Much of the enjoyment of traveling is feeling comfortable and blending in with the people in the area where you are staying. Planning your travel wardrobe can help you feel good, save time and money, and avoid difficult situations on your trips, long or short.
Steps
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Identify your destination and time of year. Research the expected weather patterns. Are there any cultural modesty guidelines that are important to follow? Most developed countries have different ideas of what is stylish and correct. Many Muslim countries require women to be fully and modestly clothed while out in public. Look on Youtube or similar sites to see what people wear where you are visiting, and try to blend in as best as you can, according to your level of comfort.
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If you are staying over any length of time, pack the smallest number of clothes possible while planning for the widest range of weather expected at that time of year. Count on mostly wearing your coat or jacket rather than packing it since you will be out and about much of the time; make sure it's weatherproof, not just a fashion statement! Use just a few complimentary color combinations so that you don't get bored with your outfits while at the same time making the most of just a few pieces. Think in terms of coordinating layers - jacket, sweater, vest, shirts, pants or skirt, if you are a woman - and most importantly bring two pairs of very comfortable shoes, one a bit dressier if need be. If your feet aren't comfortable, it can ruin your trip! Gel shoe liners often help with long days' sightseeing.
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Dress as conservatively and as upscale as you can stand while still blending in with the population - if you run into trouble, appearing reasonably well-dressed will help maintain respect. (But dressing too ostentatiously might mark you as a target for pickpockets or worse.)
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Make sure your clothes pack well, are lightweight, easy to launder and quick-drying. Knits travel very well as a rule, but pre-pack your bag to see how your garments look after being squished in there for 24 hours. If they don't hold up, choose something that is less prone to wrinkle.
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Bring a couple of extra plastic bags for wet and/or dirty clothes, and pack a couple of lightweight hangers at the bottom of your suitcase in case there aren't any where you will be staying.
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Keep your valuables close to your body and keep careful track of them at all times. If you carry a purse, don't put anything in it that can't be easily replaced during your trip! Many coats or jackets have an inside pocket for ID's, passports, travelers' checks, credit cards, cash and keys, or you can purchase a travel belt to wear next to your skin for such items. Travel Smith also makes backpacks and purses that have steel cables in the straps that can't be cut, but it's best to keep all valuables as inaccessible as possible on your person, and only keep handy the minimum needed to travel from one place to another.
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The most important thing to wear is a smile! But also be very alert to your surroundings, stay in well-populated areas, preferably never travel alone, and if something doesn't feel right to you, quickly remove yourself from potential trouble. Always listen to your danger instincts!
Tips
- Bring a basic sewing kit with a pair of small scissors, a couple of hand sewing needles, a few colors of thread that blend with the colors of clothes you've packed, a few assorted safety pins, and a couple of extra buttons. (While you're at it, don't forget batteries for your camera, a universal charger for your cell phone, nail clippers and an emery board to care for your feet and hands, and moleskin or corn plasters for the occasional blister!)