Do you typically spend the whole day before your Winter Vacay packing, and then you still forget the most important items? If you follow these tips, the upcoming holidays your baggage will be the last of your problems!
1. Make an items list. Just list the things you are going to use. Actually make 2 lists, one for the carry-on and another for your checked suitcase. Memory loss no more!
2. Roll your clothes. You don’t need to be a backpacker to know this, yet many people still don’t. Roll away! Tightly fold back the sleeves and roll from the bottom up. They take up less space than folded ones, with the exception of jeans. Always fold those.
3. Use shoe bags. They keep the dirt off of the rest of your belongings.
4. If you stuff your bag, don’t forget to check your bags weight and consider airline baggage fees. Usually it’s cheaper to pay an extra bag at the airport than paying for an overweight one.
5. Start packing the things you’ll need the least. Those things can go in the bottom of your suitcase because you want to have access to the ones you use most frequently in case you need them in the middle of the trip.
6. When packing liquids, remember to use containers of 3.4 ounces or less in your carry-on. That way you are following the Transportation Security Administration guidelines, and they won’t take your bottles away or make you wait and check them. Anything bigger should go in your checked suitcase.
7. When packing liquids, save weight and space by repackaging them in smaller containers. Finally, place all your liquids in a sealed plastic bag, just in case one of them leaks.
8. Wash your clothes on the road. Finding a laundry at your destination will save you weight and space in your bag.
9. Bring your essential belongings in your carry-on. You should always have these with you on the plane: passports, ID, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, expensive items, etc.
10. Last but not least, leave some space for souvenirs and gifts. You don’t want to have to buy another suitcase for your way back!
What is your favorite holiday packing tip?
Written by Pol Smith
