Travel packing can be a chore or it can be the start of your next holiday. For me, it is a unique feeling that always gets me excited.
Feelings of excitement and nerves along with the ‘what have I forgotten’ moment (you will check your passport at least twice) can make your final preparations feel rushed.
When my family and I travelled the globe for nine months, packing the right gear, the right way, saved us loads of time and headaches.
Here are my top fifteen travel packing tips for your next trip.
Start with a List
It sounds simple but start with a list. Take the time to write everything down that you will need, well in advance. Think of the weather and start with clothes, go from head to bottom. Move onto your bedroom and personal accessories, then move onto bathroom, entertainment etc.
By doing it this way you are far less likely to forget anything important. If you are frantically tossing anything within sight into your bag, you are bound to forget something.
Get it all written down until you end up with a list that will probably be as long as your arm.
The list is your starting point. Then…
Cut it in Half
Be ruthless.
Do you really need that third pair of shoes or that second pair of jeans? You probably don’t. Go through this list again and separate the ‘must haves’ (by this I mean what will ruin your holiday if you don’t have it) to the ‘might be nice to haves’ (that second pair of jeans or trainers).
If you have done this properly, your list will now be significantly shorter. Now, lets move on to the practical side of travel packing and what I recommend should be on your list.
Make your Suitcases and Bags Stand Out!
A couple of things here.
Either buy luggage that stands out from the crowd or at least put some stickers or coloured tape on your bags to make them instantly recognisable. My black bag looked like dozens of others on the same flights. By covering it in random stickers from my travels, I could spot mine a mile away.
One other small tip sometimes works as well. Stick a big ‘fragile’ sticker on your luggage. Often this bag will go on top in the luggage hold and therefore comes out first.
Roll Your Clothes
Don’t fold. Roll your clothes. Not only do you save loads of space this way but rolling also helps with creases. Creases that you don’t want to be dealing with on your holiday..
Use Travel Containers
Small travel sized containers are perfect for packing liquids and other small loose items. Everything from shampoo to mouthwash or even vitamins can be stashed in small tubs or bottles. They fit easily into most toiletry bags and are easily secured to prevent leaking.
Take Your Old Clothes on Holiday
We all have clothes that we have often thought about replacing.
On your next holiday, think about taking your old wardrobe with you. Wear it out on your holiday before ditching your old clothes and replacing it with your new scrubs that you can’t wait to wear at home!
I’ve done this a couple of times now and it works a treat. Not only do I get the added benefit of a new wardrobe, I can do so without the stress of trying to take home an overflowing suitcase.
Take No More Than Four Changes of Clothing
That’s right. Only four.
If you feel you need any more than that then revisit packing tip #2.
Any spare room in our cases was a luxury for my young family for nine months. I thought four changes of clothes was cutting it fine. In the end, it was more than enough.
Take Practical Multi-Functional Clothing
Think low-maintenance and comfortable.
Clothing that can be worn both to the beach and dinner. Shoes that can be worn around the streets, the hotel or the campsite.
Items that require ironing, or careful handling are just annoying and take you away from what you should be doing on holiday. That is relaxing and having a good time.
Stuff your Socks and Underwear
Your shoes are one of the bulkiest items to pack.
Be smart with that room and stuff your shoes with your socks and underwear. You will be surprised how much stuff you can fit in in your spare shoes. Give it a try.
We stuffed everything from toy cars, to snacks alongside our socks and underwear.
Get creative.
Wear Layers on the Plane
Planes can be pretty chilly places right? So, layer up and take advantage of that!
Take that bigger jacket with you, even if you just have it over your shoulders. As long as you don’t go overboard and look like the michelin man by wearing half your wardrobe, you won’t get a sideways look!
Be smart and wear your heaviest or bulkiest clothing and you will be surprised how much space you create.
It isn’t just about your clothes either. Think about your shoes. I take my hiking boots wherever I go. My boots are not only heavy but take up loads of room, they have been part of my flight wardrobe for years.
Use a Packing System
Using a travel packing system when you travel is the ultimate packing hack.
By organising your cases and bags the same way, you know where everything is, where it goes and if anything is missing.
For years I would frantically turn my bags inside out looking for items I thought (or had) lost. By using a system, not only are you more organised but you save literally hours over the course of a long trip.
Buy a Travel Towel
Leave your bathroom and beach towels at home.
Not only do they take up way too much room, they also require drying and cleaning.
Instead, go and get yourself a microfibre travel towel. You can pick one up for no more than $10.00 in most department stores or outdoor shops.
They are durable, roll up into the size of a pair of socks and fast drying. Travel towels have a different feel to them but for practical use on holiday there is no better option.
Put One Change of Clothes in your Carry-On
Despite years of travel, I’ve been lucky enough not to have the misfortune of having my bags lost in route to my destination.
I figure it is just a matter of time however, for this reason I always pack a single change of clothes in my carry-on. Many travellers I know have said it is a lifesaver for that time when your bags go astray.
It happens all the time and for the sake of a couple of items of clothing stuffed in your bag you will be glad you did if your bag doesn’t show up as planned.
Essential Carry-On Items
The following items are my non-negotiables. In no particular order take:
- Pens
- Ear Plugs
- Eye mask
- Neck Pillow
- Empty Water Bottle
Take a Photo of your Luggage Before you Leave
My last tip is one of the most important.
If anything was to go awry on your holiday with your belongings, either in transit or at destination, you will be glad you took a photo of your gear. For lost luggage and insurance purposes the few seconds it takes to snap a couple of pictures, it will potentially save you hours of hassle in the event of anything going wrong.
Summary
So there you have it. My fifteen top packing tips for you big trip.
In reality, there are hundreds of packing hacks out there. These ones worked for us, I hope you can find them useful.
Tell me your favourite packing tips in the comments below.
Loved all the travel tips Marc, especially the one on packing things into your spare shoes and socks.
Keep them coming bro.