Things I Never Pack For Vacation 

So my apologies to Heathrow! Evidently they now have the scanners that don’t require taking out your liquids. Thank goodness!😂❤️

Omg.. "You want to pack for YOU. Not the you-you-want-to-be-on-vacation." I need that quote framed in my closet!!!

Packing me apparently thinks that vacation me does yoga and face masks and changes clothes multiple times a day. 😂 it’s been a journey trying to remember to not account for every single possibility but having less is so much more peaceful!

Frequent flier here. I make sure I try on all the clothes I'm taking. Not just because my weight fluctuates but sometimes pieces don't look as good together as I thought they would. Shoes are always a problem. I need walking shoes, hiking shoes, dancing shoes and flip flops.

I absolutely LOVE packing ideas - no matter how many I’ve watched.

While you don't often do sponsorships, I appreciate when you do mention brands that you like. I've not heard of many that you mention and discover new favorites because of you.

Great tips! I would add that a hanging toiletries bag is a good idea. My bag has lots of clear pockets, so I can see and access everything, plus it's up off the wet counter. And I totally agree, that you can look stylish and not sacrifice comfort.

Can we take a moment for the hair?!🤩Love this look on you. love your packing videos too, you are the Queen of informative packing, thank you .

Your previous packing videos have helped me truly be strategic when I'm packing--especially when it comes to shoes and toiletries! This is much appreciated!

After you’re comments about not bringing expensive handbags and then talking about bringing your Gucci finished with the ta-daaahh, I just shook my head, and with a grin thought, “Oh, Jen.” You brighten my day.

I love this no-nonsense advice! Extremely practical, good results, nothing frou-frou or 'delicate'. All apparel, including shoes, needs to be multi-purpose, comfortable, and blend to whatever fashion you will be wearing. In fact, traveling can be the jumping-off point to start working your wardrobe into 'capsule format'. We all have way too many articles of clothing, with the estimate being that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. Most women have at least 2 items hanging in their closet with tags still on them from when they were acquired more than a year ago. It would be smart to go a few rounds through the closet to identify and set aside those items that look the best and feel the best on, then go another round to find anything that can work with your best items to create different looks. If you do that every season (so four times a year), you will whittle down the glut of unused and rarely used clothing that go to your closet to die. When you warned against not bringing valuable items when traveling, my very first thought was that carrying flashy, expensive accessories or wearing expensive clothing will mark you to locals as a great crime target. It's not just the item they see, but the promise of other items in your accommodations or even the likelihood you're carrying significant cash or credit. Bad enough that you get robbed, but worse if you don't carry what they are expecting and they get mad. I applaud your choice of bringing a 'medicine cabinet' of health items. I pack a first aid kit of plasters (flex-fabric bandaids, moleskin, and Tegaderm), alcohol wipes, tweezers, ointments (a contact lens case with antifungal in one side and antibacterial in the other), and a ten-compartment pillbox (for pain relievers, supplements, and immunity-boosting echinacea). I would suggest carrying also a clothing care pouch: Singer-brand mini sewing kit (TSA-'approved' folding scissors, pre-threaded sewing needles, extra thread, safety pins, straight pins, measuring tape), some iron-on fusing tape (applied to the inside of clothing it's a quick fix to a tear or a ripped seam), detergent sheets (cut into thirds for handwashing in a sink), and a stain treatment item (Tide pen or Shout & Go wipes). You can also wind about 9ft of duct tape to squash down flat to a 3 or 4 inch length (for quick repairs of coarse fabric found on backpacks and cloth luggage). All of this fits easily into a snack-size ziplock bag. My toiletries bag is miniscule, mostly because I rely on accommodation amenities (bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower cap, toothpaste) and destination purchase (disposable razors, travel-size deodorant, cheap toothbrush, etc). This also almost eliminates liquids for the Liquids Bags. Most of my toiletries fit in my crossbody sling or purse (nail clippers, nailfile, comb, collapsible brush, hairstick, hairties, witchhazel wipes, and a day's worth of feminine supplies). Hairties can be looped through the zippers in your bags or backpacks (if they stretch out, I just saw a great RU-vid that hairties can be contracted back into original shape just by putting them into boiling water!). Also, something to consider is to use inexpensive baking soda (available widely) in place of toothpaste and/or deodorant. One last thing: Cash. Don't take a LOT, but do take a little. How much to take should be thought out as carefully as what clothes or shoes to pack. How long will you be traveling? What activities are on your list (not that you'll do everything, but be prepared). When and how much do you tip? How likely will you face venders or dispensing machines that may require exact change? Will you need cash for ground transport fare? Just think through situations that may call for cash and in what denominations. I just flew round trip coast-to-coast, and I brought about $125 cash, which included a roll each of quarters, dimes, and nickels. Didn't need the coins, but the ones and fives came in the most handy. And these small amounts fit easily in a purse or crossbody.

