Packing

by bojana · Published December 2, 2017 · Updated April 5, 2018

Packing for the trip is not easy as it seems! It is very important to explore the destination you will visit. In that case, packing will be easier. So read carefully this little guide which will help you to pack everything that you need. So let’s start! First…

Before start packing – make a list

Ok, you probably hear this before and it is possible to sound a little boring, but idiot-proof lists are the gateway to a stress-free holiday. Because of that separate your essentials from your desirables, and be realistic with your luggage limitations. So if you need list inspiration – the following might be a good place to start…

Don’t forget the first aid kit

You never know what can happen on your trip, so it important to prepare just a small bag with the most necessary pills and medicine you might need. Nobody wants to suffer a punishing headache, upset stomach high-climate fever, or all three during a holiday.

You have to understand that you will find in another country and that maybe medicine may be limited to prescription only. So bring them on the board, especially allergy meds and asthma remedies.

Limit your liquids

When you fly you can only take liquids in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 milliliters each. Also, it these containers should be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one liter capacity per passenger. You must know that is only allowed to bringing liquids in smaller quantities, or if you really needed medicines or baby food. Other liquids must be packed in the checked baggage.

So what are considered liquids?

Liquids include water and other drinks, syrups, soups, lotions and oils, creams, sprays, perfumes, gels, including hair and shower gels, contents of pressurized containers, including shaving foam, other foams, and deodorant, pastes – including toothpaste, liquid-solid mixture mascara and any other item of similar consistency.

Name tags are there to help

Suitcases come with name tags fitted as standard, so it is important to fill them in just in case you – or the airline – lose your luggage!

Observe restrictions on baggage

DON’T OVERSTUFFING YOUR SUITCASE!!!

Be informed about baggage allowances, because each airline and tour operator sets its own, depending on various factors such as fare paid, class of travel, route, aircraft type, regulations and etc…

So be careful!!!

Weigh your bags before you get to the airport and make sure you are within the restrictions, to avoid having to repack or remove items in the queue. So if your airline says: “23 kg”, then they mean 23kg!!!

We’ve all tried to squeeze that extra clothes in the already overstuffed suitcase. But be reasonable the restrictions are there for a reason, and that reason is your safety. Which reminds us…

Unusual or outsize baggage

Please inform your airline or handling agent about any outsize or unusual items of baggage well in advance of departure.

Also!!!!

Save bag space for all your holiday purchases

Doesn’t matter whether you are traveling during the holidays or not, always leave enough space in your suitcase, it’s inevitable that you’ll be bringing more back home with you than when you left – so make sure you have room for it!

Skip the shoes

How to solve the problem of the biggest and most frustrating item of luggage?

First, decide how long your journey will be, but we’d suggest that three pairs are a reasonable average for a 1-2 week getaway. Versatility is important, so bring a pair of shoes for every realistic occasion of your trip.

Also wear your most cumbersome pair on the plane – plus, stuff your socks in the rest – and you’ll save even more space.

Cosmetics – at a minimum!

Be realistic, you are not planning a trip to the desert island, so it ’s likely that you’ll be able to pick up popular shampoo or sun lotion brands in almost any corner of the world. If you really can’t live without your favorite face cream, try to take only as much as you’ll need for your trip and nothing more. This will help you to save extra luggage room for your trip back home.

Keep on rolling…

This will help you to save some much-needed suitcase space and to reduce those pesky wrinkles and creases in your gear.

All valuables go in hand luggage

This is golden rules, keeps all the values in the hand luggage!

It’s rare that airlines lose luggage these days, but still can happen, so why take the risk? Stay safe and secure all your expensive luxuries – from your camera to your diamond engagement ring – in hand luggage.

Pack all-rounder fashions, not eccentric statement pieces

Pack great all-rounder attire and a classy evening outfit. But be smart leave those outlandish statement pieces for a night out at home. You don’t need a costume or eccentric statement pieces so carefully plan your trips and clothes!!!

Be delicate with your delicates

You need to pay special attention to fragile things. So if you have to pack any plates or glass goods, wrapping them in bubble wrap or in-between clothes and putting them right in the middle of your case. This is the safest way to make sure they arrive with you in one piece.

Categorize your clothes

Pack clothes in groups: that means pants with pants, shirts with shirts. It will be easier to find what you need and unpack on the other side.

Pack a mini closet in your hand luggage

In case of your luggage being lost in an airplane mix-up, it’s always a nice idea to add a clean set of underwear and a garment in your carry-on bag,

Check the weather, don’t predict it

Weather can be your best friend or biggest foe. Meteorologists will always give you the best idea of what weather to expect on your holiday. Check the weather before you fly and pack accordingly. That can save you room for that trusty pack-a-mac or umbrella you hope you’ll never have to use.

Towels?

Towels? Take a lot of space in the suitcase, right? Before you start packing, check if your accommodations will be providing them (they probably will) and pack accordingly

Strip at airport security

Do you travel with a laptop or tablet device? If so, be prepared to present your gadgets to the friendly security staff too.

Also, it’s possible that you’ll be asked to undress a bit as you go through to the terminal. You may have to take off your shoes, belts, and jackets off, and remove any jewelry or metal goods.

Cash.

It’s always good to have some cash with you!

Don’t leave home without the essentials

OK, you probably hear this before, but it’s important to check things twice (or as needed). Because the last thing you want is to go on a journey without, without these necessities, you won’t be heading anywhere but home. So when you start packing check and check again that you have your monies, a valid passport and – for the sake of your holiday companions – a toothbrush. Keep these all on hand and then you’ll be able to remember the most important thing…

All your travel paperwork.
I have all my travel information in Dropbox but I take paper copies with me as well.
- Hotel confirmations.
- Flight information.
- Passport and visas as necessary.

Technology

Global plugin adapter with USB ports.
e-reader – Kindle, iPad (whatever you use)
Journal and pen
Phone and charger
Camera and charger – To be honest, as of my last trip, I’m cutting this from my personal list. Phone images are getting so good that I hardly ever pull out my DSLR. I’m switching this for my Go-Pro which I find convenient and used a lot on that trip.
Go-Pro. I love this tiny, little video camera and they’ve become so affordable.
Computer and ac adapter if you’re so inclined.

Photo by Free For Commercial Use (FFC)