meet kathleen
Your Go-To Packing & Travel Gear coach
It’s the night before a big trip. Whether it’s for a long-awaited vacation or a stressful work conference, nothing feels more overwhelming than trying to fit your life for the next few days into that darn suitcase. We’ve all been there!
Hi, I’m Kathleen — founder of PackSmart and your personal packing and travel-gear coach. For years, I’ve helped travelers feel prepared, confident, and genuinely excited for their journeys, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a major international adventure.
how it all started
I created PackSmart to make travel easier and more accessible for everyone. At my travel events, I share real packing strategies, the right gear, and my own travel experiences — the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between — because being prepared truly matters. I have a thousand stories.
I host free, interactive travel events up and down the West Coast welcome travelers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned explorers.
There's nothing better than the energy in the room when travelers start swapping tips, admitting what intimidates them, and sharing their favorite finds. That connection is why I do what I do.
I invite you to contact me on behalf of your business, club, or any group of traveling friends to host a packing event.
At PackSmart, my goal is simple: to help you be ready, confident, inspired and excited for every adventure — no matter how far you’re going or what’s waiting for you on the other end of the journey.
You can do this, you’ve got this and yes, you can take it all! Let’s make your next trip your easiest and exciting for many more trips.
More tips from kathleen
Traveling Europe by Train: How to Keep Your Luggage Secure (and Travel with Confidence)
If you’re traveling through Europe, chances are you’ll be using the train system at least once, and probably many times. Trains are one of my favorite ways to get around internationally. I’ve met...
Can’t Close Your Suitcase? Here’s The Answer
Let me start with a personal story. Recently, I experienced one of life’s biggest milestones as a mother: my daughter’s wedding. While we spent months planning every detail of her and her husband’s...
Why the Right Walkable/Tour Day Bag Can Make (or Break) Your Trip
One of the most common questions I hear during my packing shows is when people begin traveling internationally: it isn’t jet lag, language barriers, or even navigating public transportation—it’s wh...