When I go to Hawaii, I buy cheap flip flops, hat, sunscreen and a rice mat when I get there. They don't come home with me as I usually use up the sunscreen, wear out the flip flops, and give away the hat & rice mat. Agree 💯% about packing only comfortable clothes! I've learned that no matter how nice something looks, if it's not comfortable I will never enjoy wearing it, so there is no point in packing it. I also avoid packing clothes that could easily get/show stains.

You are always always always so sensible, helpful and real! I almost always pack carry-on only. And it’s not the clothes I struggle with. It’s the toiletries! They are so heavy! Every time I go anywhere I edit it down more than the last time. Thank you Jen!

You are so right about shoes. I try for 3 maximum. Trainers to travel in, dressy sandals and casual sandals. Or cold weather- travel in boots, pack smart trainers and sliders for the hotel bedroom. My darling friend packs 5 pairs of shoes for a single night!

great video, Jen! I do take quite a lot of meds on cruises because the cruise store have almost nothing and it's expensive! I take a lot of bandaids because I'm a klutz. My biggest space downfall are glasses. I have to wear several different kinds for different lighting conditions and there's no way around it. (vision condiiton). Plus contact lens solution takes up so much space in your liquids bag. What a pain!

Thanks for sharing your list of things you never pack. It's so helpful for planning my own trips!

Preach! Just bc it is in style doesn’t mean you will feel great weakening it.

Loved this video and can’t wait for the upcoming ‘Personal Style’ video you mentioned! I always appreciate your practical ideas and advice.

Great video Jen! I just got back from a trip and consciously packed less. It felt great travelling with a lighter bag! I must thank you for the recommendation on the Aloha bags. I got mine while on vacation and just love it! It’s so light and the matching pouches are so handy. These will definitely make it on my packing lists in future (they are so light after all !).

Your make up bag is twice the size of what I take. Foundation, a couple of brushes, one eye shadow in a neutral, setting powder and eyebrow pencil Toothbrush and paste. That's it. No mascara. I wear glasses and am an eye rubber so I stopped that nonsense maybe 40 yrs ago. Make up remover? Pfft. I'm 73, have never bothered with it. People are stunned that I'm this old. If I find I need something else, I buy it there. You're exactly right about jewelry. There are plenty of really pretty inexpensive things that I don't need to take the good stuff that I would be crushed about if lost. One of your opening lines was about carrying your bag. I learned (from my sister who's been to Europe several times, always alone) that If I can't carry it, repack it. Yes, I have a husband who will help (he's 10 yrs younger) but I don't think he should have to . One time a valet tried to lift my suitcase into the truck. I said no, thanks. If I can't pick it up, I don't expect him to do it. Same with overhead bins. And, I'm mean. I won't let my husband help people. If it's too heavy for the passenger ,(generally women), why should he risk hurting his back lifting her bag?

