Unpacked with Teresa Wu
An intimate glimpse on how this list loving aesthete packs for her getaways
Unpacked is an interview series series where I share an intimate glimpse into how travel savvy humans with excellent taste pack for their getaways.
Hello beautiful friends! How is it already December!? I am coming off of hosting our annual Holiday Cheese Party, and after finally pulling my house back together I thought it was time I sit down and write to you all. It’s that time of year again… my inbox is filled with gift guides, calendar overflowing with parties and suitcases are ready to be packed for our holiday getaway to Washington. All that to say it seemed like an ideal time to release an edition of Unpacked! And who better to chat with than the queen of gathering herself,
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As I read through Teresa’s responses to these questions I felt seen (fellow last minute packer 🙋🏻♀️), inspired (please share your google docs with me) and excited by all the incredible recommendations. I’m so happy for her to share her packing tips with you! -Alex
What's your go-to luggage and why?
My luggage of choice is this Rimowa carry-on—I love a hard-shell suitcase, and this one looks sleek and performs beautifully. I prefer the polycarbonate version, which is strong but lightweight. On international trips I always take a carry-on, but if we’re schlepping dog stuff to the in-laws’ for the holidays or road-tripping to Telluride, for example, I’ll pack a larger Paravel. I have it in black, but the green is so chic, too.
Whenever we’re headed to a wedding or black tie event, we’ll pack our occasionwear in the Away garment bag. I’ve loved many of their travel accessories over the years, but think the garment bag is their most under-the-radar item. It’s thoughtfully designed and durably made, with all the pockets you might need.
I never take an international trip without my expandable Longchamp bag. I won’t shut up about taking it everywhere—it’s that good. It’s the ideal companion for hand-carrying souvenirs home from your trip.
What's always in your toiletries bag?
I’m religious about my daily vitamin CE. At home, Skinceuticals triple lipid is my go-to moisturizer, but this is a good dupe for a fraction of the price, and comes in a travel-friendly size. I never travel without this Japanese oil-based cleanser, which has been my holy grail for years—ideal for removing both makeup and multiple applications of sunscreen. Anything that doesn’t come in a travel size, I decant into MUJI containers.
I hate the feeling of my face melting off or having to take off a full face of makeup while traveling, so I keep things pretty minimal in the beauty department: Nars mini concealer, Hourglass mascara, a swipe of blush and bronzer—the Merit sticks are so easy. For evening, these lip tints are my favorite for giving you a little bit of shine and color.
Describe your basic packing strategy
One thing about me is that I simply cannot pack early. Doesn’t matter how long the trip is—I just can’t begin until we’re in the 24-hour window. (Hi, I’m the problem. It’s me.)
That said, I’m pretty efficient. Packing starts with my Google Docs: I have different lists for various seasons / types of trips so that I’m not reinventing the wheel every time I start packing. I’ll map out all of the activities—hike, boat day, beach club, etc.—to make sure I have the appropriate outfit for each. Once my doc is updated, I’ll print it out and get to packing. I love checking things off a physical list and drawing big arrows pointing at things we need to remember in the morning before we hop into an Uber. It’s revolutionary to not have to constantly open your Notes app to look at a packing list—highly recommend trying it.
Do you have a travel uniform?
I always wear sneakers on the plane—these Onitsukas are easy enough to slip on and off, and can get me through a day of cobblestoned city walking or a light gym session if needed. (Pro tip: go here for sizing, and get the “SD” version, which has more cushioning.)
I love to fly in comfy, wide-leg bottoms—ideally ones that I can also wear at my destination. I’ve flown from Denver to Tokyo in my favorite baggy denim and to Mexico in linen pants. In the winter months, cashmere is such a treat. I’m that person who’s always closing the air vents, so I always have an extra layer on me: usually a cotton sweater in the spring/summer or La Ligne cashmere in the fall/winter. An oversize trench (I have this one) or robe coat on top always makes me feel more pulled together.
What 5 things does your carry on always include?
Sunscreen, always. I usually travel with both a mineral and a chemical option (the Biore one is the best).
A button down—specifically, this Sezane one (I size up). I can wear it to lunch, throw it over athleisure, or pop it over a bathing suit.
A swimsuit, because you never know when you’ll need it. I love a colorful Agua Bendita one-piece for a playful pop of color on holiday.
Black Havaianas: Endlessly versatile.
And pajamas that I wouldn’t mind wearing while sipping an espresso on the terrace are a must.
How do you navigate the shoe situation?
I typically pack three pairs: sneakers, a casual, walkable shoe, and a slightly dressier option. If we’re headed somewhere a little fancier, I’ll throw in low heels for dinners out (though I’ve pretty much stopped packing heels for European summer—it turns out I never want to wear them!).
Any packing tricks or hacks?
If you accidentally overdo it on the shopping, don’t buy a new cheap piece of luggage that you don’t even like. Just find a cardboard box! We were in Piedmont last summer after legs in Krakow and Venice, and had shopped a bit too much. Our hotel found us a sizable cardboard box—we packed our clothes into it and checked that box on the way home.
* Sidebar: We looooooooove an eco friendly travel hack!
A HUGE thank you to Teresa for giving us a glimpse into how she travels. Be sure to subscribe to Tea House for more on home, travel and the art of gathering.
If you are Interested in being featured in Unpacked or know someone who should be, let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading! xo Alex
PS - If you enjoyed reading Wandering, tap the ❤️ below—it helps my little corner of the internet get discovered
Last minute packer here too!!!
Honored to be featured! Thank youuuu! <3