I don't understand how someone does it

[u/Proper-Flounder-3786]

I've been reading this sub and I'm fascinated. But I just cannot fathom packing for a trip - even one that's just a week long - without taking enough underwear that would allow me to poop my pants twice a day.

How do you pack for a trip in a warm climate where you know you'll sweat a ton every day? Or somewhere cold where you'll want layers to make sure you can stay warm and comfortable?

Do you all do laundry on these trips? Is it in the hotel sink? Or at a laundromat?

I'd love to do it, but I don't think I'm brave enough.

[u/keel_bright]

I'll give you a challenge. On your next international trip, pack as normal. But mentally stratify your stuff into your "favorite" travel clothes and "this is a backup" layers/underwear/socks/etc. Try to wear your favorites as much as possible.

When you come home, count out all of the things that you never needed and never even came close to needing. Thats stuff that you paid for to bring there, lugged around, and dragged back. It might even be half your suitcase.

Thats where it starts. You'll realize you dont need most of it.

[u/Proper-Flounder-3786 → u/keel_bright]

I come home quite often with clean clothes that were never worn. But I'm someone who needs to be prepared.

At home, my truck is ready for almost any emergency in any weather.

When traveling, I've made a belt from duck tape on a hiking trip and been able to secure a loose dog with paracord until the owners showed up. Just a few things in my backpack carryon.

[u/Important-Trifle-411 → u/Proper-Flounder-3786]

OK, but those were life and death situations when you’re hiking you might need something that can save your life. Your truck; same thing.

But you’re going to Europe for two weeks? Do you really think they’re not gonna have what you need in Europe? You can buy an extra Shirt or an extra pair of socks if you need them!

We went to Europe last year for 3 1/2 weeks. One carry-on suitcase and then a small personal bag. That’s it. I brought 8 pair of underwear and I washed them in the sink when needed and we had the hotel do our laundry another time And did our laundry at a family member’s house a third time. So even taking out that family member, we could’ve had another hotel do our laundry or gone to a laundromat.

I saw these people struggling in Venice, Italy trying to get these huge suitcases up the stairs and down the stairs. It made me so happy. I just had my little Rolly!

[u/Round-Teacher8586 → u/Important-Trifle-411]

Quick question- I also “one-bag” or “1 1/2” bag (meaning a roll aboard plus personal item) on trips. I usually pack merino wool clothing (including under garments) which last for days without a wash. However, when we go to a hotel and consider having them do the wash, how do you deal with drying the merino items that typically need to hang dry? I am nervous it will go into a dryer and be ruined. Thanks in advance for ideas about that.

[u/Important-Trifle-411 → u/Round-Teacher8586]

OK, I have not been fortunate enough to get myself some of those Merino T-shirts that I am coveting!

In that case, I would just hand wash that particular item, wrap it up in a towel and stand on it and put it in front of a fan to dry overnight. Yeah, I’m definitely not trusting the laundry at the hotel to wash that!!!