When you are getting ready to go on holiday, it can be a little stressful. First, you don’t know what to pack for your trip. Then when you manage to get everything together, it doesn’t fit in your suitcase. The packing confusion can take the edge off your holiday excitement. So, to make things easier for you, here are 12 sensible packing tips. This checklist will help you pack quicker, smarter, and without stress. You won’t have to sit on your suitcase to close it ever again. You can zip it and go!
Tip #1 – Lay Out All The Clothes You Want to Take
First, before you do anything, put out all the clothes you want to take on your trip. Then take a critical look at them and remove anything that “you might” wear. If it is not 100% clear you will wear it, leave it at home. Be ruthless. Take the clothes you know you will wear, instead of the “maybes.”
Tip #2 – Place Heavy Items at the Bottom of the Suitcase
Have you ever struggled with your suitcase at the airport? The wheels are going everywhere, and it seems so difficult to manage. You can counter this by putting the heavier things at the end where the wheels are. You will find it far more stable when you pull it upright. Also, nothing gets squashed, so your rolled clothes will stay fresh and ready to wear.
Tip #3 – Roll Clothes And Pack Them First
You want to look smart on your vacation. Wearing creased clothes doesn’t give the right impression. You can counter this by rolling your clothes and packing them first. Perfect if you want to go on some dates during your vacation. Tops: Lay face down, fold in sleeves, and roll from the bottom up. Trousers: Put the legs together, then roll from the waist down.
Tip #4 – Avoid Under Packing
Under packing can also be a potential nightmare. What if you take too little and there are no decent shops when you get there? So, remember to select clothes for each day of the trip. Don’t forget to take enough underpants, or you might regret it. Also, if you leave some space for souvenirs, put dry cleaner bags in the spaces to stop things from moving around.
Tip#5 – The Bigger Your Suitcase, the More You Will Put Into It
It is tempting to stuff lots of things in your suitcase when you go on holiday. So, to make sure you don’t fall into this trap, take note of your size and type of suitcase. Buy a suitcase that has hard sides and is no more than 22 inches tall. Also, use one with a structured shell so you don’t try and squeeze in more than you should. You can also use it as a carry-on.
Tip #6 – Bring a Scarf for the Plane in Your Carry-On
A scarf is your best friend on the plane. It is so versatile; you will wonder why you never took one before. If the temperature on the plane is too cold, you have your scarf to protect you. You can also fold it up and use it as a comfy pillow. Plus, you can use it as an accessory for your other outfits when you get to your destination.
Tip#7 – Never Check Essential Items
Always carry your essential items on board the plane. When you travel, you need to protect your passport, credit cards, money, jewelry, etc. Never put them in with your checked luggage. Don’t give thieves a chance; keep everything with you. Also, in the event of lost baggage by the airline, your precious items could sadly be lost forever.
Tip#8 – Know Your Airline’s Baggage Fees Policy
It’s always a good idea to check your airline’s baggage fee policy before you travel. You don’t want to be one of those travelers sitting with their suitcase open and looking helpless. You can arrive at the airport with supreme confidence. You know your baggage is not overweight, or you are carrying too many bags. You can also avoid any extra fees.
Tip#9 – Test Your Full Suitcase
It’s not only cars that you can take for a test drive. Get that packed suitcase and give it the ultimate test. Once you have filled it, grab it by the handle and feel its total weight. You can roll it along the street and see how it moves. Also, try out some stairs as well, for a real solid test. If it feels too heavy, you can take some items out and test it again to be sure.
Tip#10 – Put Your Toiletries In a Transparent Bag
Have you ever had an accident with your toiletries? It can ruin your clothes and reduce the number of clothes you can wear. So, to keep things organized, put them in a transparent bag. You can protect your clothes and find your toiletries with ease. Perfect for a quick squirt of your favorite perfume or aftershave before you go out for the night.
Tip#11 – Keep Your Hand Sanitizer at Hand
Remember to pack safety essentials when you are traveling during the pandemic. You can pack hand sanitizer and face coverings in carry-on and checked luggage. So, you know you always have everything with you. Also, put some in a pocket nearby, so you can grab hand sanitizer, a new mask, or wipe when you need it.
Tip#12 – Universal Power Adaptor
How many times have you gone on holiday and realized you couldn’t use the power point? Frustrating, isn’t it, especially when your mobile battery is running low. Buy a universal power adaptor before you go on holiday. It doesn’t take up valuable space in your suitcase. Some have several USB connections, so you can offer to help your family and friends out as well.
BONUS PRO TIP:
30 minutes before you go to the airport, check again, and remove two items from your suitcase. It’s an easy tip that can save you more space.
At Safar Travel, we love to help our
customers match holidays with their travel needs. We won’t pack your suitcase
for you, but we will handle everything else. Whatever you fancy for your
vacation, we can deliver. Get in touch
and tell us what you want for your next trip. So, you can enjoy a
completely personalized experience!