8 Packing Tips Every Traveller Should Know
Knowing how to pack efficiently is one of the best travel skills you can have. Whether it’s for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, packing well can make a big difference in how your trip goes.
Usually, the more you travel, the better you get at packing. You can easily assess how you’ll pack for your next trip.
A few of these packing tips are from personal experience and a few I’ve picked up from other seasoned travelers. This list should hopefully make packing easier for you. That way, you can focus on enjoying what matters the most to you during the trip.
Personally, I’m #TeamCarryOn for a lot of my traveling. But these tips are perfect for both light packers and those who believe in packing for every conceivable scenario in their trip.
8 Packing Tips All Travellers Should Know
1. Your bag choice is important
The type of bag and the amount of bags you bring should be appropriate for your trip. Or at least make your trip easier.
When I was headed to Europe for 3 weeks, I packed 2 50lb suitcases and a carry-on. A novice mistake that left me in tears at an enormous flight of stairs in a train station, with no elevator in sight.
While it may be easy to default to your go-to duffel bag or that trusty suitcase in your closet, take the time to see if it will truly work for you during your trip.
Different bags have different features. If you’re a backpack type of person, make sure it’s heavy-duty and can fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you on a plane.
If you like to have the assurance that your bag can still carry everything you need it to after buying a lot of souvenirs, luggage with expandable compartments is a great feature to have.
Figuring out the best bag to bring is a mix of figuring out how long you’ll be on your trip, the mobility you want during that said trip, and the comfortable weight you can push around or carry.
Once you have that figured out, we can go to the next tip.
2. A packing list is necessary
Just as your trip has an itinerary, your luggage needs a packing list.
I’m still very loyal to my 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule. Packing five tops, four bottoms, three dresses and shoes, two bags, and one of each accessory. This works best for a trip that’s 10 days or less.
Aside from your clothes, make sure you have your medication, electronics, documents, and other necessities.
Toiletries such as skincare and sunscreen should also be packed accordingly. You gotta prevent hyperpigmentation even when you’re on vacation. Period underwear is a great thing to have with you whether it’s your time of the month or as a “just in case” thing too.
A packing list not only makes your pre-travel easier but your during and post-travel is less hectic too. You know what you’ve brought. This makes it easier to see if you’ve lost something along the trip or if you need to pick something up like eye drops for dry eyes at the pharmacy.
3. Strategic layers and multipurpose pieces
If you’re going to a place with frequent rain or it can get extra chilly at night, consider being strategic with your layering pieces to save space in your luggage.
Have a neutral-colored jacket that works with everything in your bag or a trusty scarf to bundle you up nice and warm. Dual-purpose garments could also be a great addition to your travel wardrobe.
4. Organization is key
Making sure everything is organized will save you the headache of rummaging through your luggage. Packing cubes are a great way to create individual spaces within your luggage.
Rolling your clothes as opposed to folding them is a more efficient way to use your precious luggage space. Keeping a separate bag for your laundry will also make it so much easier for you during and after your trip. Especially if you are traveling with a baby and need a place to store your multiple outfit changes.
5. Know your airline’s baggage policies
Airlines can get really strict with their policies. Be sure you’re keeping everything TSA-approved as well as airline-approved beforehand.
Anything that could be screened like liquids and electronics should be packed in a way that it’s easy to take in and out of your bags too. This ensures an easier time in the airport.
6. Have a trusty travel scale
One way to make sure you’re abiding by the airline’s baggage policies is by getting yourself a handy-dandy travel scale. You can sometimes get carried away with the packing and find yourself with bags that won’t make it past check-in without having to pay the baggage fees.
Travel scales arent’s all that expensive, either. Coupled with a flexible tape measure to make sure the dimensions of your bag are all good, you can say goodbye to baggage fees.
7. Never check in your valuables and essentials
Losing your checked luggage is an absolute nightmare. While you hope it never happens to you, you can never be too careful with your belongings.
All important documents, money, cards, electronics, jewelry, and other valuables and essentials should be with you in your personal or carry-on bag. Just try to save yourself from the heartbreak and regret.
8. You can always do your laundry during your trip
You may think you’re underpacking but if you follow the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule, you have a ton of great outfit options at your disposal.
With a laundry service nearby, you have a solid capsule travel wardrobe that could last you well over 10 days. Besides, a little outfit repeating shouldn’t stop you from going out there and enjoying your amazing trip.
I have a whole lot more tips for you when it comes to all things travel. I would love to connect with you on Instagram (@briannaglenn). And leave me your packing tips in the comments below!