The Best Packing Discovery
A Note from Teri
I’ve realized over the years that the best trips are rarely the ones packed with the most things. The trips I cherish most are usually the simplest ones. A beautiful meal, one wonderful activity, a slow walk home, coffee in the morning, and enough room in the day to actually enjoy my destination.
Before any trip, I like to do a little research, including museums, exhibits, and experiences that require tickets in advance. There’s nothing worse than arriving excited to see something that turns out to be sold out. Part of the joy of travel is the anticipation: reading about new places, choosing the activities that feel special, and having specific events and places to look forward to.
I’ve learned that I don’t need to do every single thing my destination offers. My ideal travel day usually includes one lovely meal and one meaningful activity. That’s it! I never want to return to Chicago feeling more exhausted than when I left.
Museums are one of my favorite aspects of traveling, but I’ve learned how to enjoy them in a way that feels calmer and more personal. I always enjoy listening to an audio guide from the museum while I walk through a museum, because the commentary helps ground me in the experience. Museums can feel overstimulating, so slowing down and listening helps me to absorb what I’m seeing instead of rushing through it without context.
One of the best packing discoveries I’ve made is thinking in color families instead of individual outfits. For example, in my blue family I might bring a denim shirt, a camisole, a blazer, and a pair of jeans — and everything works together effortlessly. The denim shirt doubles as a very light jacket, the camisole pairs with a skirt, the blazer elevates any combination. It’s the same pieces, but you have all these outfits without overpacking. This was actually my first trip doing it this way and honestly, it was a revelation.
Comfort matters more to me these days than overpacking ever did! But keep in mind, I still believe in overpacking and truthfully, I wear almost everything I bring.
My basic formula is usually:
3 pants (can include leather leggings, satin pants)
2 jeans
2 blouses (silky, nicer)
3 shirts (denim shirts, button ups, etc)
3 t-shirts (graphic tees, etc)
3 dresses
3 skirts (shorter denim, silk, more dressy)
3 blazers or wraps (tuxedo jacket)
3 sweater including cardigan and a pullover
2 pairs of comfortable shoes (good looking gym shoes)
1 dress shoe
1 lightweight jacket
1 travel umbrella
I also like to bring a few practical things that make traveling smoother:
small bills and cash exchanged ahead of time
a tiny first aid kit
charcoal tablets (you can use code “MROFABTERI” for 30% off on their website!)
snacks for the hotel like fruit, cheese, or protein
my airplane Fly Kitt
This one deserves its own mention because it took me years to find something that actually works. I’ve tried so many things — time shifters, melatonin, various supplements — and nothing ever felt quite right.
Fly Kitt is a product I discovered, and for me it’s a very organic, natural way of easing into a new time zone. It’s not inexpensive, but the way it works feels so gentle that I keep coming back to it. No grogginess, no forcing my body into submission.
This last trip was the proof I needed. I followed the routine and arrived feeling like I hadn’t crossed a single time zone. Zero jet lag, zero adjustment period. For someone who has struggled with this for years, that felt like a miracle.
And when it comes to meals while traveling, I keep it simple too. I love a croissant and coffee in the morning, one lovely meal each day (I prefer lunch), and then little bites back at the hotel for balance and ease. For example, if we go to lunch, dinner is fruit, ham yogurt.
Travel feels best when I have room to wander, room to rest, and room to actually experience my location instead of racing through it. The older I get, the more I think the goal of traveling isn’t to see everything. It’s to enjoy what I do see.
The Last Crumb
Okay, I have to tell you about something I've been working on because I'm pretty excited about it. I put together a mini guide to some of my favorite Paris restaurants, places I return to year after year, places I stumbled upon and ended up completely falling in love with, including one hidden inside a little market. One of these spots I've been going to since my 20s, and it still feels just as special every single time!
I also always try to find somewhere brand new on every trip, because that's the magic of Paris. There's always more to discover. I also have three Paris highlights over on my Instagram, so make sure you look through those for the full experience. I think you're going to love this.
Follow Along with Teri
The exclusive stories that accompany this post are a part of my paid tier! You can claim your free issue now or subscribe.
