Most people would rather pack more clothes than they need instead of having to do laundry while on vacation. To be honest, I get it even though here at HercTalk, we are big champions of light packing. I even wrote a post some time back on how to do laundry while traveling so that you can pack fewer clothes. 

But there are times when you just want to lay back and relax. No washing underwear in the sink and definitely no hand washing clothes in a bucket or tub. Here are my best tips for avoiding laundry while on vacation without having to overpack. 

1. Pack a Few More Clothes Than Usual 

You definitely should avoid overpacking. It makes traveling more tiresome, tedious and expensive. But if laundry during vacation is an anathema to you, then you may have to compromise and make your luggage a little bit heavier than usual. 

Pack more clothes than you usually would to make sure you don't have to do any laundry. That doesn't mean packing a full outfit for each day. Things like pants, jackets and sweaters can be worn multiple times with different outfits. So 2-3 pairs of pants, one coat and maybe a sweater should be enough for your trip.

For other items like underwear, socks, and shirts or tops, pack enough for each day you’ll be away. Luckily, these don't take up as much space as pants or coats, so your luggage shouldn’t get too bulky. 

2. Pack Clothes You Can Wear Multiple Times 

To avoid overpacking while also eliminating the need for laundry, plan to wear some of your clothes multiple times without washing them. To achieve this, pack mostly dark colored clothes that won’t show dirt easily. 

Also avoid clothes made with synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester as they tend to trap more smells. Instead, carry clothes made from cotton, wool, hemp, linen and other natural materials as they tend to stay fresh for longer. 

If you are planning an active vacation where you expect to sweat a lot, we recommend one of Hercleon’s self-cleaning clothes like the HercShirt, Kribi underwear or HercSocks.  These have antimicrobial treatment that actively fights odor-causing bacteria. You can wear the same shirt for days and it still smells fresh. 

3. Freshen Clothes Without Washing Them

If you want to repeat your clothes without washing them, but you are worried about smells or even the health of your skin, there are several ways to freshen clothes. 

• Hang them up to allow them to air. If you are able to hang them outside in the sun, that’s even better. Avoid hanging them in the bathroom if it’s too humid as that can make them smell even more.
• Pack a travel-size clothes freshener spray. Get one that actually eliminates odors instead of just masking them. 
• Make your own deodorizer by mixing white vinegar and water. Lightly spritz it on clothes and leave them to air dry.
• Baking soda is also an excellent deodorizer. Sprinkle it on clothes, focusing on smelly areas like the crotch or pits. Let the baking soda sit for several hours or overnight then shake it loose. 

4. Pay for Laundry

If your issue is doing laundry yourself, the solution is simple — pay for laundry services. If you are at a hotel, check whether they offer laundry, though it can be a bit pricey. 

Chances are you can find a local laundromat that’s cheaper. If you are traveling abroad, particularly to a developing country, most places have locals who can wash your clothes at a small fee. 

5. Only Wash Smaller Items

If ‘no laundry’ for you means absolutely no washing anything, then this tip is not for you. But if you don't mind washing small and light items under the sink, that can make it easier to travel with fewer pairs of socks and underwear. You can even quickly wash your t-shirts in the sink. 

We recommend packing easy to wash and quick-drying items made from wool, bamboo, linen or synthetics (avoid cotton as it dries slowly). This ensures they dry overnight.