How to Pack Wisely
Besides booking airline tickets, packing a suitcase can be a challenging task even for the frequent traveler. This applies to just aout any traveler, except those who manage to jam a year’s supply of stuff in their suitcases even for a trip lasting only a week. But then, there are those who pack so lightly, that essential things like a passport or even medicines are forgotten. Here is a suggestion list on how to pack wisely.
First up – clothing. Only take as much clothing as you really need. It is not a wise thing to do by packing your entire wardrobe even if you are going on a month long trip. Even on longer travels you should only bring a limited number of clothing. You can always find a way to wash your item after wearing them.
Try rolling your outfits instead of folding them individually. You can pack them tighter and the will take up less space. This technique works well with skirts, pants, shirts, and t-shirts. If you still feel the need to fold, try folding clothes together. This tends to minimize creases and wrinkles in the folds.
One of the worst things that could happen even to seasoned travelers is to lose a passport or have credit cards stolen. A good idea is to keep a digital copy of all important documents. You can scan tickets, travel documents and passports and then send them as an attachment to your email account where they will be available to be accessed from any computer in the world. Keep emergency hotline phone numbers to credit or debit cards so banks can be notified right away if there is a problem. Also, important phone number should be listed on a card and kept in a safe place. Cell phones are frequently lost or stolen when traveling and few of us bother to memorize phone numbers any more.
If backpacking is a part of your travel plans, be sure to place the items you use the most on top. This keeps you from having to rummage through the bag or dumping everything out just to get at that one item you need. Also, try to put the lightest items in first so that the heavier things are on top. This makes the bag feel lighter and it rests easier on your lower back.
Another “how to pack wisely” tip is to use plastic storage bags with an air tight seal. These are especially good at preventing leakage from personal care items. They can be used also to keep soiled clothing separate from unworn items. It is also easier to be organized. You can keep small accessories together and separate small clothing items such as underwear, socks, shorts, etc. Toiletries can be also kept separate and prevented from rolling around in your clothing.
A carry-on bag should be used to keep all your valuables and essential daily items. A bag like this can be carried with you all the time and give you immediate access to important items such as travel documents, itineraries, money, medicines, and cell phones. Be sure that it is compact enough to fit under plane or bus seats, but still large enough to carry things like a laptop, cameras, etc.
Don’t go overboard on toiletries and personal care items. Only buy small travel size bottles of shampoos, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. You can always buy more in transit or once you reach your destination. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at all the space that will be saved in your luggage for more essential things.
These how to pack wisely tips for your trip or vacation involves common sense and by doing so, it will eliminate a lot of travel stress and help you to enjoy yourself more fully. Watch for more travel tips, products and services in our Travel Category.
