What Travel Pro Patricia Schultz Always Packs To Avoid Unnecessary Vacation Complications

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or gearing up for a month-long adventure, ensuring you have everything you need when packing for your trip can either make or break your travel experience — and no one understands this challenge better than veteran travel writer Patricia Schulz. The seasoned explorer and best-selling author of the New York Times #1 travel book "1,000 Places to See Before You Die," it's safe to say that Schulz's practical approach to packing is tried and tested.

That said, in between the planning, organizing, and even following the clever packing expression Patricia Schulz swears by to help her pare down her luggage, there's one major strategy that she recommends when it comes to packing efficiently — and it's all to do with preparation. In conversation with Tasmania's The Mercury, Schulz explains: "Climate change is real! Always pack lots of layers — if I am overly cold or hot, I am not happy."

Simple and practical, Schulz's approach doesn't just help you save space by packing versatile pieces instead of multiple outfits, it also helps you stay comfortable and adaptable — all while ensuring you look your best while on vacation, no matter what your destination's weather throws your way.

When it comes to packing for your travels, your clothing choices can easily determine whether you spend your trip enjoying new experiences ... or hiding away in your hotel from the weather. In order to avoid any mishaps, Patricia Schulz emphasizes that the best way to prepare yourself (and your wardrobe) for your upcoming travels is to check the weather forecast twice before every trip: once during the planning stage and then again 24 hours before departure. That way, you'll know exactly what you need to pack — including those essential items that might be inadvertently missing in your suitcase because you were expecting different conditions.

Along with that, Schulz also insists on the importance of layers. After all, when it comes to making packing easier for yourself, it's really all about focusing on versatile pieces that you can easily mix and match. This typically means starting with a lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer — think a t-shirt or tank top — then adding a warm middle layer like a light sweater or cardigan, and finally finishing off your outfit with a waterproof outer layer. Ultimately, this combination lets you add or remove pieces as needed throughout the day, which means you can quickly adapt to changing temperatures without the need for multiple outfits.

Lastly, while weather-ready clothing is definitely important, Patricia Schultz also emphasizes the need for a handful of non-negotiable backup items she can't leave home without. Her top priority? Always pack a spare pair of shoes and eyeglasses. Plus, make sure you keep copies of important documents like your passport and credit cards in a separate place from the originals, just in case the worst happens. 

Oh, and while you're at it, the expert traveler also suggests that you pack a small, lightweight umbrella no matter the destination. After all, not only does bringing one in the first place save you the hassle of ducking into souvenir shops to try and get ahold of an umbrella at the last minute, but it also ensures that you won't have to cut your sightseeing time short because of a sudden downpour or even just a drizzle. For example, this Repel Umbrella is both lightweight and sturdy — which means it'll fit right into your day bag, making it the perfect companion for any trip, near or far.