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Travel Organization Ideas

The kits, palettes and packing systems that keep me sane on the road.

Travel cannot be taught in a class, and lists of travel tips are fraught with problems, because every traveler is different. I am still learning how to travel, and in these travel organization ideas and tips, I try to share some of the lessons and techniques I've learned along the way.

Kits, palettes and packing notes

Two organized porcelain studio watercolor palettes

From Travel Palette to Studio Watercolor Palette

How I organized sixty watercolor pigments into a permanent studio palette.
Collection of doors and windows from around the world

Doors and Windows of the World

My collection of doors, windows and door details from my travels for Notes from the Road.
Packing a packraft for travel

Packing a Packraft

How to pack a packraft, paddle and large tripod aboard an airplane in order to photograph in amphibious environments.
Airbnb rental gone wrong

Airbnb Nightmare

What should we do when we run into problems with our Airbnb host? My crazy story about one Airbnb rental gone bad.
Canon RF camera lens

Picking the Right Canon RF Lenses

A look at Canon's new line-up of lenses and which are best for different types of photographers.
Lightweight carry-on luggage

Packing an Ultralight Carry-on

How to travel with just 10 pounds of carry-on luggage.
Compact watercolor palette for travel

Traveling with Watercolors

A tip on keeping your watercolors organized while traveling.
Graphic novels for travel reading

Graphic Novels for Travelers

Consider traveling with graphic novels for travelers. Here are my favorites.
Ultralight backpack and gear checklist

Packing an Ultralight Backpack for One Night

How do you pack for a single night in the backcountry?
Cooler packed for a road trip

Road Trip Cooler Packing

Thoughts on how to pack a cooler for short and regular road trips.
Organized travel gear shelf

Keep a Travel Gear Shelf

One of the best practices of the regular traveler is keeping a tidy gear shelf.
Lightweight travel sketchbook supplies

Lightweight Travel Sketchbook Toolboxes

Tips for creating your ideal travel sketchbook setup.
Packed daypack lunch for hiking

Pack your Daypack Lunch

Why hikers should put more preparation into their daypack lunch.
Compact gouache paint set for travel

Gouache Travel Set

A $21 gouache set with 24 pans, a tube of white, and built-in palette.
Packed carry-on luggage

What's Inside Your Carry-on?

Instead of just giving packing tips, here's exactly what I pack.
Collection of natural history items from travel

Collecting while Traveling

Collect natural history and sightings while traveling instead of typical souvenirs.
Packed homemade airplane meal

Pack your Own Airplane Food

Avoid airline food in coach or first class with these packing tips.
Toddler-sized backpack

The Perfect Toddler Backpack

Thoughts on how to build the perfect toddler backpack.
Nib pens for travel sketching

Traveling with Nib Pens

Why nib pens make a great alternative for your travel sketchbook kit.
Heavy photography gear in a backpack

Packing Heavy Gear in Light Backpacks

A better way to pack heavy photography gear without the clunky backpack.
Waterproof watercolor palette holder

Waterproof Watercolor Palette

This little device is essential for traveling with your watercolors.
Longboard skateboard packed for travel

Pack a Longboard Skateboard

One of my favorite ways to get around the city is on a longboard. Here's how to take it overseas.

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