Also allll about the comfort - always! Love your hair curly 😊 Also… reading “The Body Keeps the Score” on your rec… despite having done all the therapy in the past, it hits and offers a different persepective… it’s tough to read, but also healing… so thanks for sharing ❤

Heels and cruises don't go well together - especially with rough seas. On my last cruise heading north out of the Caribbean, our ship ran into the east tail end of a hurricane. The seas were very rough and the ladies in heels for the cruise's special dress-up night were a riot to watch.

I am new here and clicked on this because I don't travel a lot but will be traveling soon, and I really appreciate this video. I have been stressing about all the things I think that I "need" for this trip.

Love your practical buyers tips! I just bought the Longchamp bag you own!

LOVE MY CARIUMAS AND SPANX AIR ESSENTIALS PIECES. I own several of Both♥️

I like to start packing for a major trip atleast a couple of weeks before travelling. First choosing a colour sceme, then select a number of basics from my wardrobe that are appropriate to what I'll be doing, and can be mixed n matched to make a lot of outfits. I lay out the possible outfits on a flat surface, and take a photo of each outfit. Referring to photos helps me grab exactly what I need for any given day on the holiday. Shoes are still the hardest choice, but COMFORT is top of list.

Your videos are so informative and comforting 😊

On my 1st cruise, I forgot to pack any shoes. All I had were the sandals on my feet. Luckily, they were nude, low wedges that hit the sweet spot between dressy and casual. That said, I took the combination of footwear that you recommended, sneakers, sandals and flipflops on subsequent cruises.

I love Ecco brand sneakers, leather. So comfortable. Walked miles each day in the Algarve without a hitch.

For me, sometimes when I have to pack for casual during the day and formal at night.This can be a little tricky but I usually try to get basic black heels that go with my formal outfits.So I only have to pack one pair of heels Heels are definitely the trickiest thing to pack in the suitcase because of their shape.

Watched your video before heading out to visit my daughter in NYC. Ordered (and wore!) both the Cariuma and LifeStride shoes…so glad I did and grateful for your suggestion. Thank you!!

Great advice! Chronic over packer here.....agree with not wanting to fret over clothes, makeup, etc.

This video could not have been better timed for me Jen! I’m due to go on a 3 night city break to Barcelona from the UK with my husband and 7yo daughter (first time on a plane since 2018) - and I’ve been stressed about how to fit everything we will need in 2 back packs and a 10kg checked bag! Such wise advice - thank you 🤩

Loved this video. Informative and entertaining at the same time. Thank you.

Have you ever noticed that the dentist office always compliments us as they are walking us back. Every single time! I walked in, in terrible pain, no make-up, hair pulled up, old warms up and tennis shoes. The poor girl took one look at me and said, "I love your tennis shoes."

I love that you seemed to be feeling a little playful in this one, singing and doing your own stunts. As always, good advice.

“Medical Stores” 😂. Definitely catching on!

Vionic sandals are also an excellent choice for traveling. Or Taos. They have arch support and are comfy all day walking.

Don’t pack too many toiletries, don’t pack too many toiletries, EVERYONE BE QUIET, IM GOING TO PACK AND I NEED TO KEEP CHANTING THIS, don’t pack too many toiletries……..l😂

Fantastic vlog as always 🥰 loved this and very excited about future content re finding your own style 🥰 hope you have an amazing trip 🥰🥰xxx

I have those exact black shoes, love them

thanks Jen this was a great video a lot of valuable information!!..🌼🌼

I bought a pair of kate Spade slides that work as my "flip flops" and my dressy shoes. I travel solo, so i really dont have dressy things to do. You are my favorite packing video so far. Im going on 3 trips march/april and i watched a lot.

On vacay, I mostly just rough it and dress accordingly (unless if going to a formal event). Since I'm a "natural" beauty :), I also only bring basic makeup -- if at all.

We mostly go on vacation to Thailand (southern beaches) and I have learned over the years that when I buy and pack some dressier items I end up never wearing them. Same with too much make up and accessories. Also I have learned to think more about the very hot temps and ensuring that I stick to very lightweight and thin clothing. I almost nailed it last year but not quite.

