8 Packing Tips to Travel Like a Pro
Nothing spoils a well-planned vacation or business trip faster than finding out you forgot some essential item in your luggage. It happens all too often, and it can be very easily avoided with these 8 packing tips.
Packing luggage is a skill that is too often learned by trial and error. And since most of us do not travel every week, it is a skill that often fades away to zero before our next trip. There are several simple steps you can take to ensure that your next travel packing adventure will be stress free.
Make sure to check out our travel section for more great travel articles and tips including Essential Oils Roller Bottle Blends For Travelling.
- Make a list
By making a list of everything you want to pack before you start packing, you will know that you packed everything you need in your luggage. To make this work, prepare the list before you pack a single item. Then as you place each item in your luggage, check it off the list. And as a last-minute check, review your list to be sure every item is checked and that there are no additional items you wish to add to your luggage.
- Create a documentation pouch
Place all your important travel papers in a separate easy to reach pouch so you always know where they are. Include items like your tickets, hotel and car reservations, passport, etc.
- Know the dimensions and weights for checked and carry-on luggage
Every airline has limits on how many bags you can check in, how many you can carry on and what they all weigh. Be sure all of your bags meet the regulations to make check in a snap. And if you think you need to take extra bags (or return with more than allowed), be sure to find out the cost of each extra bag in advance so there is no last-minute sticker shock.
- Pack with security in mind
With current security, your bags will be x-rayed. If the operator sees something that can’t be identified, your bag will be opened and searched. Items that often cause a failure tend to be dense and oddly shaped items that the x-ray machines cannot penetrate very well. Pack your bags with this in mind. Place any potentially problem objects in an easy to position in your luggage so the operator can find and verify that they are harmless quickly. This will let you get on your way quickly.
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- Pack essentials in your carry-on
Luggage can sometimes get lost. Make sure all your meds, a change of clothes, and other important items are in your carry on. You never know what is waiting for you at the other terminal so it is best to be prepared just in case your luggage didn’t make it.
- Pack what you need and no more
Depending on how long you are traveling and the purpose of your travel, you may find that you really don’t need to pack 7 pairs of shoes or 3 business suits. Know what amenities are available at your destination to clean your clothes. This will allow you to pack only what you need and leave extra room for souvenirs and such on your return trip. Remember hotels often have irons and ironing boards, laundry and dry cleaning services available.
- Your travel toiletries kit
While it is a bit more expensive, consider getting travel sized containers of toothpaste, hand cream, shampoo and conditioner, throw away toothbrushes, etc. This has many positive benefits. First, every container will be brand new and you don’t need to worry about leaks in your luggage. Second, if you need extra room on the return flight, you can just dispose of all those little containers and not feel bad about throwing away an almost unused full-sized bottle of shampoo.
- Pack and wear for the weather
Be sure you know what the weather at your destination is going to be like. You don’t want to have just summer clothing only to find out that the weather is quite brisk in your destination. Also, if you are traveling from a warm to a cold location, dress appropriate for the arrival point of your trip so you are not cold running to your car.
Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to a perfect vacation.
These are great tips! The most important one for me is making a list. You’d think it would be the most obvious…but for me it’s not. I’m always rushing around at the last minute, thinking, “Ok, what did I forget to pack?”
I do not travel often, so I would need lots of help with packing. I do like the tip about making a list of everything you want to pack before you start packing.
Always need advice on packing always pack to much stuff. Thank you for all the great ideas.
These are such helpful suggestions for getting ready to pack for a trip. I always put my items out a day or two before and then try to decide what I really need.
Thank you for sharing these really smart tips! The first time I ever flew..it was a mess! I didn’t have all of the facts and I think it is very important to know this information!
Many great recommendations that I really appreciate when I get to take my next trip I know I’ll be better prepared.
I really enjoyed all the great advice.
I always have a hard time trying to decide what to pack. I tend to overdo it. This was helpful.
This is a great list of things to do. Never thought about documentation pouch but that is a great ideal. I am one of those people that less is better. If you need something you can always buy it.
Last time I drove my mother to TN we were going to stay for 4 days. I had a little suitcase that was not full. My mother had a BIG suitcase and it was so heavy I could not lift it.
This is s a great list. As they charge now for baggage it is a money saver to pack efficiently and keep the weight low
These are great tips to remember when traveling. Especially the making a list before packing and bringing travel toiletries because of the pandemic hotels don’t always supply them anymore.