Packing for a 6, 7, or 10-day luxury tour presents a unique challenge. You’ll want to bring a variety of types of clothing, as well as plenty of layers, to take you from the hiking trail to a dinner out, and from cool mornings to hot afternoons in the desert. But when you’re traveling from one destination to the next each day, the last thing you want to do is have to lug around a bunch of luggage.
For our luxury scheduled and private tours, we recommend packing a single soft-sided, light-weight suitcase, convertible duffel, or backpack, in addition to a day pack, camera bag, or other smaller pack to use during your hikes and other outings.
But how can you fit everything you’ll need for a 7 day or longer adventure in some of the western United State’s best national parks? Keep reading for a few simple packing tips to help you make the most of your luggage.
1. Start With a List
Packing without a plan can go one of two ways. You could wind up packing far more than you need. This includes plenty of items that will stay in your suitcase and take up space the entire trip—space that could be used for souvenirs! Or, you might find that you’re missing several key essentials. Then, you’ll need to scramble to replace them in the middle of your trip.
Luckily for our guests, Utah Luxury Tours sends detailed itineraries 30-days before your tour. On this list, you’ll learn about any specific items you’ll need on your tour. You’ll also receive recommendations for clothing, shoes, and more. Use this list as a starting point for your packing. Add any comfort items that you know you’ll want, like comfortable lounge clothes for the evenings or a small travel blanket for your flight. But avoid straying too far from the list. This will likely mean bringing items you’re unlikely to need or use.
2. Opt for Layers That Serve Multiple Purposes
The best way to make the most of your luggage is by opting for items that can be layered, and that serve multiple purposes. For instance, a moisture-wicking tee or lightweight long-sleeve shirt is great for wicking away sweat under warmer layers to keep you comfortable. But if the temperatures rise in the middle of the day, these layers are great on their own.
A waterproof outer jacket can block the wind or warm you up on a chilly morning, and keep you dry if you get caught in a sudden rain shower.
3. Invest in a Great Pair of Lightweight Hiking Boots
Having one pair of lightweight hiking boots that fit you well, provide good support and grip on the trails, and that are comfortable can take the place of multiple pairs of shoes. You’ll find that you can wear them on the trails or while sightseeing in the park. And you can leave them on for a bit of souvenir shopping or lunch in town.
Avoid boots that are heavy or go too far above your ankles. These will be harder to wear for long periods and are heavy to pack in your luggage.
4. Choose Your Suitcase or Duffel Wisely
A heavy suitcase will get very old to tote around day after day. And in addition to being heavy, bulky suitcases often feature interiors that are poorly designed and won’t hold much despite their size.
Lightweight suitcases or duffel bags that can be collapsed are great for not only optimizing your space but also for toting around during your trip. A bag with multiple compartments can make it easier to stay organized as you move from one hotel room to the next.
5. Utilize Packing Cubes
Whether you opt for a bag with multiple compartments or not, packing cubes are a great way to make your luggage more usable. Multiple cubes can be used to separate out your clothing. Add underclothes to one, socks to another, and base layers to a third. You can even use packing cubes to organize additional items like toiletries or charging cables.
When you get to each new hotel room, your packing cubes can go straight from your suitcase to a drawer. This makes it quick and easy to get your clothes out each day. It also makes it easy to re-pack those clothes again when you’re ready to move on to the next destination.
6. Consider a Carry-On
Checking your suitcase means not having to tug it around the airport. This can be especially tempting if you have a layover on your way to Salt Lake, Las Vegas, or wherever your luxury national park tour is starting.
But checking your suitcase can also lead to an unfortunate problem. If your bag gets lost and doesn’t get to your destination in a timely manner, you’ll be left scrambling to get clothing, toiletries, and other items for the start of your trip while you wait for your suitcase to arrive.
Packing a carry-on can help you to avoid this issue. That way you can start off the trip of a lifetime on the right foot! While you can’t bring full-size toiletry items like shampoo in your carry-on, our luxury lodging partners provide many of the bath items you’ll need during your visit!
7. Skip the Gear
Our luxury national park tours will take you to some truly incredible destinations. But while you will be getting off the grid and back to nature, you won’t need any survival gear during your trip.
From first aid kits to camping gear to pocket knives, you won’t need any outdoor gear during your tour.
Packing Smarter for Your National Park Tour
Packing for your national park tour doesn’t need to be a hassle. Put these tips to work and follow the packing list you’ll receive 30-days prior to your departure, and the packing process will be as smooth and relaxing as the luxury trip you’re about to take.
Don’t have a trip to pack for just yet? Book your 2022 scheduled or a private tour today to guarantee your spot!