Great tips! I never travel with any of those things either: For many years I’ve mastered the art of taking only three pairs of shoes, even when I check a bag. But there have been a couple of exceptions - for water shoes, fancy shoes for special occasion and 5 pairs of shoes once for a three month trip involving extremely hot and extremely cold weather, where I needed waterproof hiking shoes and special occasion shoes, both of which were completely unwearable for the rest of the trip. We’re going to Alaska in September and then Hawaii on the way home to Australia - I have no idea what shoes to take but I’m pretty sure I’ll need waterproof boots for Alaska, runners for the gym on Norwegian Jewel and hiking up Diamond Head, shoes for evenings on the ship, low sandals for Hawaii and maybe thongs (flip-flops to you). All help gratefully accepted!

White sneakers are fantastic, but be sure to treat them with a stain resistent treatment like Scotchgard so that you can just wipe away any dirt or spills.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Cariumas! Thank you for that because I learned about them from you :) For me, they are not enough support for a day of theme parking or massive walking (over 15k steps) so I wear my Hokas on the plane and Cariumas and sandals in carry-on :)

Love your videos! I’m a Cariuma convert now (didn’t stop at 3 pairs though!) and Away luggage. I finally broke down and ordered a Subtl stak and it arrived this week. I love it, what a game changer for compact travel!

Love your packing videos!

When I travel, I keep it light.... but I either include a zipper tote in my bag or buy one asap after I get to my destination. That way, whatever I buy on the trip, I'll have a sturdy, secure "purse" to carry it home in on the plane..... and my little crossbody bag can go in it as well.

So informative! Looking forward to the packing video 😂

Since retiring so into leisure wear.

Your funny. Yeah whatever to the mascara in the cosmetics bag! I do the same thing, never had a problem. Also keep a small perfume in my purse, never been a problem traveling all over the world.

I too have always travelled to beach holidays with 3 pairs of shoes. Due to arthritic knees, I’ve updated my old Havianas to the Birkenstock EVA option. Very comfortable to wear all over the resort. A bit harder to pack though as they don’t flatten. Have a fantastic time on your trip!

Such practical advice!

I’m trying so hard to learn to pack lighter! I appreciate all of your thoughts. I have definitely narrowed down to only 2 or 3 pairs of shoes. 😂

Hi Jen, Glad I found your video! Packing always stresses me out and I’m determined to not over pack!! The more trips I go on, the more I realize that less stuff to lug around is more enjoyment for sure! Will you share what that short black bag on wheels behind you is? I’m currently looking for a great bag to use as a carry-on for an upcoming trip and that one looks great.

Thank goodness they have the set in petite. Now we are all going to be looking good together. It is easier to dress with solids on. Pack in a color pod so everything mixes and matches. I love comfort, chic, not faddish. I do not wear a lot of make up, I have to have my stay on lipstick, and I wear pantyliners (all the time) to help stay fresh.

I'm headed to Italy this summer... hoping to carry on... I'm with you on minimal make up. I'm coordinating my clothing for this trip with colors of black/white/beige... mix and match. I use contact lens cases for my creams and potions... works great and plenty for 10 days.

A lesson I learned in Europe is only put liquids in the “liquids” bag. I got called out in Paris for having qtips and a make up sponge in the liquids bag. Thanks for the great tips!

“I do my own stunts” 🤣🤣🤣

Love LifeStride shoes!

Taking my mom on her very first cruise next week to the Mexican Riviera and she asked if she should bring her fancy purse. This is a Louis Vuitton that my sister gave her. I said absolutely not 😂 Also, I know you love Aloha Collection, I used their crossbody as my excursion bag on our last cruise and loved, loved, loved it. Thanks for another fun video!

You had me at *singing part of your monologue* 😂 very much my style as well. This was helpful, thank you! I’m about to go to Europe for 2 months so I have to be very strategic!

