You’re going on a trip and you have your passport ready to go. Hooray! There isn’t much else you have to do besides packing your bags. Not many people enjoy packing. It can be stressful, annoying and it’s one of the least fun aspects of preparing for a trip.
So what stays and what goes? Here are the tips from travel experts. Less weight, less liability, less spending and overall less stress.
OUTFIT PLANNING
There is no point jamming a whole bunch of clothes into a suitcase that doesn’t make sense together. Make a list and get organized, start packing a few days before you leave, look at your itinerary and work out what outfits you will need each day. Knowing what you’ll be wearing each day can save you from over packing.
“Lay out everything that you think you want to pack on your bed and take a good hard look. It’s only when you lay your entire ensemble in front of you that you see where you’ve made mistakes and can make the appropriate cuts.” – Samantha Brown of the Travel Channel.
EMBRACE THE BULKY!
Wear your bulkiest articles of clothing – jackets, sweaters and boots on the plane to save space in your suitcase.
ROLL, DON’T FOLD
Rolling your clothes not only saves space but also helps your clothes to not get wrinkled as it would otherwise. Alternatively, use vacuum compression bags.
DON’T LET BAD WEATHER TAKE YOU BY SURPRISE
Check the extended weather forecast and do a bit of research on weather patterns for your travel destination. You need to pack for the climate you are heading to. Knowing the weather and packing accordingly is by far the most important factor to consider when packing for your vacation.
PACK FOR COMPATIBILITY (MIX AND MATCH)
Select versatile and interchangeable pieces and let go of the idea that you have to take a different outfit for each day. Neutral are your friend when you’re packing, so you can mix and match the clothes you bring.
SHRINK YOUR TOILETRIES
Leave some of your toiletries behind and use the soaps and lotions provided by the hotel or you can always buy those items once you get there. Also, most hotels have hair dryers so never pack one of those.
“I love to try the new shampoos and conditioners when I travel.” – Kelly Vrtis of The Container Store.
HIDE MONEY
If you need to store travel money somewhere, consider placing it in an empty sun tan lotion bottle or similar. Thieves are unlikely to look in locations like that and if you retrieve your luggage following theft, it stands a good chance of still being there.
STUFF YOUR SHOES
Shoes are one of the bulkiest items to pack, so you want to limit the number of shoes that you pack. Since people tend to walk a lot when they are abroad, making sure that you have a durable pair of walking shoes is essential. You can wear a pair of shoes on the plane, but a great way to pack the others in the suitcase is to stuff them with other items that you’re planning to take. Be it socks, T-shirts, or anything else you can think of.
‘BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY’ PARENT
If you are traveling with children, your nappy bag will count as your carry on. Make sure you’ve got everything (you might want to factor in possible delays too): baby wipes; spare pacifiers; diapers; formula; toys; a pillow and it is worth bringing a few suck-able sweets to help with the pressure change during take off and landing.