An Unexpected Art Form: Packing Like a Pro!
If you’re reading this, chances are you found your way here through my website or email newsletter—which means you probably know how much I love art! While I do consider myself an artist, for me, it’s more about finding creativity in everyday life. And today, I want to talk about a different kind of art: packing like a pro! I get so many questions about how to pack strategically while still keeping a unique sense of style…especially when traveling abroad.
Packing for a trip (especially one that involves international travel) can feel like playing a game of Tetris, don’t you think? But with the right strategy, it’s totally doable. Through plenty of trial and error (lots of stories here), I have truly mastered the art of fitting everything I need into a carry-on…even for a week in Europe!
I’ve also explored dozens of antique and vintage markets across the world and always found a way to bring my treasures home—whether packed strategically in my suitcase or shipped with care. Today I’m sharing how I do it—and how you can, too!
Carry-On Vs. Checked Luggage
It’s the age-old debate, isn’t it? I’ve got friends who swear by only packing a carry-on, and others who manage to jam-pack the largest rolling suitcase my eyes have ever seen 😂
So, as a self-proclaimed packing expert, where do I land on this topic?
I say BOTH! 😃⬇️
I try to pack everything into my carry-on and one personal bag, but I always check a big, empty suitcase with nothing but an empty duffel bag inside. Why? Because I know I’m going to shop, and I want space to bring my discoveries home. I do this on most trips (unless it's a quick one to a place I know I won’t be shopping much, like on our frequent trips to the Bahamas). The truth is, I never know what I’ll find and I want to be as prepared as possible, and not feel stressed if I want to shop my little heart out!
A few key things to remember:
Plan your wardrobe carefully. I used to fret over not having enough outfits or worrying about the weather, but now I pack the exact outfits I will wear each day. I stick to what I pack and don’t overthink it. Layers are my best friend! A dress with a sweater on top, or pants/shorts with a button-down dress over them? That’s two outfits in one. 👏
Always pack a luggage scale. European airports are strict about weight limits—26 lbs total for your carry-on + personal item combined! Checked luggage should be around 52 lbs. Anything over 70 lbs? Not allowed.
Distribute weight wisely. If a bag is overweight, I’ve found that the airline staff is usually kind enough to let me rearrange my items to avoid fees (which can be around 100 Euros!), but that’s not something to depend on. Put in the extra effort before arriving at the airport to spread the weight between your baggage.
Insider tip: It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s better to have MORE bags that weigh less, than one that weighs a ton (the fees for overweight bags usually exceed what you’ll pay to check additional bags).
Packing for Shopping: What I Never Travel Without
If you know me, you know that a lot of my trips revolve around shopping—flea markets, antique fairs, vintage shops, you name it. (And if you don’t know, I also plan retreats where you can come along and shop with me!)
Over the years, I’ve learned that being prepared makes all the difference when it comes to bringing my finds home safely. Here’s what I always pack:
✅ Bubble wrap (because not everything can be tossed in a tote bag)
✅ Brown packing paper (great for cushioning delicate pieces)
✅ FRAGILE tape (if I have to check something, I want it handled with care)
✅ Cardboard (perfect for keeping art and prints from getting bent)
✅ Tape measure (because “that looks about right” doesn’t always work)
✅ Notebook (to jot down stall numbers, prices, or just remind myself where I found that one amazing piece in case I need to come back to it)
✅ Luggage scale (because a vintage mirror somehow does feel heavier on the way home)
Of course, most of these items you can probably find in whatever destination you’re traveling to…but why not just be prepared? I usually just toss all of this in that “extra” duffel I mentioned above. Easy peasy, and I don’t have to waste valuable time during my travels.
Oh, and if my suitcase starts overflowing? DHL or MBE to the rescue. They’re the best I’ve found for getting items shipped back home, and I’ve tested a lot of methods! Shipping with DHL or MBE will take a little longer, but my items always arrive safely…and it sure beats wrestling too many overweight or overstuffed suitcases through the airport!
Shop My Travel Essentials
Last but not least, let’s talk about my personal travel essentials, because let’s be real—traveling is so much better when you’re comfy, cute, and prepared. Whether you’re a carry-on minimalist or someone who needs options, these are my must-haves for packing, shopping, and surviving long trips:
✅ Pants with a tight leg (because no one wants their pants touching the airplane bathroom floor—yikes)
✅ Eye mask (because sleep is sacred, even in seat 27B)
✅ Headphones (tuning out unwanted airplane sounds = essential)
✅ Pipermoon blanket (folds up tiny, keeps you cozy without overheating, and has just enough weight to feel comforting)
✅ The perfect travel outfit (can double as a stylish look for shopping days or spa days)
✅ Toiletry case (organized and TSA-friendly, because digging for lip balm mid-flight is not it)
✅ ‘Personal item’ bag (where I keep everything I need within reach—passport, snacks, chargers, the good stuff)
✅ Luggage that works for you (I swear by a sturdy carry-on + a checked bag and this brand checks all the boxes)
I’ve rounded up my must-have travel items to keep you comfortable, organized, and ready for anything—packing, shopping, long flights, and everything in between. Check them out HERE!
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I wanted to show you a few staples from my closet in the photo above. I will always have a book with me, usually handmade by me! The leather helps it stand the test of in and out of different bags and different types of situations. If I were stuck on a deserted island I would take my Jenni Kayne Rio Slip Dress and the Finley Cardigan. If I were a capsule kind of girl, this would be in my capsule wardrobe. If someone took all of my clothes away, I would keep these two pieces. Get it? I love these two and have had them for years. Amazing quality and they look casual or dressy and very put together. Would be a great outfit for a plane ride if you needed to look good stepping off!
My Clare V bag and my Adidas Sambas are on my body almost every day. The Sambas are so comfy and literally go with everything. That Jenni Kayne outfit? I am wearing these shoes with it in Paris, Round Top, NYC, or Birmingham, Al. The bag holds it all and can be a crossbody so it’s safe and, bonus, adds to the outfit!
My favorite jeans (right now) are the Adi by Pilcro with The Perfect Tee and my Paris or NYC wool ball cap for the days it’s raining, how cute is that umbrella?, or a day you just aren’t feeling it and you still look put together! You can throw on your JK cardigan if it’s chilly, where it buttoned up for a different look, or throw it in your bag just in case!
These are my staples. I love them all and do not want to live without them!
So there you have it, friends! My tried-and-true, “use ‘em every time” travel tips and tricks…and my favorite products, too!
Here’s to packing smarter, traveling better, and always leaving room for a few new treasures!
💫 Where are you headed next!? Tell me in the comments!
And don’t forget—you can join me on a shopping trip of a lifetime in Paris OR Round Top this Fall! Click the link(s) below to learn more and secure your spot.