Great video. So informative. ❤️😘

Thank you

Fashion, yes! I'm HORRIBLE at it, but your sense of style is exactly what I love. I've bought several similar items to what you wear and I always feel great! Thank you for finding them first. It's really helping me develop my "53 and counting" style. Fabulous 50s Hurrah!

No corsets magic shapewear your so right

On my trip to Scotland/Ireland last Oct, I took tennis shoes and my Chelsea boots only. That worked perfectly. I also emailed the places we were staying at to confirm they had a hairdryer and iron. They all did, so 2 less things to worry about needing to pack. On our trip to New Orleans in Feb I also took my Chelsea boots, tennis shoes and the low comfortable boots I wore on the plane, used all 3. We travel quite a bit, so slowly learning what to not pack, though still overpack most times. Packing for the weather can be hard sometimes, especially if you stay for more than a few days. Weather can change from what is predicted when you leave. We learned that in Mexico. We took cool weather clothes and it was hot everyday we were there. So maybe pack it bit for change in weather.

New here. Great info, and I was laughing so hard by the time I got to, "They're not gonna like, throw you in jail," I had to leave the bedroom so I didn't wake my husband. Thanks, I needed this 😂😂😂

Timely. I am packing for a short trip to Costa Rica for work and I am trying to figure out how many pairs of shoes is too many. I decided that I’m bringing 3 pairs of Miller sandals. And I am bringing my Subtl stack! Works beautifully. Love it too. I am checking a bag - a small one - because I want to have a lot of sunscreen and the conference is at a resort so sunscreen will be expensive.

Don't take sentimental items on vacation. Only take what you are OK to lose them. I almost lost a jade pendant I bought in China to remind me to stay happy after losing my brother. I took it off for a massage in Turks and Cacaos. It didn't occur to me that I didn't have the necklace on until the next day when I looked at the mirror. I went to the lost and found counter and they didn't have it. Only 30 minutes before departing for the airport, I went to the place where I booked the massage. The massage therapist turned it in. I cried when I got it back. Never will I take anything that is not replaceable.

I hope you’re adding “professional stunt woman” to your one pager! ❤

I spend half the month in my virginia home (my real home as I say, since thats the home we own), and half the month in our arizona home (where my husband works, and we rent that home). So I fly... a LOT. Now, because of the nature of THAT travel, I can get away with not bringing things like toiletries or liquids. But even when I do bring liquids, I havent had to take that bag out in years, that I can recall (and this is without precheck- which I keep saying I should get lol) For fun travel (and I do cruise a lot but drive to my cruise ports) - I have a bagsmart toiletry bag that hangs on the back of the door, or even a shower curtain rod if you need to- that I love. And you can fit full size toiletries in it! BUT... what I do NOT take... same as you, really. too many shoes. Expensive items (I dont even wear my wedding bands), on a cruise I live in my swim suits and cover ups and throw on a sundress and cardigan-cause im always cold in the dining room- for dinner (except for formal nights- i do take a nicer dress for that evening). I dont take all of the bazillion of items that the cruise vloggers say are 'must haves' for cruises. 20 some cruises down and I do not need magnetic hooks or a shoe organizer on the back of my door or a highlighter. Some might need them and thats fine- I do not. I DO however, travel with a 'medical store' (LMAO) cause that stuff is EXPENSIVE on a cruise ship and even if on land stateside, if i need something I probably need it THEN and dont want to go find a CVS or a walmart, you know?

Leaving the jewelry is a good tip, even wearing it. I wore a special pair of earrings to Europe and the seatbelt in the uber hit my ear and Iost one of my earrings, i was heartbroken.

Love your channel. You may enjoy Trinny London makeup as well which comes in stackable small containers.

