Is it almost time to go on vacation, but the thought of packing all your stuff into one suitcase seems daunting? Don’t let the thought of packing stress you out. Here are some packing tips for travel that every traveler should learn.
Whether you’re sticking to a carry-on or using larger check-in bags, remember “Bring half of what you plan to pack and twice as much money as you think you’ll need.”
Maximise Space
1. Make a packing list to make sure you don’t forget stuff or overpack
2. Roll, don’t fold, your clothes to save space and avoid wrinkles
3. Using a small bag will stop you from overpacking
4. Stuff socks and small items inside your shoes and hats to optimize space
5. Use packing cubes to fit more clothes and organize them better
6. Pack versatile items of clothing that can be used in multiple outfits (but try to fit in one nice outfit, just in case)
7. For longer trips take laundry detergent so you can wash your clothes in the hotel sink or bathtub
8. For babies and toddlers, separate clothes for each day in large Ziploc bags
9. Always leave space to pack any souvenirs you may bring back
10. Most airlines allow one personal item (like a purse or a laptop bag) to make the most of this
Protect Your Stuff
11. Keep a couple of dryer sheets or a bag of potpourri among your clothes so that they always smell fresh
12. To prevent makeup from cracking, put a cotton pad between the powder and the lid
13. Carry small jewelry like rings or earrings in contact lens cases or pill organizers, and thread delicate necklaces through straws to keep them from getting tangled
14. Put your shoes in an old shower cap so they don’t get your clothes dirty
15. Pack jewelry in clingfilm to prevent it from moving around and tangling
16. A layer of clingfilm over the opening of liquid bottles helps prevent leaking
17. Stick a rolled-up belt inside the collar of your shirts so that they stay stiff and don’t lose their shape
18. Take along a mini sewing kit
19. Use a binder clip to cover sharp razor blades
20. Pack your liquids in a separate Ziploc bag so they won’t leak on your clothes(if they’re in your carry-on, each bottle must be less than 100ml, and placed in a 20cm x 20cm bag)
21. Using soap and shampoo bars instead of liquids will save space in your liquids bag
22. Use an old glasses case or another Ziploc bag to separate cables, chargers, and headphones
Avoiding Excess Fees
23. Check the baggage policy of your airline, including the weight limits and excess fees
24. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane as extra layers
25. Use ebook readers so you don’t have to carry multiple books; also try to avoid taking too many electronic devices
26. Bring an empty water bottle to the airport and fill it after you pass security
27. Weigh your bags before you leave to avoid unexpected charges
28. Use the right suitcase – one that is lightweight and meets the size regulations
29. When searching or booking flights online, use incognito tabs, so that sites won’t increase prices based on search history
General Safety
30. Always check what is and isn’t allowed in cabin baggage
31. Make sure your suitcase locks comply with regulations, or they will be forcibly opened
32. Avoid checking-in essentials and valuable items such as jewelry and electronics in case your suitcase is lost
33. Scan your passport, ID, and tickets and email them to yourself in the event of loss or theft
34. Use bright, colorful identifiers, such as ribbons, stickers, and tags to easily identify your suitcase
35. Label your suitcase with your name, destination, and ticket details
Now that you know all the basics of packing for a trip, it is time to plan your next trip from your bucket list and action these packing tips for travel let us know in the comments below if it did help you out in making the packing process easier.
