Packing for a trip is often overlooked in favour of more obvious travel planning processes like budgeting, flight, accommodation, and travel itinerary that we forget it is an essential aspect and it’s just as important as the others.
We can sometimes get caught up in the excitement, worry or whatever else it is that comes with planning a trip that we end up overlooking and giving no attention to the packing process. Many have the tendency to just wing it and cram their bags full of random and unnecessary items without paying any mind to the little details and extras. The quality of your travel can improve if more thought is put towards packing for your trip. While the packing process can be a stressful or tedious task, there are advantages to doing it right. One of the secrets to a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience is knowing how to pack efficiently, regardless of the duration of your trip, whether it’s a short weekend or a month-long vacation, in a cold or temperate destination.
We have compiled the best packing tips for your next trip!
1. Make a packing list
Making a list of all the essentials you’ll need for your trip is the first step in the packing process. Include your daily essentials and items you’ll need in your travel destination based on the weather and activities you’ll do there. A packing list should take all of them into account. It is preferable to write them down instead of depending on your memory on the day you are to pack. The list will serve as a guide to help you pack efficiently and not forget any useful travel essentials like travel documents, medication, prescription glasses, camera, toiletries, electronics, chargers and adapters.
2. Pack for the weather
It is important to consider the weather conditions and the temperatures to expect at your desired travel destination. If you’ll be travelling to a cold region, ensure to layer up as it can make all the difference in how comfortable or unpleasant your trip will be. Trips to cold regions typically require more layers than warm regions. Layering up is vital when packing for cold travel as it not only lightens your luggage load but also allows you to adapt quickly to changing weather conditions. You can add or shed layers as the weather conditions dictate. For cold regions, pack warm boots and insulated snow shoes that can handle hiking and walking in the snow. Pack thermal clothing that is suitable for winter outdoor activities such as winter coats and gloves, hats, scarves, socks and ski pants. Also when travelling to a cold region, select and pack luggage with treaded wheels that can navigate slippery floors and terrain, so your clothes don’t get wet or soggy.
For warm regions, pack loose-fitting, lightweight, and breathable clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Your choice of footwear also matters. Pack shoes that will help you avoid sweaty feet and make your feet comfortable such as sneakers, loafers, Birkenstocks, sandals, and flip flops.
3. Roll your clothing
This is one packing hack that may sound silly but very effective! Roll your clothing instead of folding them; you'll be surprised at how much space is saved. When you roll together several clothing items it frees up space in your luggage and reduces wrinkles as well.
4. Use packing cubes or compression bags
To avoid removing things from the luggage or scattering them around while trying to locate a specific item, keep your belongings neatly organized and within easy reach by using packing cubes or compression bags. Additionally, it creates more space in your luggage.
5. Use the pillowcase hack
Did you see that trendy TikTok pillowcase packing hack? Well, that’s one creative way to save space in your luggage while taking more clothing with you. The hack is easy: get a pillowcase with a zipper, stuff your clothes in it, zip up and have your new pillow in-hand. Yes, it’s that simple! The fact that pillows are typically not weighed at airports makes this a really smart packing hack.
So that means there’s enough clothing for your trip without exceeding the weight limit, your belongings are packed in your suitcase together with your pillowcase, in addition to having a pillow to lay your head in-flight.
6. Wear your bulkiest clothing when travelling
Wear your bulkiest or heaviest clothing as your airport outfit. Your heavy coats or boots take up more space in your luggage but when you wear them, you not only free up space, you also get to stay warm and comfortable during your flight.
7. Pack versatile clothing items
Get creative and bring along clothes that can be mixed and combined with other items to create various outfits for multiple occasions. Additionally, instead of packing different items or devices that serve different purposes, why not pack just an item that serves multiple purposes such as a 3-in-1 hand warmer with a battery pack and flashlight, a 2-in-1 sunscreen and moisturiser, a 2-in-1 hair straightener and curler, a 2-in-1, a multi tool hair clips, a 2-in-1 beanie hat and flashlight, a 2-in-1 hair dryer and brush, gloves and flashlight. Or rather than bringing multiple wigs, pack a wig that can be styled in different ways.
8. Pack a carry-on
Bring along your carry-on and pack your travel essentials in it. When you have these travel essentials in your carry-on, it makes it easy to access them during your trip, transit delays or lost luggage. It is also recommended to pack a spare outfit and pair of underwear in your carry-on in case you need a change of clothes for long flights, stopovers or lost or misplaced luggage.
9. Do laundry on your trip
For long trips, rather than packing many clothes that’ll last for the whole of your trip, consider using a laundry service or do the laundry yourself. That way, you have clean and fresh clothes to wear for the duration of your stay.
10. Track your luggage
Before you leave for the airport, make sure you take pictures of all your personal belongings in case you need to describe or identify any of them in the event that your luggage is lost, damaged, or misplaced. These photos will also be useful if you decide to file an insurance claim for misplaced or lost luggage. Consider using luggage tracking devices or apps like AirTag and Luggage Tracker apps to keep track and monitor the location of your luggage.
11. Don’t fill your luggage
Be mindful of the weight limit and avoid packing your luggage to the brim. You don’t need to pack your entire wardrobe for a 5 day trip; instead, pack light and give priority to essentials. It can be stressful navigating airport security checks or layovers with heavy luggage.
It is also advisable to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and new purchases at your travel destination. You don’t want to go through the last-minute scramble to accommodate newly bought items into your suitcase or exceed baggage allowance.
12. Buy quality luggage
When you buy good quality luggage, you not only protect your belongings, you enhance your entire travel experience. Purchase functional, sturdy, and durable luggage that suits your travel needs. Choose luggage that’s lightweight and built with good quality and waterproof materials, reliable zippers, strong towing handles, four-wheelers, combination locks and has enough storage space with inside and outside pockets.
13. Pack your gadgets with care
When travelling with fragile electronics like a laptop, game console, or tablet, it's recommended to wrap or cushion them in soft clothing items and pack them in a carry-on that won't be checked in to protect against damage or breakage during airport security checks.