Jen, what a wonderful video as always! I love the doses of humor you always add! I’m looking forward to the personal style videos! (Too many exclamation marks?) 😂😅

Love your style and attitude. From a fellow curly who uses sunglasses as a headband! 😂 also noted no nose clip on the glasses. as that just snags the hair! We need a sunglasses video now 😊

My personal tip, anytime I fly through UK airports I grab a few extras of their liquids bags for next time. They are GIGANTIC pains in the a$$ about liquids there and it's just easier to know everything I need will fit in their awful bags to begin with AND the area that they expect you to repack your stuff in is crowded and hectic. And Heathrow and Edinburgh airports are the 7th rings of hell.

I found a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes on Thred up for like 90 bucks. So I know the feeling, I've found cute stuff on posh mark too.

I'm still working on getting myself a color coordinated wardrobe for mix and match and less packing...but yes, just because it's cute doesn't make it comfortable.

I love your travel/packing videos. Thank You!

Wow...40K subscribers! Way to go!!

Gah!!! Yes! Heathrow is the one place you do not mess around with liquids. I always remind people that even though the TSA in the US doesn't care about hand sanitizer or how much of that you are carrying, LHR security DOES! I forgot it was in the side pocket of my backpack (I'd checked the rest of my liquids) and I got tsk-tsk'd and was handed a bag to put it in. They were kind about it, at least. They'd just dealt with an Italian woman in front of me with full bottles of perfume and expensive makeup that was well beyond her liquid allowance, so I was small beans, in comparison, but they still stopped me.

Basel and Zurich Switzerland have been much more difficult the last 2 years. Just to be safe; I would recommend packing liquids in a small 1L baggie (the airline ones are still smaller) and then putting that inside of the nice toiletry bag so it can be removed easily if someone is being a pill. The agents have been less and less accomodating. I take almost nothing, but have witnessed them hassling travelers every single time I travel recently. I'm flying again in a week via Zurich and Munich, so we will see what happens. My 81 year old mom was also hassled about her purse in Zurich because it had backpack straps and the gate agent tried to call it a carry on. It wasn't. I slapped my purse up on the counter which was significantly larger than hers to point out the size difference. I wasn't flying and the agent huffed and let my mom go with her bag.

OMG, so helpful!!!

Great comments. Btw, love your chair. Any chance you have a link for it?

Great video! Question: are your tennis shoes canvas or leather? You’ve mentioned before how much you love them so I’m going to buy a pair. Love you, TFS and have a great weekend 😊

Where did you get the bag for your meds?

I just ordered some Cariumas and I love them and want them to fit so badly but on both pairs the heel slips out as I walk. Just wondering if you have had this experience with these?

Your hair looks amazing! Also chuckled at "I do my own stunts" 😂 We are going on a cruise in March so this was very helpful to think strategically!

The he only sticker airport I have been in is Vancouver BC. Every time they make me take the liquids from my bag and put it in the “approved ziplock one”. I even had an agent spend about 10 minutes trying to get everything in, despite me saying “Ok throw out the hand cream and shampoo” but not my $70 eye cream. Amazing. I have always thought give a little, but not in Vancouver😂😂😂

I like the green top you’re wearing, where is it from? I like to travel with comfy clothes

I had my liquids baggie (quart size) taken away from me at Heathrow even how everything fit in it and was the appropriate oz. They made me toss some shampoo and lotion. Then they gave me a small sandwich sized baggie… ugh. And yes, they ran it through the scanner, AND another machine to make sure it wasn’t contraband.

I liked to bring things some things that I set free after I have used them. Maybe some old underwear. Pj's, socks. Thus way I have room on my return trip after I have released them.

What make were the tennis shoes please. I’m in uk and didn’t catch the make.

Hi Jen! Do you find that your Cariumas are squeaky when you walk? I bought a pair and returned them for that reason. I really like them but I don’t want to be squeaking llamas over the place. 😂

Love your earrings, can you share where you got them?

Great tips. One Question: the Stride Rite sandals....do the straps ever cut into your toes?? That's my worry....