What to pack for 10 days in Australia!

When traveling to a foreign land you need to do your homework when deciding what SIZE bag to pack, how MUCH (weight) to pack, and WHAT to pack.

Since I’m flying from America my baggage allotment is different than other locations. My international tickets came with 1 checked bag (<50#), 1 carryon (<35#), and 1 personal item. I was initially planning to use ALL of these to get my items to and from my destination…. Except I’ve hit a snag. Our local travel in Australia will sort of poopoo that original thought process. I can potential continue this plan of action.. for an extra fee. Or I have to condense my items further.

Hence do. your. research.

I still have plenty of time to sort out my outfits and other items going with me internationally. The draw back is I’m planning 2 trips in 1. Luckily they are both beach destinations, but regardless there’s a hurdle of planning for 2 separate trips with one carryon sized bag.

Oh yeah. Tiger Air also restricts the size of the checked luggage. Yayyyy. Deep breath. We got this.

Last summer I purchased a smallish carryon for Italy. It was useful in general… but a waste for the trip. I also purchased a flat toiletry bag – which I don’t enjoy using but I bought it. So I use it. Sometimes. Then this last Thanksgiving I purchased a micro roller bag for carryons that could be placed underneath the seat in front of me. It sits on the top, strapped to the handle of my larger carryon sided bag. Thus allowing me to roller bag with ease. I like this little baby bag… but I have yet to use it to its full potential. This trip was going to be the first large voyage with it.

Regardless I aim to pack for 15 days (including travel days) in a 22in roller bag.

Step ONE:

Keep tabs on the weather.

While weather can always change, it’s best to get the general idea of how the weather will be… not only at your destination, but also along your route. These days flight delays are not only common, but feel like a right of passage. Sighhhhhh.

Given that I’ll be traveling during the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere I have to keep that in mind for all parts of my travel. I’m fingers crossed that my flights are on time and the airports work with me to make my travel commute as easy as a 25+ hour travel day can be.

Step TWO:

Organize your packing list.

The best way to not forget an important, but easily forgettable item is to… make a list.

Here’s the start of my list. It mainly centers on beach life. Because… well I’m headed to the beach. My list will be packed, unpacked, and repacked throughout the next 3 weeks while I figure out how to get all the things packed and also what I am forgetting on my list.

Because I always have one thing… either small or large that I forget. Usually small, and usually because it wasn’t not he list, or in the bag. It was a last minute item I forget on the table. . . Sighhh.

Step THREE:

Pick items that can be easily worn, reworn, and mixed & matched to increase the number of outfits during your travel stay.

Also consider items easily washed and dried while traveling. You may want to create a list of items easily purchased at your destination to save on weight and space in your bags.

I’m hoping to pick up reef safe sunscreen while in country…. Rather than bringing it with me.

Step FOUR:

PACK. Check your weight. Repack.

It’s best to pack in advance of your flight… as in. Please don’t pack the hour prior to leaving for the airport. Jeez that would be stressful!

But as most discount airlines actually WEIGH your baggage, you’ll need to be careful of the actual weight of you luggage. Bummer

I also pack using packing cubes. I’ve been packing in a carryon for the last 4 years. I didn’t have money for checked baggage previously. And while I will likely be checking a bag this time… the flights in Australia will require a carryon sized luggage.

Step FIVE:

Organize your bags based on need. Obviously items like passports, IDs, payment methods should be either on your person, or in your personal item. I always carry a change of clothes in my carryon/personal item just in case my luggage is lost.

Consider taking your toiletries on board for longer flights… Ya know. So you can wash yo face and brush your teeth during lost long, long, long flights. Don’t forget to not pack your expensive items in your checked luggage. Also in case your luggage is lost, broken into, or damaged. Best to be safe rather than sorry.

Hope this list helps you on your next travel adventure! Happy Packing to all!

Nattie 😎