Pack Smart, Travel Better

My husband has a saying: "We pack our fears." He's right.

Most of us pack for every "what if" scenario, and before we know it, we're dragging around things we never use. After years of international travel, pilgrimages, cruises, and independent adventures, I've learned that packing smart — not packing more — is one of the biggest keys to enjoying your trip.

I've traveled for more than 30 days with nothing more than a carry-on roller bag and a duffel that fits over the trolley handle. It didn't happen overnight. It took time to build a travel wardrobe and develop a packing system that works. Some people call it a version of "Sudoku packing" — everything has a place, and every item earns its spot.

Below are my non-negotiables.

Once you start searching for travel gear, your Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok feeds will suddenly be filled with influencers telling you that you "must have" the latest travel gadget.

Most of them are being paid to promote products they may not actually use.

That isn't the purpose of this page.

Everything I recommend here is something I personally travel with. If you decide to purchase any of these products through my links, I truly appreciate your support. It lets these companies know where you found them and helps support FaithBasedTraveler at no additional cost to you.

The biggest game changer in my travel routine has been switching to merino wool underwear and bras.

Merino wool is lightweight, naturally odor resistant, breathable, and dries quickly. Instead of packing enough underwear for an entire trip, I simply wash what I wear.

I also pack:

• A small portable clothesline
• Laundry detergent sheets
• A sink stopper (many hotel sinks don't have one)

These items weigh almost nothing but allow me to wash clothes almost anywhere in the world.

Always pack clothing that can be layered.

Weather changes. Airplanes are cold. Churches can be cool while city streets may be hot.

I also think about comfort during long flights. I typically use Ekster suction compression bags to organize my clothing and maximize space. They help me stay organized throughout the trip instead of digging through my suitcase every morning.

One piece of advice: don't pack clothing simply because it looked good on a travel influencer.

That matching black travel outfit may photograph beautifully on Instagram, but ask yourself how comfortable it will be standing in direct sun on an 85-degree afternoon in Greece, Italy, or Spain.

Choose fabrics that breathe.

One of my favorite travel fabrics is a cotton-linen blend with a subtle texture. It washes easily, dries quickly, and rarely needs ironing.

I rarely bring more than three pairs of shoes.

• My primary walking shoe, designed for 10,000–20,000 steps per day. This is usually my bulkiest pair, so I wear it on the plane.
• A lightweight white sneaker that looks good with both pants and skirts and is comfortable enough for sightseeing.
• A pair of lightweight slides for hotel breakfasts, pool time, or relaxing after a long day of walking.

I pack the extra shoes inside the shoe compartment of my trolley duffel and fill them with socks or small clothing items so no space is wasted.

Friends I've met on pilgrimages have been asking me to create packing videos for years.

You're in luck.

I'll be adding videos throughout this website that show exactly how I pack everything into a carry-on.

There are a few things that are always within arm's reach.

The very first thing I pack is my featherweight Ovcio cashmere scarf.

I usually travel with two or three.

I use them constantly.

They're perfect when the airplane gets cold, but they're equally useful outside when the sun is intense. A light-colored scarf actually helps keep the heat off while providing sun protection.

I've used mine as:

• A blanket
• A pillow cover
• A neck pillow
• A shawl for entering churches
• An accessory that completely changes an outfit

They weigh only a few ounces and fit inside a jacket pocket.

If you're interested in an Ovcio scarf, I'd appreciate it if you used my affiliate link: (Insert Ovcio Link Here)

Another item that always comes with me is SuperPatch.

They take up virtually no space, are drug-free, TSA-friendly, and I've found them incredibly helpful during travel. I keep them organized in small snack-size zip-top bags.

My travel favorites include:

Freedom Patch – My number one recommendation for inflammation and pain. I often bring 50 of these on pilgrimage and come home with none because I end up sharing them with fellow travelers.

Peace Patch – Excellent for sea sickness, motion sickness, and long travel days. A must-have for cruises.

Defend Patch – Supports circulation and immunity, especially helpful during and after long international flights.

Liberty Patch – Helps with balance and stability during long sightseeing days.

If you'd like to learn more or order SuperPatch products, you can do so here: www.faithbasedtraveler.superpatch.com

Comfort starts before you board.

I always wear:

• Merino wool compression socks
• A lightweight merino wool hoodie
• Comfortable walking shoes

Merino wool regulates temperature remarkably well. It keeps me warm when the cabin is cold, comfortable when it's warm, and resists odors even after multiple wears.

Travel isn't just about packing clothes. It's also about managing risk.

Here are two habits I never travel without.

First, carry a backup credit card and an older spare phone — but keep them somewhere different from your wallet or purse.

I also keep a credit card loaded into Apple Pay or Google Pay that I don't physically carry with me.

If my wallet disappears, I still have a way to pay.

If my phone is lost or stolen, I still have a backup phone waiting at the hotel.

I also carry a photocopy of my passport in a separate location from the original.

During one of our recent pilgrimages, a traveler lost her wallet containing every credit card and all of her cash. Unfortunately, the only card stored in her digital wallet wasn't accepted everywhere, making the situation much more stressful than it needed to be. A few simple backups can make all the difference.

Before every international trip, I download:

• My airline's app
• WhatsApp for messaging over Wi-Fi
• Offline Google Maps
• Wanderlog

Wanderlog has become one of my favorite travel tools. I use it to organize hotels, flights, reservations, daily itineraries, and notes in one place. As my husband and I prepare to walk the Camino de Santiago, it's become an indispensable part of planning our journey.

Good planning and smart packing don't just make travel easier — they give you the freedom to focus on what matters most: experiencing the destination instead of worrying about your luggage.