8 Packing Tips That Will Change Your Travel Experience
Packing for a trip can be extremely exciting for some people and exhausting for others. So, whether we like our final destination or not, we have to admit that preparing for a trip is usually not fun. It’s stressful and energy-draining. When you travel you want to make sure that you don’t forget anything important at home. So, reviewing the same to-do list over and over again can be annoying. Things get even worse when your family members will also join the trip and you need to take care of everything.
For example, I am always responsible for my husband’s luggage. It’s not because he doesn’t know how to organize his stuff, but I feel I can do it better. Maybe that’s the Virgo in me talking right now, but if our things are not properly stored I am not in the mood for anything. So, in order for us to have a smooth travel experience, my husband lets me take care of packing.
Is packing your worst nightmare?
I am not going to lie, there are times when I love it and times when I hate it, and I really think that the final destination plays a huge role. For example, not long ago, we had the chance to visit Turkey. We spent 10 incredible days in Istanbul. So, the idea of discovering 2 continents within the same trip made me feel incredibly excited. I even googled packing hacks to make sure we’ll have everything we need, but also some extra space in our luggage for eventual shopping.
Oh, and I was completely right. Having some backup space was a smart idea. Because, trust me, it’s impossible to visit Istanbul and not spend some cash on souvenirs, accessories, and clothes. If you’ve visited Turkey before, you surely know what I am talking about.
So, this article is about the most useful packing hacks I’ve learned (and tried) so far. I am ready to share everything with you and trust me, packing can also be fun. The best part is that these tips not only apply for longer trips, but they are great no matter the type of adventure.
I learned the hard way that traveling with too many things and luggage can weigh you down, especially when you are traveling by bus or train. Oh, and when you are flying, all that extra luggage can drain your savings. Airlines are charging more and more for checked bags, and the worst part is that even though sometimes you might believe you got an amazing price, it’s usually for a ticket without even a carry-on.
Do you want to look good while traveling? It’s not impossible!
When you pack for a trip, it’s always best to take half the luggage and double the money. This rule applies especially when you want to look fashionable on your vacation.
Unfortunately, because of all that stress and weight, most of us end up looking homeless while traveling, especially when the trips are longer. Who cares about fashion, when there are lots of luggage to take care of? It’s almost impossible to look good, stay organized, and eventually not lose your flight, all at the same time.
But don’t worry, because I’ve got you covered! I want to help you pack with ease, and the clever packing tips I am about to share will completely change your idea about packing. So, whether you’re looking for air travel packing tips, packing tips for international or domestic travel, or just practical tips for a quick weekend getaway, you can find, here, all the information you need. Are you ready for your next adventure?
Top 8 travel packing tips
1. Plan it out
Before you start throwing clothes into your luggage, you need to take your time and plan your outfits. A packing list is a great way to stay organized and not pack items that you’ll not use. So, make sure you consider the weather and the type of events you’ll be attending. As long as the list is correctly done, you’ll surely not overpack. I recommend you focus on versatile pieces that allow you to dress for any occasion.
Keep in mind that a packing planning list is also a great opportunity to create a checklist, so you don’t forget any important items at home.
2. Choose the right luggage
This one is one of the most important steps because it meets both your needs and your airline’s baggage policy. So, choosing the right luggage will not only help you stay organized but will also save you some money. Everyone is afraid of those annoying and mostly unexpected fees at the check-in counter, so consider the duration of your trip and the type of activities you’ll be doing.
If you are planning to go on an adventurous hiking trip, a backpack should be the best solution for your items. But if you are preparing for a business conference, you’ll need a hard-shell suitcase.
The style and size of your luggage should be wisely chosen, depending on your destination. So, if you respect the company’s policy and choose the correct type of bag, packing will become way easier.
3. Carry essentials
Unfortunately, when we are traveling by plane, a lot of things can happen. One of them, and a lot of people’s nightmare is losing your checked-in luggage. Imagine arriving at your dream destination and finding out your checked bag has taken a detour. It sounds like a nightmare, I know! But it sometimes happens. That’s why I suggest you pack an outfit, essential toiletries, medicines, and important documents in a carry-on bag. By doing so, you’ll be prepared for the worst.
4. Mix and match your clothes
Choosing a color scheme that allows you to adapt your outfits is now one of the most important things to do while traveling, especially if you want to seem like wearing something different each day.
As long as the colors of your items match, you will not only minimize the number of items you need to pack but also ensure you always look put together.
5. Opt for wrinkle-proof fabrics
One of the most annoying things to do while traveling is ironing. No one wants to spend their free days ironing a stubborn fabric. So, make sure to say goodbye to ironing during your trip and pack fabrics like jersey, spandex, and synthetic blends. These are some of the most common materials known for their wrinkle-resistant properties.
How do you know if a fabric is wrinkle-proof? Well, you can choose your fabrics by giving them a quick scrunch in your hand. If the items bounce back, they’re perfect for your trip. Easy, right?
6. Roll your clothes
You probably heard about the rolling technique. It works amazing, especially if you combine it with some packing cubes, which are also game-changers when it comes to traveling and organization.
I recommend you separate your items by type or outfit. Keeping them separately will not only keep your suitcase tidy but will also help you locate your stuff without having to dig through the entire bag.
7. Always wear your bulkiest items in transit
You might want to save some space in your luggage. So, trust me, there’s no better option than wearing your heaviest items during transit. It will not only significantly reduce your luggage’s weight, but will also help you free up some valuable space.
You can also try layering. It works great, especially in the winter. I remember last winter when I packed for our mountain weekend getaway, I made sure to wear most of my clothes, just to make sure that my cabin baggage was not overweight. It worked great. The flight was short, and even though it may seem uncomfortable, it was way better to try this method of weather than overpaying for a piece of checked-in luggage.
8. Keep your jewelry tangle-free
I always use pill organizers and trust me when I say that they are game-changers. I can easily travel with my favorite accessories without the frustration of untangling knots.
For my earrings and rings, I usually use a weekly pill organizer. Each compartment provides a separate space which is extremely useful in preventing the pieces from getting entangled.
If you want to go for a fancier option, there are many available. The pill organizer method is the cheapest I found, but I’ll also link here a professional jewelry case organizer that can be found on Amazon.
If you liked this article and found it useful, here’s what you should read next: Where to Travel This Summer Based on Your Zodiac Sign
