I don't know about most of my class, but I haven't started packing yet. I keep thinking it's no big deal. To get me motivated...you guessed it. I searched online for tips to pack for China. Here is what I found from a recent traveler:
When we're packing for a trip far from home, our 'stuff' can act as a comforting security blanket. After many days on the road, though, it turns into an unwanted anchor! (Bricks? Why am I carrying bricks?, you may well ask!)
Let your itinerary pack your bag!
Once you know where you are going and for how long, and which activities and tours are scheduled, your bag will pretty much pack itself. But get involved so it doesn't run amok and try to take everything you own. YOU are the one going on a trip, not your closet.
Once you know where you are going and for how long, and which activities and tours are scheduled, your bag will pretty much pack itself. But get involved so it doesn't run amok and try to take everything you own. YOU are the one going on a trip, not your closet.
Be Fussy About Fabrics Choose fabrics that breathe, don't show dirt, don't wrinkle, and are easy to wash and dry. It sounds like a tall order, but with all the great fabrics for travel and sports clothing, there's lot's to choose from. This means no linen, of course. You'll look great and feel great!
Pack Your suitcase To save space, roll clothes into tidy sausages, and only fold clothing, like suit jackets, that do not readily roll. Stuff socks and any small items into the various crevices around larger items. Put a second pair of shoes (you will be wearing the first pair) into a plastic bag (or put each shoe into its own plastic bag) and pack near the top of the clothing. Shoes with heels generally do well in the corners.
Be Ruthless When Choosing Everything must do double or triple duty or it stays home. This is the hardest part of packing, when you begin to second guess your wardrobe choices with thoughts of 'What if . . . ?' Whether you are going for one week or four weeks, you don't need as much as you think you do. Lay out 4-7 tops and 3-4 bottoms, and see how many outfit combinations you can make. Three pairs of pants and seven tops gives you 21 combinations so 21 outfits. Ideally, every top should go with every one of the bottoms, or it stays home.
TIP When you have your travel wardrobe laid out on your bed at home, do a final check. Think about your itinerary, and what activites you have planned. Ask yourself questions like 'What will I wear to fancy restaurant? What will I wear when going from my hotel room through the lobby to the swimming pool? What will I wear for the canopy walk? What will I wear for dinner at the Captain's table? You get the idea. Make any changes now, then get packing!
Beijing in winter can be quite cold, Shanghai a bit warmer than Beijing. Layer, Layer, Layer If you'll be in a hot climate, you can take things off; in a cold climate, you can put things on.
Travel Pants: One to wear, two for spares (or one in the laundry), in neutral colors like khaki, black, or dark denim. For Winter travel pants (Beijing, Shanghai), if you can, find a black fleece pair. They looked dressy enough for restaurants, yet were cozy and warm (and didn't show dirt - Bonus!). For Spring and Autumn trips (all areas), black denim jeans (also dressy and forgiving of dirt, but could be dressed up for a night at the opera).
Travel Skirts: While pants are by far the more practical to wear, if you prefer a skirt, especially then substitute skirts (in either a print that goes with the tops or in a neutral color) for one or two pairs of pants.
Tops -- blouses, shirts, Tshirts, etc: Since tops generally are smaller and less bulky than travel pants, you can easily pack 5-7 or so, depending on bulk. Be sure to lay out your pants, and then the tops you are considering so that you can see if each top goes with each pair of pants. If you have 3 bottoms (pants, skirts) and 7 tops, you have 21 possible combinations, so 21 outfits.
Sleepwear / Jammies One pair Tshirt top (can do double duty as outerwear if needed) and pants, or one nightie are enough. Many hotels in China wil also provide dressing gowns. Even if you prefer no jammies at all, plan for unexpected nightime departures from your room, should a smoke alarm go off.
Shoes Two Pairs -- One pair sneakers / walking shoes (lace up are more forgiving) to wear on plane (they are bulky to pack in suitcase) for wearing on tours or going out shopping, etc., and one pair of dressier shoes -- black leather slides with a medium wedge heel for evening or hotel. Proper sneakers or walking shoes give better support and surer footing, especially on rough pavements. Slip-on's or slides are good for just running down to breakfast in the hotel. Most hotels in China will provide disposable slippers in your room, Bless them!
Jacket: Wear it for the flight (Jackets can take up too much room in your suitcase). If you are coming from a cold climate, wear your preferred winter jacket / coat, or consider buying a jacket or coat from a charity shop to wear while you are in colder parts of China, then leave it behind before you fly home. If you are travelling on business substitute / allow for business suits (pants and jackets) to be part of the overall travel wardrobe.
Rain coat / jacket: (one) plus a small fold up rain poncho. Keep it in your day pack or purse, and even one in your camera bag, so you can get at it in a hurry. Keep one in your carry-on bag so you can get at it easily, and take one just to cover your luggage, in case you have to hike several blocks on a rainy day. Umbrellas, no matter how tiny, require a hand to hold them, and you may have yours full with your bags!
Swimsuits, Work out gear: Take along at least one swimsuit or bathing suit, just in case you need it. Swimsuits take up little room, yet are time consuming to buy when travelling. Take along something to wear over the swimwear for the trip from your hotel room to the pool area. Most large hotels will have a work out room or gym, so if you are planning to use this facility, then roll up something suitable to wear in the gym.
That's all the tips I have for now. Happy packing, maybe I will get started tonight!
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