Pack Light for an Overseas Trip

How Knitters, Stitchers & Other Crafters Can Lighten Travel Luggage

Feb 14, 2008 Venice Kichura

If you knit, crochet or stitch, it's especially hard to leave your stash behind when flying overseas. However, for a better trip, you need to learn to pack lighter bags.

When you get ready to take your first overseas trip your excitement can easily turn to anxiety after hearing numerous times the importance of packing light. To some travelers, it’s no big deal. They live for the moment when they walk on the ground where history was played out centuries ago. It’s no sacrifice for them to travel light, leaving everyday items behind.

But if you’re addicted to yarn, floss and needlecrafts, it’s not so easy to pack. What do you take? What do you leave behind?

Check-in Luggage

First, realize that most airlines penalize you, charging $50 if your check-in suitcase weighs more than 50 pounds. If you’re going overseas for two or three weeks, that could mean a good chunk of your wardrobe. However, there are some ways to survive with less clothing, besides doing laundry at least once on your trip…

• Wear the same outfit twice - To do this you have to overcome a mental attitude that twice-worn clothing is gross. Also, you need to get over being self conscious, worrying if your fellow tourists notice that you’re wearing the same jeans you wore two days ago. I’m sure many tour directors re-wear the same clothing for at least twice before washing, as it’s hard to stop to do laundry. After all, you traveled across the ocean to see historic landmarks – a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You have the rest of our life to do laundry (or stitch.)

• Travel in the spring or summer - Plan your trip for warmer months so you can pack lighter clothing, such as silks that don’t take up much room. Rather than lug around an overcoat, dress in layers so you can easily take off a jacket once you reach your destination where it’s warmer.

• Don't buy new underwear - Rather than than throw out your ratty underwear, bring it along. Then, when you’ve almost used it up before departing to go home, throw it away, so it won’t take up room in your suitcase on the trip back home. This will also allow you some extra room for souvenirs (or a cross-stitch project).

Unusual Items to Pack for Overseas

You may need to pick up an electrical converter before going overseas, as many areas don’t have the same voltage. This way you can use appliances such as hair blowers and electric shavers. It’s also advised to bring along a roll of toilet paper for pit stops, while touring some of those more primitive trails.

Carry-on Bag

Rather than cram your cross-stitch supplies, yarn and other needlecraft supplies into an overstuffed bag, buy a tote bag with wheels so you can pull it throughout the airport, just as you would a regular check-in bag. Besides saving space in your check-in luggage, this can also give you something to do on the plane.

Don’t Pack Any Items You May Not Use

You need to forget about the old saying, “It’s better bringing it along than not being without it.” This may sound harsh to any addicted knitter, crocheter, or stitcher. But, to have a more enjoyable trip, only pack a few craft items (even if you have a carry-on tote with wheels.) For example, pack only a few balls of yarn, needles and maybe a small cross-stitch project. Throw in a good paperback, along with your purse and that’s all. If you think about, you probably use less than half of the crafts you’ve brought along to trips you’ve taken. Why not concentrate on the trip, instead of worrying about not having enough stash?

The copyright of the article Pack Light for an Overseas Trip in Crafts is owned by Venice Kichura. Permission to republish Pack Light for an Overseas Trip in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Only Pack a Few Balls of Yarn When Flying