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Packing Tips and Tricks
Does just the thought of packing for a trip induce anxiety?
There are two types of people in this world. There are people that have saved packing lists and pack weeks in advance. And then there are people that are still washing laundry to pack at midnight the night before their trip. I wish I could tell you that after reading this blog that you will be a packing pro because I am going to teach you all the tricks to be prepared and pack early. That would be false. I am a member of the pack at midnight before you leave the club. I am the queen of procrastination no matter what it is I’m doing. I very rarely miss a deadline (…as I’m typing this blog entry, it is past due…) but I’m also very rarely early to the party (or to anything). However, even if you are still up at midnight packing the night before your next trip, hopefully, you will be a little more confident and a lot less anxious.
Packing List
First things first, ALWAYS make a packing list! Check items off as you put them in your bag or in your vehicle if you’re taking a road trip. Doing so will decrease the chances that you will forget something. If you’re a mom, you know you’re not just packing for yourself; you’re packing for everyone else too. If I don’t make a list, something will get left behind. Last time, it was my toothbrush. Thankfully, if you do leave something behind, most times you can get it at your destination.
Maximize Your Space
My family travels budget airlines often. If you’re not familiar with a budget airline, you can take a personal item on the plane at no charge, but a carry-on and checked bags are an additional fee each way. Sometimes, luggage fees exceed the cost of the flight, negating the benefit of flying the low-cost airline. The trick is to utilize your options that are included at no charge. We found backpacks from EBags that fit the dimensions of a personal item, yet pack much like a suitcase. We each have our own bag and know that we can only take what fits in it.
So how do you maximize your space in your luggage? If you have thin clothing, t-shirts, leggings, etc, rolling them works well for me. A lot of people like using packing cubes but I haven’t personally tried them yet. Just use whichever method works best for you.
Secondly, take only the things that aren’t provided at the hotel. I used to pack all of my toiletries and my own hairdryer. To pack lightly, opt to use the blow dryer, and soap the hotel provides. Try to take only the things you know you will use. I am a notorious over-packer. But, I am slowly learning to leave things at home that I don’t need.
If you do take your own toiletries, remember to pack only TSA-approved travel-size liquid bottles, unless you are going to check your bag. If your liquids are over the size limit, they will throw them away. To save time at TSA, pack all of your liquids in a clear bag and keep them separate in an easily accessible place. Even if you’re checking a bag, make sure any liquids are in a Ziploc bag just in case they leak. Nobody wants to arrive to their destination with a bottle of perfume leaked all over every item of clothing they packed. I might have learned that one the hard way….
Checked Luggage
Are you checking a bag? Always pack a luggage scale in your bag. Nothing is worse than trying to rearrange your luggage at the counter with a line behind you because your bag is 2 pounds overweight. A luggage scale is inexpensive and easy to use and you will know if you’re within the weight limit before you even leave for the airport.
If you’re checking your bag, it’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes, medication, any important documents, and a toothbrush in your carry-on. In the event, your luggage gets lost or you have an overnight delay, you will have your important items and a change of clothes with you.
International Travel
If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you take the appropriate voltage converter and adapters with you. I also like to take an anti-theft backpack. They are harder to pickpocket if you’re visiting a large, tourist city. I have a really great Pac-Safe one that I like so much; I use it as my carry-on bag if I’m taking more than one bag on a plane. It’s perfect for day trips sightseeing to hold your umbrella, wallet, water bottle, and any shopping that you may have picked up all while staying hands-free.
More Tips
If you’re going on vacation, I always pack an empty packable tote or duffle bag inside my suitcase. Just in case you buy more souvenirs than you plan to, you will have something to bring them home in if your suitcase is already full.
Speaking of suitcases…If you’re looking for a new suitcase, I highly recommend making sure it has 4 spinner wheels. They are so much easier to navigate in an airport than ones with only two one-directional wheels.
If you like to read and you don’t yet have one, I LOVE my Kindle. I know…if you’re a book person, you want a book. You want to feel the book in your hand and turn the pages. I get it; I still buy physical books. But for traveling, a Kindle is perfect. You can take as many books as you want to and it takes up very little space.
What are your packing tricks? We would love to know what you do that works well. Leave us a comment or you can let us know on our Facebook or Instagram page @Pineapple Escapes.
For more packing tips and tricks, listen to our Travel Tidbits podcast episode Packing Tips and Tricks.
Samantha’s Packing Favorites
(Please note that these links may contain an affiliate link.)
–Ebags Pack It Flat Toiletry Pack
Contact your favorite Pineapple Escapes’ agent today, or email us at info@pineappleescapes.com for a free quote for your next vacation. Our agents help make your vacation seamless with our expertise, customized itineraries, and extra pixie dust!
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