Savvy Packing Tips. If you want to become a seasoned traveler, you need to learn how
to pack efficiently. Not only will this save you money at the
airport by avoiding over-weight limit costs, but you’ll be able to
travel lighter while ensuring you still have everything you need.
How many times have you packed for a trip or vacation only to
discover you didn’t really need or use half of what you brought
with you? It’s easy to over-pack or include unnecessary items
because you haven’t carefully planned out your trip.
Here are a few tips to help you become a savvy packer:
Purchase a Travel-Savvy Backpack
Whether you plan to check luggage or not, a travel-savvy
backpack can help you bring the essentials while saving weight
and room in your suitcase. Backpacks will fit into carry on storage
compartments while giving you one centralized place for all of the
important documents you need throughout your travel.
Plus, a backpack just makes traveling easier, freeing your hands
and helping you better navigate. This is especially true if traveling
Europe with cobblestone roads that will tear up even the highest
quality suitcase wheels.
When choosing a backpack, make sure you invest in a high-quality
travel-ready bag. You’ll end up paying more for it upfront but if
you select a high-end bag you’ll never have to buy another one
again.
You want your backpack to be flexible in size and shape with
comfortable straps and even weight distribution.
Roll Your Clothes
This is a packing hack I discovered years ago and it saves me a ton
of space in my bag but it also surprisingly helps decrease wrinkles
in a lot of my clothing. Simply roll your shirts and pants into
burrito-style packages to save room and fit more into your
luggage.
Group your Luggage
This tip came from an experienced flight attendant who wanted
to make sure she got through customs quickly during each leg of
her flight.
By segmenting your luggage, you are placing all liquid items into
separate plastic bags, grouping your luggage by type. This will
make it a lot easier if you’re asked to open your luggage for quick
inspection through customs.
Pack a Pen or Pencil with a Thin Notebook
There will be plenty of times you’ll likely require a pen during your
travels, including when filling out custom and immigration forms.
Pack pens in a Ziploc bag so prevent them from leaking, or bring
extra pencils in the event one breaks or snaps. Not only will a pen
or pencil be handy when it comes to filling out required travel
documents but you can use it to jot down reminders, notes or
when asking someone for directions.
Choose a Colorful Suitcase
This is a great tip, especially when you travel a lot and find that
you’re spending a lot of time looking for your luggage on the
carousel.
By choosing an unusual color or pattern when buying a suitcase,
you’ll be able to easily spot it at the airport. And make sure you
add a luggage tag to your suitcase that includes your full name
and address should you lose your luggage.
Pack Chargers with Devices
Whenever possible, keep chargers with associated devices. If your
luggage is lost or delayed, at least you’ll still be able to use the
devices carried in your day bag.
Be Careful with Over-the-Counter Medications
While certain medications are permitted into some countries,
you’ll want to double-check before bringing any medication with
you. Some areas, such as Japan, don’t allow common medications
like Sudafed into their country.
Tape Bottle Lids
Tape the lids of bottles closed before travel to protect against
potential leakage. Just a piece of masking tape will do the trick
and you can easily remove it when you settle in.
Also, keep in mind that visiting higher elevation areas like Nepal
or North India can cause toiletries to be under pressure; they’ll
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spray when you open them. Plus, those reusable plastic bags will
come in handy during your travels.
Consider Lithium Batteries
If you need to pack batteries, consider lithium as they are lighter
and often last longer. One thing to keep in mind however is that
many airlines require that lithium batteries be carried on board
and not checked into luggage.
Choose Powder Over Liquid
Whenever possible, choose powder based options over liquid.
This includes things like deodorant and laundry detergent. Powder
is a lot lighter and will help you reduce weight.
Above all else, don’t pack to capacity. Ideally, you should pack at
least a week before you’re set to leave. That way you have time to
reconsider items, organize as needed and not be stressed out
packing last minute (which will also increase your chances at
forgetting something!). So, start packing at least 5 days in
advance. Packing is best done modularly. Try to pack in “kits”
based on need.
If your luggage is even remotely close to capacity, you’ll want to
set it on a scale to ensure it’s not over the weight limit.
Don’t go into survival mode! Pack only what is necessary. No bloat
bags. The last thing you want is to be charged an extra $50-100 at
the airport because you failed to double-check weight limits.
Also, remember to leave room for souvenirs or gifts you may buy
while traveling.
Savvy Packing Tips
Savvy Packing Tips
