a pair of solid-colored heels or flats and a pair of dressier sneakers. Keep it simple and your wardrobe will go a long way.
One more trick. Pack your rolled-up socks, underwear, and small toiletries inside your packed shoes to save valuable real estate.
Waterproof Vessi Sneakers Photo Credit MaryRose Denton
12. Travel-Size Items
Carry-on only requires making sure toiletries and other liquid items meet the in-cabin and security requirements. The best approach is to stock up on travel-size toiletries. Retail stores such as Target and even your local grocery store chain carry travel-size items in their cosmetic department. If you prefer your own brand of face wash, consider stocking up on reusable travel containers. These come in 3oz or smaller sizes. Simply pop them into your small cosmetic bag!
Better yet, use the sample shampoos, conditioners, and soaps the hotel provides and save even more space. Personally, I love trying new products, so the hotel provisions work very well for me.
If you’re traveling with a partner or companion, think about sharing some of the toiletries, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Decide who will pack what to avoid duplication. Be sure to keep at least a few days of medications in your shoulder bag or backpack. Larger bottles can get wrapped inside t-shirts or stockings to keep them from rolling around.
13. Souvenirs
Lastly, following all these tips and tricks, you most likely have a little room left over for souvenirs! Consider smaller items along the lines of magnets, pins, and even postcards that can be framed when you get home for a very nice memento. Of course, your phone and camera will be loaded with great pictures and selfies too.
If you do purchase larger treasures, don’t fret! Most retailers will gladly ship items for you, and usually for free. I opted to ship home some perfume I bought as gifts from the Burren Perfumery in County Clare Ireland. As it turned out to be several items of liquid, heavy and fragile and adding up to too many ounces, shipping the purchase home made good sense and saved me room in my luggage.
I even know people traveling from wine regions who purchase an extra suitcase in said country and pack it full of wine bottles to ship home. The new suitcase becomes a checked bag at the airport. The same tactic may be applied to Irish Whiskey, however, these days a savvy traveler may wish to throw an Air Tag into that suitcase for tracking purposes in case the bag goes astray.
Ready To Travel Light
A streamlined and paired-down approach to traveling light might feel daunting, but it gets easier with each trip. Whether that trip is on a plane, train, car, or boat. Say goodbye to heavy luggage and hello to stress-free adventures!
Happy travels, wherever the road takes you!
