Best Packing Tips
We’ve all been there – staring at an empty suitcase and wondering how to fit your entire wardrobe into one bag while still looking effortlessly chic in the vacation photos, and also dressing respectfully for each destination… The good news? Packing smart doesn’t mean sacrificing style, and being mindful of local customs doesn’t mean compromising your personal aesthetic. Today, we asked 5 travel experts for their best packing tips for style and for dressing to honour the local culture. 🌍❤️
We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. We’ve rounded up the pros who’ve mastered the art of looking runway-ready anywhere in the world with just some simple packing tips. Let’s meet our guest writers! ✍️
Francesca Murray is the founder of One Girl World Media and is a travel speaker, content creator and influencer. Packing a bag is second nature, and she shares her best style tips.
Amanda Blakley is a fashionable family travel writer based in Southern California and traveling the world with her husband and two boys. She has written for Elle, Yolo Journal, Kiwi Collection and more.
Chelsea Gambino is a Luxury Travel Advisor who knows how to pack a suitcase. Her mission is to transform travel dreams into beautifully crafted itineraries.
Whitney Haldeman is the Founder of Atlas Adventures and has deep expertise in luxury travel. Her Instagram is curated as beautifully as the itineraries she creates for her clients!
1. Proven Formulas for Building a Travel Wardrobe
Stick to Timeless Neutrals
“I’m a neutrals girl through and through! Black, beige, white, and a touch of gold. I like everything in my suitcase to mix and match effortlessly, so I can pack light but still look pulled together. My fabrics are always breathable: linen, cotton, silk — and my silhouettes are timeless and easy to layer.” – Chelsea Gambino
Pack Light With Basics & Level Up
“Once I’ve decoded the climate, I start with one or two pieces that spark genuine excitement. From there, I build my foundation with non-negotiables that work as hard as I do: versatile denim that transitions from plane to pavement, elevated basics like crisp button-downs and soft tees, comfortable flats that can handle cobblestones, and reliable sneakers that don’t scream “tourist.” I always pack one knockout outfit – whether it’s a dress that packs small but photographs beautifully, or separates that can be mixed and matched for unexpected occasions & combinations. The real magic happens in the accessories, which I pack last and with the most enthusiasm. A striped sock can make sneakers feel fresh, a scarf transforms a basic tee, and the right belt can define a silhouette in seconds. This approach works whether I’m running through airports or discovering hidden gems in a new city – everything coordinates, nothing overpacks (I only ever use a carry-on), and there’s always room for a little whimsy in the details.” – Amanda Blakley
Photo: Kilakila in Tokyo for Flytographer. Amanda Blakley and family capture memories in Tokyo with a family photoshoot.
Build a Carry-on Capsule Wardrobe
“I always go for light layers, thin knits and fabrics like silk that can get you anywhere, and shapes that can double up. I always do carry-on, and I’ll pack a black silk slip dress or wide trousers, which I can layer with a thin sweater and boots to style it more dressy, or with a denim button-down and tennis shoes for a completely different look. I try to pack things in the same color family so that everything goes back to something else. I also buy all my travel products as minis from Amazon and leave my toiletry bag ready to go as that can trip me up when packing timing-wise.” – Zoie Kingsbery Coe
Create a Cohesive Colour Palette
“I always start with a cohesive color palette that reflects the destination…usually a mix of neutrals with one or two accent shades that photograph beautifully. I lean toward natural, breathable fabrics like linen, silk and cotton… and favor silhouettes that can move easily from day to night. I love pieces that feel elevated but effortless—think a crisp white set for daytime and a draped dress for dinner.” – Whitney Haldeman
Balance Fashion and Comfort
“I always start with the weather at my destination during the time I’ll be there. As a full-time travel influencer, I usually build two wardrobes for every trip: one with fashionable, Instagrammable looks, and another that’s more low-key and comfortable for sightseeing and activities. I love color, and even when I keep things simple, I make sure to add a statement piece — whether that’s a bold shade or a fun design choice like my Cult Gaia pearl clutch or my favorite Farm Rio romper.” – Francesca Murray
Photo: Flytographer in New York City. Francesca Murray captures memories in New York City with a photoshoot.
