Men and women alike want to look good. Looking good often equates to feeling good and who doesn’t want to look into a mirror and think of themselves as attractive? Unlike height or other genetic components, your style is entirely in your hands and it is the story that you tell about yourself to others that you wear in the fabric.
Don’t let go of this narrative power when you go on a trip. Sure, travelling for long periods of time is exhausting and often you end up wearing whatever is most comfortable instead of what looks best, but with the right planning, you can have the best of both worlds.
Stylishly packing means planning ahead and knowing how different fabrics work in your favour. It also means thinking beyond your clothes and right down to the items you bring with you. Marry aesthetics and function and look great in every photo on your long-haul trip by following this guide:
Choose Low-Maintenance Fabrics
Low maintenance fabrics can take a beating. This applies both to what you get up to during the day and the beating they’ll receive in a laundromat washing machine and dryer. Delicate materials like silk or thin fabrics should be left at home.
Instead, focus on items that offer breathability and durability. Linen, cotton, and denim are all great options. Not only will they help you be more comfortable throughout the day, they will also hold up well wash after wash.
Remember Supportive Gear
Supportive gear refers to things like compression socks if you are hiking, hiking shoes, thermal underlayers, rain gear, and any specialized clothing or accessory designed for outdoor sports. If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, then you need to be supported. Design outfits with these items in mind and prioritize them when packing.
Think in Layers
Layers are a great way to combat the changes in weather that are frequent in rural areas. This way you can handle hot, dry weather and a freezing cold rainstorm all at once. Layers will also reduce the need to bring heavy or bulky items like chunky knit sweaters.
When building up layers, start first with a moisture-wicking underlayer. Investing in undergarments that feature silver in the thread is another great choice as it helps keep you dry and smelling great.
Plan Outfits Out In Advance for Inspiration
If you don’t want to be limited about what you can do try out different combinations in advance. This has the added benefit of helping you slim down your packing. If an item cannot be worn with at least three other things then it needs to stay at home or swapped for something else that does fit.
This is the best way to bring a streamlined, functional and great wardrobe you’ll look and feel great in during your long-haul road trip.
If Travelling in a Car
If you are travelling in a car, then you need to minimize the amount you bring to maximize how much space you and your friends or family have. A great way to do this is by using the cube system for your suitcases. Having an at-home suction system so that you can squeeze the air out of your clothes can keep them in great, compressed condition while you drive. You don’t want to pack up your vehicle so high you cannot see out the back, and you also don’t want items crammed around your passengers. Limit what you bring and pack smarter to avoid this.
If Traveling in an RV
RV travel is great, especially if you wanted to explore the natural areas in your home town. Live in Michigan, for example, and you’ll want to head up into the crest between Huron and Michigan lakes into the natural beauty of the countryside. Instead of camping, stay cosy and comfortable by picking up an RV from an RV Rental Ann Arbor company, which can house you as you explore along the Great Canadian Lakes and beyond and relax whilst fly fishing in Michigan.
Another great reason to rent an RV instead of cram it into a small car is that you have space to properly store and layout your clothes. This way, you can keep them in better order and condition while still enjoying more space and comfort than with any other option. So try taking a roadtrip with a RV next time.
Tips for Bringing the Right Amount of Equipment With You
Equipment is another thing you will want to consider packing. If you are an avid kayaker, for example, you might be tempted to bring your sleek kayak with you on your trip, but if you don’t have the ability to easily fit or bring, then it could become a burden before you know it.
That is why you should always ask yourself these questions before you pack up equipment to go with you on a long-haul road trip.
How Expensive is it to Rent On-Site?
If you can rent a good alternative at your destination easily, then it might be worth renting it for the time you use it instead of bringing it with you. For example, if there is only one real opportunity you will have to kayak on the trip then bringing your own might not be worth the hassle, especially if you can rent on site.
Will You Really Make Time for That Activity?
Try to be realistic with yourself. If you have never found time to do a certain activity, then chances are you won’t make time for it now. Don’t bring dead weight with you that you won’t even use on your trip.
Remember to Leave Space
Aim to pack as lightly as you can. The whole point of following this guide is so that you can look stylish and expect your clothes to survive a wash cycle at a laundromat. You don’t have to bring your whole wardrobe or a new outfit for every day of your trip. By limiting what you bring you will leave space which will make the drive through your route much more comfortable.
As a bonus, you will also have plenty of room left for souvenirs and gifts. Far too often, when we pack, we forget about these items and then get crushed under the weight and effort of bringing them back home. Streamline what you bring and you can easily pack away gifts for yourself or others without overloading your space or luggage.
