The excitement of a vacation often gets dampened by the thought of packing that precedes it. The entire process seems like one big ordeal, however, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Travel, in general, has become quite diverse and each type of vacation, be it a solo, family, or a road trip, requires slight alterations to how and what we pack.
Road trip essentials, for example, might include having that perfect playlist for the drive, but by considering the following standard tips, you can swipe away your worries and emerge as a real champion packer.
Make a List: It sounds juvenile, but making a list is a surety that you won’t forget anything at the last minute.
Lightweight Luggage: As airlines get stricter with their weight limits, it is essential that you invest in luggage that is lightweight and easy to carry, wheels help. If your travel consists of minimal running around, take a bag made of cloth.
Pack Light: Packing is an art, and the best way to go about it is to take the bare minimum of what you need. Your bag should also have enough space for shopping and souvenirs on the trip back. It helps to lay out all that you want to carry and then pick and choose from what’s on display. Being visual while packing leads to better judgement calls.
Compartmentalize: By keeping your belongings separate, based on use, you not only save space, but it also helps keep things in order while travelling. Packing cubes have become quite common and are an excellent way to go about this.
Use Every Space Possible: Whether it is placing items inside your shoes or using the “rolling” method rather than the age-old folding one, you’ll be amazed how much area is saved by implementing these small ideas.
Wear, Wash, Repeat: This might come as a surprise, but when travelling, no one cares what you wear. You are likely to meet new people every day, and they don’t know any better. Choose your clothes wisely, so they don’t get dirty quickly and are wrinkle-free. A good pair of jeans is a guaranteed winner.
Disposable Clothes: One of my favourite packing tips is to carry old and soon to be disposable clothes. This way you can wear them and dispose of, appropriately, as you travel. So, your bag actually gets lighter with each passing day.
Carry a Backpack: Even if you think you don’t need one, carry a backpack. This gives you the benefit of using it if your packed luggage exceeds the weight limit on the way back.
Avoid Small Knick-Knacks: Books, digital devices, and shoes might be small additions to the packing list, but they add bulk to it. Avoid them. Buy a book at your destination or use the holiday as a detox from digital life. The same goes for toiletries. Unless you have something specific, you can use free toiletries at hotels or buy local.
Liquid Packing: Nothing is more annoying than opening your luggage and finding it stained by an open bottle. Pack your liquids separately, in protective containers/ziplock bags so that even if the bottle breaks, the other items in your bag remain safe.
Extra Lock: Considering the way luggage gets handled, and with so many security checks in place, it’s not uncommon for locks to break en route. Always carry a couple of extra locks for such instances.
These tips should leave you equipped with all that is required to make packing an easy breezy affair. All that is necessary now is for you to get on out there and have a great holiday.
3 Comments
nomadatheart85
I agree, I am quickly learning to despise packing. As a travel planner I am always going somewhere. When I was just traveling for fun I was always packed a month or more in advance but now I am saving it to the last minute.
Eric
I’ll admit, I do get a chuckle or two watching travelers with the biggest of the big suitcases trying to maneuver them off the trains here in Europe. Packing light is totally underrated and a lost art form.
Ticker Eats The World
I agree, I always end up having a big fight with my wife before leaving. I think we should travel light and then have bags full of stuff on the journey back.