With summer officially around the corner, that means it's also one of the busiest times of the year for travel. Thus, that means if you're anything like me, you'll be making packing lists and researching all the tips and tricks to pack everything you need for your vacation while being within the 50-pound weight limit, or squeezing everything into that carryon.
But leave the research to me, and continue reading. Here, I have compiled everything I've learned whilst traveling, along with tips and tricks I intend to use on my own future vacations into one place for you to save you a headache, get you all packed up and ready to go on your next adventure. Where are YOU going next?
1. Make a packing list
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Packing-List
It might be pretty obvious to most, but making a packing list is essential to packing for any trip. Not only does it ensure that you will not forget anything, but it also helps with prioritizing, and packing exactly what you need to be below those weight limits and size restrictions.
2. Put your outfits together first
http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/06/how-to-have-a-sucessful-road-trip-with-young-children-be-organized-when-packing.html
Planning outfits ahead of time prevents from the chronic over-packing habit that we all subconsciously have.
3. Pack neutral colors
https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/packing-tips-for-carry-on-suitcases-from-flight-attendants/
Packing neutral colors makes matching outfits on vacation so much easier. So if you don't have the time to plan outfits out ahead of time, packing neutrals is your next best option!
4. Roll your clothes
https://getaway.10best.com/12783059/how-to-roll-clothes-for-packing
This one is a rule followed by every seasoned travel... ROLL YOUR CLOTHES. Not only does it make packing easier, but it allows you to fit more clothes into your suitcase in a smaller amount of space. Meaning, you can probably fit everything into that carry on!
5. Use binder clips to your advantage
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/560768591075513595/
Binder clips are your friend while you're traveling. Not only do they protect you from things like the sharp blades of your razor, but they also keep headphones tangle free and just overall help you organize your suitcase that much more!
6. Use a dryer sheet
https://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/travel/29-packing-tips-tricks-every-traveler-should-know
This one might sound a bit crazy, but especially once you have dirty clothes in your suitcase, you'll be wishing you packed that dryer sheet. Not only does it keep your clothes smelling fresh on the way to your trip, but it also helps hide the dirty clothes odor on the trip home.
7. Pack a laundry bag
http://www.hashtagbylily.com/traveling-kikkerland-american-tourister/kikkerland-map-laundry-bag/
Another one that many people overlook because it essentially "takes up space". However, personally, once I sweat in something all day, I definitely do not want it living anywhere near my nice clean clothes. I'd much rather have it in a separate bag all on its own. This also helps with any additional odors if dryer sheets aren't used!
8. Utilize the space in your carry on
With most airlines, carry on items are free. Or if anything—— much cheaper than checking a bag. So use that option to your advantage! You can't fit something in your suitcase? Is it a liquid? If it's not, throw it in your carry on! Personally I always try to make sure I have at least one outfit in my carry on, as well as some smaller toiletries for the sole chance of the airline possibly losing my luggage. Better safe than sorry!
9. Pack liquids/toiletries in a Ziploc bag
https://travel-made-simple.com/packing-light-checked-luggage/
Nothing is worse than opening up your suitcase after a long flight and finding that your shampoo exploded all over your clothes. So take the initiative and put any liquids you want to travel with in a ziplock or plastic bag. That way, if something is to explode, it explodes inside the bag and not over all your clothes. Same thing goes for toiletries, no one wants a suitcase covered in toothpaste!
10. Use shower caps for your shoes
https://www.onecrazyhouse.com/ways-to-use-shower-caps/Packing shoes in a suitcase has always been a weird thing for me. I hate the idea of the dirty bottoms of my shoes touching all of my clean clothes— so to help with that, I put my shoes inside shower caps! This way the bottoms of my shoes are not physically touching anything besides the inside of the hair cap, and my clean clothes aren't getting all dirty!
11. Use packing cubes
https://www.chiletravel.website/product/packing-cubes-travel-organizing-bags/
Now, if you're a serious overpacking culprit, there are things like packing cubes to help with that! They help with organizing and downsizing even the worst overpacker!
12. Research ahead of time
https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht207492
Nothing is worse than getting to your destination with a suitcase full of shorts and bathing suits to only find that the temperature and weather is nothing to what you expected. So research ahead of time! Nothing is worse than being unprepared on vacation-- so even if that means packing a sweater and a pair of jeans, make sure you check the weather before boarding the plane!
13. Get a passport wallet
https://www.amazon.com/Passport-ACdream-Protective-Premium-Blocking/dp/B06X3X2GPD
And last but not least, if you are traveling internationally, I highly suggest a passport wallet. It might sound "extra" but honestly, it's a lifesaver. Because now, you can keep everything-- including your passport, credit cards, money, and boarding pass all in one place! Which if you're anything like me, minimizes your chances of misplacing any important documents.
