6 Packing Tips Every Traveler Should Know

One of the many headaches that come with traveling is packing a suitcase but we are here to look at some of the best packing tips every traveler should know.

Packing for your travels can be a tedious and stressful job, especially if you’re planning the ultimate vacation. Aside from the things you need to bring, you also need to consider the luggage guidelines of the region or country you’re visiting. Fortunately, there are ways you can ease this grueling process using a few tricks of the trade.

The most frequent tip you’ve probably heard is to pack light — which you should follow for a handful of good reasons. Bringing fewer items with you means carrying a lighter bag, avoiding expensive baggage fees, and making it easier to keep your belongings in check. Read on to learn more tips to make your packing process a breeze.

This is a contributed post from Bash Sarmiento. Thank you for writing for Share to Inspire blog. This post may also contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks for your support.

1. Make a checklist

Making a checklist is one of the first I hear when it comes to packing tips. Just thinking about the process of packing can be overwhelming, especially with the worry that you might leave something behind. There’s a solution for that: make a list. Creating a catalog of your travel essentials — clothes, shoes, delicates, toiletries, medication, and a play kit if you’re traveling with a child — ensures that you’ll bring everything you need for your trip.

This method will also help you determine if you’re over or underpacking. A handwritten list is the best way to go since you can physically cross off the things you’ve already packed. If writing it down is not your cup of tea, you can use a handy mobile app to make and check your travel inventory.

I prefer pen and paper and I’d like to share this template I personally use to pack my things when I travel.

Making a list can also help save you from trying to remember everything on your own. Plus, it can also save you from the inconvenience of not complying with airline regulations.

For example, can you take makeup on a plane? Well, the answer is yes, but some things need to be clarified, like how many, and in what containers, how much liquid you are allowed, and so on. needs to be in a clear plastic bag and meet certain size requirements. By making a list and doing your research beforehand, you can ensure a stress-free and successful trip.

2. Choose diverse clothing

Going on a long trip means packing different sets of clothes for each day. This statement holds up if your vacation is due to a celebration. To lessen the number of clothes you need to bring, consider opting for wearables that you can easily dress up or down.

Think about the possible combinations you can do with the pieces in your wardrobe and how you can match them with each other for various occasions.

Different sets of jewelry also hold the power to magically transform the same clothing into something new when worn together. Your imagination is the limit when it comes to mixing and matching various clothes and accessories.

3. Pick the right luggage

Picking the right luggage is on our packing tips list too and the best way to pick the right suitcase or bag is by considering your destination. A simple backpack could be the ideal choice if you’re traveling to a city and would have to take public transportation often. On the other hand, a suitcase might be what you need if you’re going on an extended vacation and have a place to store your belongings.

Another thing to consider is the weight of the luggage. A heavier suitcase or bag means double the weight you’ll be carrying once you’ve filled it with your clothes and other travel essentials. That’s why it’s best to opt for a lighter option to make your baggage easier to haul around.

4. Get packing cubes

Packing cubes offer an efficient way to keep your clothes and other travel essentials organized. This type of organizer prevents your things from mixing and makes it easier to find the items you need. What’s more, packing cubes are easy to unpack and are versatile enough to accommodate different travel necessities.

Another benefit of using packing cubes is that you can sort out your dirty laundry from the trip. That way, you don’t have to worry about mixing used clothes with fresh ones and ensure a laundry-free trip.

5. Invest in a toiletry capsule

No one wants to open their luggage and see liquid products spilled all over their clothes and travel items. You can prevent this incident from happening by putting all your liquid essentials in different toiletry capsules.

Having this type of container ensures you can use your favorite hygiene and skincare products, especially if you have a routine to maintain or an indisposition that needs frequent care like severe acne, uneven skin tone, or other skin conditions.

Another benefit of toiletry capsules is that they are reusable. However, keep in mind that this type of container comes in different shapes and sizes, so it’s best to determine the products you need to bring before buying one or a set of toiletry capsules.

Take a look at these packing and travel essentials too.

6. Wear your bulky clothes

Thick pieces like jackets and coats take up a lot of space and make your luggage heavier. To make room in your baggage, opt to wear those garments instead.  Doing so will also make it easier to carry your belongings around and even save on baggage fees if you’re traveling by plane. If you don’t want to wear your coat or jacket while traveling, you can take them off and place them in the overhead bin or on your lap instead.

However, if you do need to pack bulky clothes, place them flat at the bottom of your suitcase to minimize the space they take up.

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What other packing tips can you add?

Learning how to properly pack your travel essentials is important whether you are a frequent traveler or not. Having this knowledge will prevent you from panicking before your trip starts and allow you to have peace of mind while on your vacation. The items on this list are just some of the many helpful tips you can follow to ensure a smooth and trouble-free packing process.

More About the Author

Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle, and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management, and traveling are translated into his works. Connect with Bash on Instagram and Linkedin