Teaching Little Packers
“I think comfort really matters when travelling with kids, and honestly, we need so much less than we think, but I also think making an effort and the idea of dressing for dinner is a nice thing to teach my kids. I have encouraged them from a young age to only pack a carry-on bag, and we do try and get excited about where we are going to inspire how to pack. We went to Dubai for half-term this year, and we talked about the idea of both dressing up for dinner but also making sure to respect local cultures and cover shoulders, etc.” – Zoie Kingsbery Coe
Master the Art of Blending in
“Respect and resonance are key. I like my style to nod to the spirit of a place without ever feeling like a costume. In Italy, I’ll embrace a little more romance and tailoring; in Morocco, rich textures and modest silhouettes; in Japan, clean lines and quiet luxury. It’s about blending in while still feeling like yourself.” – Whitney Haldeman
“I’m naturally a conservative dresser, and as a travel advisor I always do my due diligence for myself and my clients to make sure I’m dressing respectfully for the culture or setting. I love blending in while still feeling like myself, classic but still elevated.” – Chelsea Gambino
3. Favourite Destinations to Pack For
Latin-Inspired Wardrobes
“Visits to Latin America continue to transform how I approach my wardrobe. The vibrancy of the markets in Nicaragua to Zihuatanejo’s delightfully kitschy beachfront bazaars filled with shell necklaces and tourist ephemera, or the colonial cool of Guanajuato — these places practically dare you to wear more color, play with bold patterns, or experiment with interesting textures. I tend to pack pieces I might never reach for at home: a bright sundress that photographs beautifully against turquoise doors, Bermuda shorts in earthy ochres that complement the architecture – or sometimes just functional pieces that keep me cool in the heat of the day. Some of my favorite souvenirs to hunt for in the local markets are handwoven textiles, jewelry and leather goods. I love how these pieces bring the spirit of each destination back into my everyday wardrobe long after I’ve returned home.” – Amanda Blakely
Urban-Inspired Outfits
“Paris always inspires me because people there are effortlessly chic, even the tourists. New York City is another favorite, because the fashion is so distinct that it pushes me to want to keep up! I may not love the cold, but I adore how New Yorkers dress for winter.” – Francesca Murray
“I’m a beach girl at heart and live on an island, but that’s my every day look. I love packing for a city like London or Paris where I actually get to pull together outfits that don’t revolve around the beach! Jeans, a cozy cashmere sweater and low boots and I’m very happy walking around the city. In England I’ve heard it said there is no bad weather, just improper clothing and that’s something I’ve learned over the year-always have a thin base layer as it takes no space and you will be happier for it!” – Zoie Kingsbery Coe
4. Bucket List Destinations
- Brazil: “Brazil! Farm Rio is one of my favorite brands, and it would be a dream to wear their pieces in the place that inspires them.” – Francesca Murray
- India: “India has been on my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. I would love to play around with the jewel tones, silk, block prints & the incredible handmade saris! I love the idea of finding a way to incorporate these traditional elements into my existing wardrobe and style.” – Amanda Blakley
- Greece: “Greece. I’d love to see effortless whites, sun-washed blues, gold jewelry, and fun bags. That mix of simplicity and luxury is a dream aesthetic.” – Chelsea Gambino
5. One Item That Always Makes the Packing List
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A White Shirt – “A perfectly tailored white shirt. It works on every continent and can be styled a dozen ways: from beach cover-up to evening layering piece. It’s the anchor of my travel wardrobe!” – Whitney Haldeman
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Black Pants – “A great pair of black pants. They’re my ultimate travel chameleon. Chic on the plane, great with comfortable shoes for exploring, and easily dressed up for dinner.” – Chelsea Gambino
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Denim – “Good denim is always an iconic base layer for 99% of my outfits at home or on the road.” – Amanda Blakley
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Perfume – “Perfume. I always say you’re never fully dressed without it. I usually pack at least three or four fragrances depending on how long I’ll be away and what I’ll be doing.” – Francesca Murray
6. Packing Tips FAQ
What is the 5 4 3 2 1 rule when packing?
This is one of the best packing tips and is a formula created to help women pack for a trip to have wardrobe versatility while still having the ability to fit everything into carry-on luggage. It consists of five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two dresses, and one accessory set including jewelry, sunglasses, and a hat. The composition of types of tops (t-shirts, long sleeves, tank tops), bottoms (pants, shorts or skirts) and whether you go with short or maxi dresses will depend on the occasion, your destination, the culture, and the time of year you are travelling (fall, winter, spring etc).
What is the 3 3 3 rule for packing?
The concept is simple. You pack three tops, three bottoms, and three shoes into one carry-on bag and in theory, you can mix and match your pieces to create up to 27 different looks! The trick to this packing tip is to pick high-quality basics that coordinate with each other so you can wear everything with everything else.
What is the best packing technique?
Start by placing heavier and bulkier items at the bottom of your checked luggage or carry-on to properly distribute the weight. Then, roll lightweight clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles, and use packing cubes for organizing small items. Don’t forget to pack an extra plastic bag or fabric laundry bag to store your dirty clothes. Additionally, planning a capsule wardrobe with coordinating colors and using the 5-4-3-2-1 or 3-3-3 methods explained above are some of the best packing tips to pack efficiently for any trip while also being style-concious.
Capturing Memories in Style
Looking for more amazing style tips? Check out our complete photoshoot style guide! Now that you’re armed with expert style and packing tips, it’s time to put those carefully curated outfits to work! Whether you’re channelling Parisian chic or embracing beachy vibes, the best souvenir from any trip is a collection of beautiful photos that capture you looking and feeling your best. That’s where Flytographer comes in! Connect with a local photographer in 350+ destinations worldwide and turn your travel wardrobe into stunning, wall-worthy memories. Because you’ve put all that thought into packing the perfect suitcase, you deserve photos that show it off! Book your photo shoot today and make sure those outfits get their moment in the spotlight. ✨📸
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