Packing is pivotal. Forget an essential item and you're left disappointed and scrambling to find the nearest store in your destination. Pack too much and you end up disorganized, burdened with heavy bags, and hemorrhaging money to pay for pricey airline baggage fees. So below is my favourite tips. If you know of anything else, let me know.
1. Roll, don't fold.
Many travel experts—including backpackers, who must stuff months' worth of clothing into a pack the size of a box of wine—agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.
2. Make a packing list
When it comes to packing, procrastinators fall short. Start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need for your vacation. Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important. I have one that works for me. It's in Word format so you can change it. Email me and I'll pass it on.
3. Know your airline's baggage-fee policy
Figuring out the airlines' tricky and befuddling baggage-fee policies is key to any budget-minded packing strategy. So many airlines are now charging hefty fees for checking baggage. Some of the low cost airlines are charging for carry-on. Best to check before you get to the airport. Paying fees online is usually cheaper.
4. Follow the 3-1-1 rule
What happens if you don't follow the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage? Attempt to bring a large bottle of shampoo or a full-size gel deodorant through the security line and the TSA will likely confiscate your stuff, holding you up in line in the process. So get familiar with the agency's rules: All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.
5. Use your personal item wisely
It's standard for airlines to permit each traveller to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board planes. This personal item is subject to specific size requirements (these vary by airline), but something like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack is generally acceptable.
If you are female, take a huge purse or a tote bag. You can fill a lot in these. If you are flying, remember a sweater as it comes in handy if you get cold or you can roll it and use it as a pillow.
6. Never check essential items
It's terribly important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you. probably don't need to tell you why you need to keep your passport and wallet on your person. But if the airline loses your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you'll regret stowing your expensive watch in a checked bag.
7. Use packing aids
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| They come in various sizes and colours |
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| Your suitcase looks really neat |
I bought Heys packing cubes on The Shopping Channel! There are many types you can get on Amazon or at a luggage store. They are awesome as you never need to unpack in a hotel. Just put them in a drawer and unzip them.
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| Awesome cosmetic hangar case. I never unpack it, just leave it hanging in my closet ready to go. |
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| This electronics organizer keeps all my cords nicely stored. |
Now I've posted this, I better start packing.
