What I always pack for a 3-week escorted tour
By Michelle Skelton, Travelwise Tour Leader
After more than 30 years as a nurse and a flight attendant, I’ve packed for almost every kind of journey – short hops, long-hauls, and the odd trip that didn’t go quite to plan. These days I lead tours for Travelwise, and guests still ask the same question: what should I actually take?
Here is what I pack. Not a catalogue. Just what earns its place in the suitcase.
1. Clothes that work harder than they look
For three weeks, I pack layers, not outfits. A couple of comfortable trousers, a skirt or two if you like them, breathable tops, one smarter piece for dinner, a light cardigan, and a jacket that handles wind and a surprise shower. Darker colours hide a long travel day. Shoes matter more than anything: one pair you can walk in all day, one easier pair for evenings, and sandals if the destination is warm. If it doesn’t work with two other things in the bag, it stays home.
2. The documents envelope
Passport, travel insurance details, a printed copy of the itinerary, and a note with the Travelwise office number. I keep them together in one slim folder. Yes, much of it is on your phone. Phones also run out of battery at check-in. A paper copy is not old-fashioned. It’s a spare tyre.
3. A small “comfort kit”
This is the bag I can reach without unpacking. Lip balm, moisturiser, a few plasters, pain relief you already use, any regular medication in original packaging, and a spare pair of glasses if you wear them. I also pack a lightweight scarf – plane, coach and air-conditioning all have their own ideas about temperature.
4. What makes the long days easier
A refillable water bottle, a phone charger and a small adaptor, and something to read that doesn’t need wifi. Compression socks for flights if they suit you. A fold-down shopping bag for markets and unexpected laundry. That’s it. You do not need a pharmacy, a hardware store, or three extra cardigans “just in case.”
5. Leave room – and leave the worry behind
On a Travelwise tour, your Tour Leader is there for the logistics. You don’t need to pack for every possible problem. Pack so you can lift your own bag onto the coach if needed, and so you can find a shirt in the morning without a treasure hunt. If something is forgotten, we can usually sort it. As I like to say: even when travel doesn’t go exactly to plan, it’s all part of the adventure.
Three weeks is long enough to enjoy a place. It is not long enough to live out of a stuffed suitcase. Pack light, pack familiar, and leave a little space for the jar of jam you weren’t expecting to buy.
About Michelle Skelton
Michelle is a Travelwise Tour Leader originally from Yorkshire and now at home in New Zealand. A former nurse and flight attendant, she is known for her calm, practical style and quiet sense of humour. She still believes the best souvenirs are the people you meet… and a well-packed bag.
