Packing a suitcase or backpack usually comes with an internal debate. What to put in and what to leave out. Is it essential, a luxury or something packed for a rainy day but never used? Travellers face even more conflict if they intend to cross different destinations, climates and cultures. Here are a few general tips to make you pack with confidence:
Take stock
Rather than pack in a rush and last minute, take time a few days ahead of the big day. One suggestion is to pack what you want, take it all out, halve it, and re-pack the essentials. But reducing doesn’t mean you can pack even more. Be ruthless.
Get organized
Some of us like to dump clothes and shoes any which way and then think of the consequences when we open up in another country and try to figure out where things are. From the get-go, organize your contents in specific compartments. Roll your clothes rather than lay them out in your case. Or vacuum pack them.
Shoes
You can use shoe bags to prevent the shoes touching clothes. Pack them at the bottom of the case, fill them with socks and undies, and put your clothes on top. Throw in plastic carrier bags if you need to use them to store the shoes safely. Shoes can also be used to fill out corners.
Liquids in a bag
Shampoos, creams, toothpaste and body products should be tightly screwed up and then compartmentalized in a bag to prevent leakage onto any clothes.
Safe and secure
Ensure you take luggage locks with you, remember the lock numbers and place the keys in a safe place. Always keep cash, passport, credit cards and travel documents with you. Gadgets should ideally be kept with you or in your hand luggage.
What next?
Weigh your luggage before you head to the airport, and be mindful of weight restrictions. Never sail too close to the wind on limits as you may well be picking up extra stuff at destinations to bring back. Remember, locations, such as cities, will have shops, so you can buy essentials, clothes, and other items once you are there.
Use hotel services
Taking a travel iron can be bulky and unnecessary. So think ahead and see if you can utilize ironing, dry cleaning or laundry services where you are staying.
Emergency kit
It is always a good idea to pack a sewing kit, tablets or vitamins. Useful in emergencies and a good idea that ensures you won’t be ripped off paying exorbitant prices at airports.
Are you insured?
One item that is often forgotten about is travel insurance. Usually to protect yourself health-wise, do you have insurance if your suitcase goes missing?
Andy Probert is an independent journalist and PR writer. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
