10 Packing Tips To Make You An Experienced Traveler

Packing for travel may not be your idea of a good time. It can be tiresome and unpleasant. However, with a few helpful packing hints, you can prepare for that business trip or vacation in a way that enhances rather than detracts from your experience. Who better to ask for advice than regular travelers who have seen their fair share of packing disasters and triumphs?

The reality is that air travel is costing increasingly more thanks to those darn luggage fees. Airlines are charging more for checked bags and even carry-on items may be checked. How you pack ahead of time can make a big difference in how much you pay to fly. Their are tricks for saving money on airfare, even at the last minute, so read our article for great tips on keeping that cost down.

Here are some brilliant packing techniques from regular and professional travelers to help you prepare efficiently.

1. Combine your daily wearables and avoid wrinkles.

Try packing in bundles by rolling your outfits together. It’s easy to put on the set required for the day. Don’t forget to roll your clothes to keep them wrinkle-free and find them easier. Better yet, bring wrinkle resistant clothes that don’t get crumpled. Think about denim, polyester, knits, wool, and spandex for your next trip.

2. Get some packing cubes or vacuum bags.

These are your best friends for effective packing since they compress and sort your clothes. Organize the contents of your packing cubes by day or by clothing categories. This will keep your baggage organized and prevents you from messing up everything to find an ensemble. Additionally, vacuum-sealed bags can keep older or weather-sensitive garments safe during your journey.

Another tip is to tuck scarves, stockings, and other soft clothing around hats, collared shirts, and heels. This will strengthen the shape of these items and to prevent them from being destroyed en route.

3. Think multifunctional and color schemes.

Bringing items that can serve several uses is crucial for packing light. For example, scarves are very adaptable. They can be used as a sarong, worn across the shoulders, or used to contain dirty items. Dark denim and a collared shirt also work as a base for upscale outfits with the right accessories. Clothing you can wear for several occasions or mix and match to create new ensembles is a good method in general. The same applies to hair appliances, makeup, and skin-care products.

You can also construct a wardrobe with clothing that naturally fits together. Stick to neutrals with a flash or two of color. It’s simple to layer as you travel between locations and weather changes. Instead of having different ensembles that don’t actually blend, you’re in a better position to use everything you bring.

4. The pillowcase trick and other hacks.

A recent online hack recommends getting two pillowcases: one with a zipper and one without. Place your garments in the zipped pillowcase, then place that in an ordinary pillowcase. You now have more space in your suitcase for other stuff, you have a cushion for napping on your flight, and you can bring more of those outfits you want to wear. While most airlines do not consider a pillow to be a carry-on item, they still may depending on size.

If your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced, you’ll need a clean change of clothing. Just in case, keep spare underwear, a day’s worth of clothes, and light sleepwear in your carry-on. Make room for any additional items such as prescriptions, precious electronics, or anything else important. Piece of mind when something goes wrong is priceless.

Most budget flights enable you to bring a carry-on bag plus a personal item. However, many airlines are now offering only a basic economy rate that just allows a tiny personal item. To optimize your space, use a large backpack or duffel bag that fits the maximum dimensions. Pack everything you’ll need for your journey, including headphones, sleep masks, and even sanitizer wipes to clean the surfaces around your seat.

5. Wear the heaviest apparel during travel.

Wear your coat on the plane instead of stuffing it into your suitcase and wasting valuable weight and room. You can often fit it in the overhead bin and utilize the pockets for heavier goods such as phone chargers and batteries.

This is also true for other goods you wish to take, such as shoes or boots. Some flights provide folding slippers so your feet can breathe for a while. You can also  wear a pair of thick socks to keep your feet warm when you remove your shoes.

6. Do your laundry while traveling.

Another popular recommendation is to plan on doing laundry during your travels. It’s a must for trips lasting longer than a couple of weeks, as it’s difficult to bring a new outfit for each day after that. Visiting a laundromat or doing laundry at the hotel or other rental may be an option. When you book your stay, always look for washer/dryer or laundromat availability near you. Otherwise, bring along a bit of laundry detergent in case you need to do a fast handwashing load in the sink.

7. Make sure your luggage doesn’t stink.

To keep your luggage smelling clean and fresh, drop in a cedar chip, cinnamon stick, or sprig of lavender. When traveling to a humid region, pack a little muslin bag of rice to absorb moisture and keep your clothing fresh.

8. Use shower caps to cover your shoes.

Shower caps frequently found in hotel bathrooms are designed to keep your hair dry but they also have a secondary purpose: shielding your clothes from dirt on the bottoms of your shoes. To keep everything else clean, cover each shoe with a shower cap when repacking your bags.

9. Top toiletry tips.

Fluids take up the most space and can spill. If you’re checking a bag and need to be TSA-compliant, liquids are also a pain to pack. Instead, use solid versions of shampoos and soaps. Solid perfumes, sunscreens, makeup removers, and even toothpaste tablets are good options. If you’re carrying any liquid, cover the cap with plastic wrap to prevent leakage.

To save even more time, have each traveler use a separate toiletry bag containing travel-size products. Personal items might include a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, eye drops, and the like. Keep them in your backpacks or baggage at all times.

10. Take pictures of your packing prowess.

This tip is one most people don’t think about: photographing your belongings before leaving. If your luggage is missing and you need to make a travel claim, this can save you time with the insurance. Consider an Apple AirTag or a Samsung SmartTag to track your possessions. Also, note where you placed everything you’ll need for getting home, such as your parking ticket or keys, for simple retrieval when you return.

Packing is as personal as each person going on the trip. Invest a little time before the journey to pack efficiently and take advantage of every possible option the airline, train, or ship provides. Not only will you save money, but you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying.

Safe travels!