Travel Pants ~ How Many Pairs to Pack for a Trip
Travel shorts, convertible pants, capris, jeans, cargo pants
Travel pants: Whether you are packing for a one week trip or a one month trip, or even longer, all you really need is three pairs of pants. Really! One pair on your body, one pair in the wash, and one pair that's clean and ready to wear (This includes the pair you will be wearing to travel in, so only 2 pairs need to go in your suitcase).
A much-travelled friend told me about this three-pants rule years ago, when we were going to China (see China travel clothing page). I was a travel newbie at the time, so I followed his advice when packing for my next trip. It worked like a charm, and now I pass it on to you.
If you are packing for a cruise or a resort, where you won't be on the move each day or two, then go ahead, toss in another bottom and a pair of shorts! See packing for Dominican Republic for travel wardrobe ideas, and what I packed for that type of trip.
Travel Skirts: If you prefer to wear skirts, then substitute a skirt for a pair of pants, so the total is only three items of clothing for covering you from the waist down.
- Belts: If at all possible, choose travel pants that have belt loops. That way, if the waist closure breaks, or a button falls off, or if you just want to loosen your waistband for whatever reason, your pants will stay securely up near your middle. Pack one belt that matches all pants.
Personal Favorite Travel Pants My backpacking daughter helped me choose my first pair of travel pants. They were lightweight, a neutral color, made from quick-dry fabric, had reinforced seams and zippered (secret) inner pockets. The lower legs zipped off, too, just below knee length, so they could be worn as shorts.
After a number of years, though, I wanted a dressier version. I found a pair in black, and without the zip-off leg, which can add a bulky look to thighs, IMHO. This much-dressier black pair performed very well, and dressed up nicely for business or a night out on the town. They rinsed out easily, and dried within an hour or two. (See Patagonia brand travel pants like mine.)
Black Travel Pants -- I had such difficulty finding a good pair of black travel pants that fit and that I liked I even wrote a blog post about it! I found some brand name black travel pants with 2 zip pockets
Travel Shorts and Capris Pack shorts only if you will be at a beach resort. For touring around, they have limited use (bus and taxi seats can be grubby -- do you really want your bare legs against them?). As well, you have to apply sunscreen to your legs. Try to wear shorts only at the beach; For some reason, people who would never wander through five star hotels in their home town while wearing shorts will happily do so while on holiday. Keep in mind the culture you are in. But of course, it's your choice to wear what you want. My goal is simply to suggest ways to help blend into the culture, not to stand out as a tourist. Capris or travel pants that can be worn at capri length are good for tours that include a stop at a bach or waterfalls pool. See Travel Capri
Recap Examples Travel Clothing at Amazon.com.
To see examples of the type of travel wardrobe I am talking about, have a look at them online at Amazon. You'll notice that these items are in neutral colors to coordinate with other travel clothing.
Men's Travel Pants (zip-off leg) Insect Shield Convertible Pant 
Women's Travel Clothing examples: See Patagonia Travel Pants for Women
Travel Clothing * Skirts * Shirts, Tops * Shoes, Sandals, Socks * Bathing Suits: * Underwear * Sleepwear * Rainwear Ponchos
More travel packing pages:
Holidays to Dominican Republic, tropical resorts or hot climate travel
Travel Wardrobe Algarve Portugal
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