The summer travel season is coming soon, and that means you’ll be heading out on weekend getaways, weeklong vacations, and quick trips. It’s almost a guarantee that you are overpacking. Your bags will be packed with unnecessary items that you don’t need. You toss stuff in, just in case, or because you aren’t sure what you’ll need. It leads to big, heavy bags full of items that end up taking up extra space, and if you’re flying, can turn into expensive overweight baggage fees. Then, when you get home, as you unpack you realize half of the items you brought with you, you didn’t even use. As a seasoned gay traveller, there are things you need to consider, especially when it comes to planning and packing outfits. Here are some of the best tips and advice when it comes to packing the next time you head out. 

Know your itinerary  

Before you even start grabbing clothes, consider what kind of trip you are going on and the types of activities you will be doing. This will help you decide on what type of outfits you need to bring. Your choice of attire should reflect the activities you have planned. That includes social gatherings, outings, dinners, nightlife, evening events, themed parties, exercise routines, and lounge time. You do not need to pack extra outfits. Lay out your outfits for each segment of your itinerary, to ensure you only pack the necessary outfits. 

Check the weather at your destination 

The weather at your destination may be very different than what you are experiencing at home. A couple of days before you depart, look at the forecast for your destination. Your hot and sunny destination may be experiencing a cold, rainy front, or might be unseasonably warm. Smart, experienced travellers always consult the forecast, so they aren’t caught off guard, and not over packing things like a jacket if it’s going to be hot and sunny. 

Color coordinate  

Frequent travellers will find that their wardrobe will evolve, and eventually be filled with neutral-colored pieces, with a few key items to make an outfit pop and stand out. When outfits are color coordinated within one color palette, it means that you don’t need to worry about bringing different colors of shoes, belts, and other accessories. It will help with the next few tips and tricks too! 

Keep it simple 

When selecting items for your wardrobe, choose items that are classic in style. They will be more timeless and last beyond just one or two seasons. Simple doesn’t have to be boring. Carefully planned accessories and pops of color are easy ways to make basic items have flare. Basic items can be reused for multiple different outfits, like a classic pair of black jeans, a charcoal blazer, or light grey sweater. This will save you packing multiple garments.  

Mix-and-match 

Repurposing key pieces is important when planning outfits for your travels. Outfits that can be mixed and matched will help save space and give you the ultimate flexibility. You might have planned to wear shorts but find that when you’re getting ready to head out that it’s cool. Instead of wearing shorts, slip on a pair of classic jeans, or throw on a sweater over your shirt. Your outfits need to have flexibility. If your plans change along the way, your outfits will be able to keep up with you. 

Pack smart 

The last thing you want to do when you’re travelling is sitting in your room sorting through your bag of clothes and pulling out clothing that needs to be ironed. Plan each outfit including tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, and accessories. Keep each outfit together and know which pieces you’ll be re-using. This will keep you organized. And choose items that aren’t going to crease, requiring ironing. If you have items with sequin, glitter, or other embellishments, pack those in Ziplock bags, with the rest of your outfit. 

Bonus: use packing cubes 

Packing cubes have become one of the best kept secrets of frequent travellers. It takes smart packing to an entirely new level. In each cube you place the entire outfit. Not only does it keep your outfit together, but it also allows you to neatly stack all your cubes into your bag; maximizing space. 

If you think you’ll need it, you probably don’t. When you plan the outfits you will need for your trip, you’ll bring exactly what you need, instead of filling your bag full of items you won’t use. These tips for planning and packing outfits from a seasoned gay traveller will help you travel lighter and it only takes a few extra moments to consider what you’re going to bring, instead of doing extra loads of laundry when you get home.