Packing Tips…
I’m trying to get more comfortable with posting videos to my Instagram Stories, so have done a series on how I use packing cubes to organize and compress my clothing. To view the videos, just click on the Packing Tips highlight button on my profile page. (ebags is currently having a sale on all of their packing cubes.)
I decided to use my medium sized checked bag (similar) for this trip, as I’m planning to pick up some gift items in Paris (cough*wine*cough) that can’t be carried on. But the wardrobe I chose could have easily fit into my carry-on bag. (If you’re planning to bring home a bottle of wine or two in your luggage, or even bottles of oil or vinegar, these come in handy.)
That plastic over the feet of my boots? Hotel shower caps. They keep the soles of my shoes from coming into contact with my clothing, and I hoard them obsessively now.
I’m using my “business” carry-on, as I’ll be bringing my DLSR camera and extra lenses, which I don’t put in my checked bag.
Good Grooming…
I decided to take a chance and got a fresh manicure for the trip. I chickened out at the last minute, and instead of red went with a natural, sheer color. (“Ballerina.”) I’m always hesitant to wear any nail polish when I travel, as it makes me nuts if it starts to chip. So I picked up a couple of these non-toxic nail polish remover cloths, just in case.
I’ll be posting from Paris, and will also be sharing sights and sounds on Instagram and Instagram stories. You can follow me on Instagram HERE.
And away I go…
Those wine bags are interesting. I posted a while back about how to use a plain cardboard box (like the kind wine comes in–grocery stores will give them away) to pack wine–never had a bottle break in 15 years (knock on wood).
Shower caps for your shoes! That’s a great tip. Usually I use old grocery bags, but shower caps are much nicer. It REALLY bothers me to see people pack their dirty shoes in with their clothes, so I’m hoping your readers will follow your example. About your manicure needing maintenance – most hotels carry single-use nail polish remover pads, or you could always pop into Sephora for a touch-up.
Have a wonderful time and eat a pastry for me.
Susan, no need to hoard those hotel shower caps. You can find them on Amazon, reasonably priced.
(Kinglake 100 pc clear disposable shower caps). Thanks for the wine bag tip. Have a wonderful time in Paris!
“Ballerina”: love that color and I think its the Queen’s favorite!!
I also use shower caps to cover my shoes! I use Essie Treat, care, love polish in light pink. It lasts easily for two weeks and if it does chip its hard to see as the colors are nice and sheer. Have a great trip, We just returned from two weeks in Italy, I was surprised how packed with tourists it was so late in the year. We were in Paris last Nov. and not nearly as busy as Rome and Florence.
I’m new to Instagram and could not find your videos although I am on your page. Bon voyage!
Hi Roberta, if you go to my profile, and then click on the Packing Tips highlights, you’ll see them there.
I did click on the travel tip button but I only got the picture of your suitcase not a video.
Try the Packing Tips button I’ve just added. It should take you through all of the videos.
Love the shower cap idea!!
How where do I find those videos on packing squares on your instagram.? when I click on your link above, iI do get to your instagram but I don’t see these videos. or anything called ‘stories’. instagram beginner here. Thankyou! and Bon Voyage!
Hi Sara, I’ve added a highlight button on my profile called Packing Tips. If you click on that, you can watch the series.
Love the way you pack. Would you believe I have some old I,Magnin shoe covers for my shoes. I also never seem to find shower caps in hotels. It’s on my list to buy and save in my luggage so I always have them. Love seeing how organized you are.
Have you tried the Essie Gel Courturelong wear polishes? You get 8 days wear easily and they can be removed easily…same as regular polish. Fairy Tailor is a light sheer pink. When I travel, I leave with a good manicure and removal pads. Then, while I am traveling I apply a treatment polish that doesn’t require a base or top coat. Good for several weeks of travel!
Have a safe trip.
I cut my nails short and use this same polish and I’ve had success maintaining for 10 days on a trip. I do bring the bottle for quick touch-ups at night but I rarely need to use it.
I have also used the plastic bags that the newspaper comes in as shoe bags.
Also, when suitcase is not full on out bound leg, I use bubble wrap to fill in the voids, as you don’t want items shifting around. The bubble wrap weighs nothing, can be torn into smaller pieces and or left behind as needed.
Love your wardrobe picks and packing tips. I don’t own any packing cubes and I am thinking about buying some. I will be re-reading all your travel posts before my Europe trip in March. Have a wonderful time! Renata
I love my packing cubes – it is amazing the difference they make in packing. I went thru Susan’s site to ebags. Fast and good prices.
David Lebovitz has an article on his blog right now about how to travel around Paris to avoid the current trouble spots and demonstrations. Well worth reading! Enjoy your trip!
Good idea. The news is just breaking about a shooting at a Christmas market there.
It isn’t in Paris, it is in Strasbourg; on the German border and the seat of the European Parliament. The culprit seems to have absolutely nothing to do with the gilets jaunes movement, even as a “casseur” (troublemaker). I’m very upset about that one as friends are in Alsace now.
Susan, Great idea for wet shoes … But In light of the massive problem plastic is causing our environment might I suggest that you use shoe bags made of fabric ? They are light weight, washable ,reusable and don’t end up in the landfill…Sorry to be a buzz kill , but every little bit matters now.
I totally agree with B. Reusing plastic is not enough anymore. Now limiting the use of plastic to the most important items only should be our goal. I use light weight cloth bags for packing my shoes. They can be washed later.
shower caps…interesting. I use underwear wash bags for my shoes when traveling. Have a wonderful time..
I love your blog! Been a follower for a long time. I’ve learned a lot. And I like your style!
I use those plastic zippered packs that sheet sets and pillow cases come in as my packing cubes. They are transparent so I can easily find my things.
Gel polish lasts for 2/3 weeks with zero chips.
You say “To view packing cubes videos, click on the packing tip high light button on my profile page”. So, where is that? How do I get to your profile page? Could you give me a link please.
Hi Gayle, it’s on my Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/susan_unefemme/ Just click on that link, and then on the button that says Packing Tips.