When it comes down to packing for a journey (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait till the last minute? Put off investigating what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? You get distracted easily, or have young kids that need attention? It happens to most of us! On one hand, if you under-pack your stuff, you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of acquiring strong baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir.
When it comes down to packing for a journey (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait till the last minute? Put off investigating what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? You get distracted easily, or have young kids that need attention? It happens to most of us! On one hand, if you under-pack your stuff, you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of acquiring strong baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir. If you forget the necessary travel document, you could even miss your trip altogether! We get stressed just thinking about it!
That’s why we are bringing you a guide full of packing tips and tricks, reminders for to-do around the house before you leave.
Essentials:
Travel Documents:
1. Photo ID/Driver's license
2. Passport/visa
3. Boarding passes
4. Confirmation receipts (hotel, train tickets)
5. Emergency documents (emergency contact list)
Funds:
1. Wallet
2. Credit card
3. Cash
Personal Comfort:
1. Neck Pillow
2. Warm layer (shawl, sweater)
3. Warm socks
4. Eye masks
5. Headphones
6. Book
7. Water bottle
8. Snacks
Electronics:
1.Laptop
2.iPad
3.Camera
4.All chargers
5.Adapters
Toiletries:
1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
2. Body wash
3. Facewash
4. Deodorant
5. Eye drops
6. Shampoo
Health and Beauty:
1. Basic medicines (headache, stomach pain, pain killers)
2. Basic first aid
3. Vitamins
4. Sunscreens
5. Hair products (gel, cream)
6. Hair tools (dryer, straightener)
7. Hairpins
8. Makeup
9. Perfume
Accessories:
1. Sunglasses
2. Watch
3. Jewellery
4. Belts
5. Scarf
6. Hat
7. Purses
8. Umbrella
Clothing:
1. Tops
2. Jeans
3. Pants
4. T-Shirts
5. Shorts
6. Dresses
7. Skirts
Shoes:
1. Flats
2. Sport shoes
3. Slippers
4. Heels
General Packing Tips & Tricks
Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet…
Check the weather at your destination: This seems natural, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck travelling in the wet season without a raincoat.
Note how many days/nights you will be on. This will help you decide the number of basic outfits. Obviously, how often you prefer to wear the same clothes plays a role in this as well.
Note any special activities/events you may participate in. Travelling for an anniversary or birthday? You don’t want to forget that honest gift you bought weeks in advance. Going to a wedding? It’d be an embarrassment if you showed up without your suit.
Make a packing list early and correct it at least twice. (Yes, twice.) You can easily find printable vacation packing lists online, or you can write out your own. There are also a number of apps you can use if you prefer something more tech-based. Timing is important here. If you write things down or review your printed list in advance, it gives you the opportunity to take a second look with a cool mind. All too often you’ll remember something you didn’t yesterday when your mind was thinking about pizza instead of packing. If you’re printing a list that’s not trip specific, review it first and quickly cross off items you won’t need. Why put a winter coat to the beach?
Take items you can grasp at your destination off the list. If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on, this tip is especially great as it will save space (at least for your outgoing journey!). Most times when travelling, your hotel will provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.; why waste space gathering them? If you’re a little picky about your toiletries or you’re not living at a hotel, you’ll probably still find a store where you can buy anything you might need.
Purchase travel-sized toiletries if you plan on bringing your own. Remember regulations for the number of liquids you can take in a carry-on for a flight. You’ll want travel-sized containers if you plan on taking liquids this way. Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed for more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo for a weekend trip? Cutting it will save you room for other important items.
Choose the right luggage. Yes, different airlines have different limitations on sizes for carry-on’s and checked bags but stick to some general guidelines and you should be safe. For carry-ons, you’re generally allowed at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in. For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max extended dimensions. However, be sure to check the airline you’re flying with the previous before packing, as some can be stingy! You also want to seriously think about the type of bag you like travelling with – shoulder bag, backpack, roller bag, hard-shell, soft-shell, etc. There are surely loads of options so just remember, your bag shouldn’t emphasize you out, it should make travelling more comfortable!
When you’ve done your preparation and you’re almost ready to pack:
1. Essentials first: Collect your most important items first. This includes all travel papers such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc. This also includes anything you’ll severely regret forgetting and can’t purchase while travelling: wallet, credit cards, camera, mobile phone, etc. This being said, there are a number of apps that can assist with itinerary management and reduce the number of printed documents you’ll need to carry.
2. Choose a properly sized suitcase: If you only have 1 bag, then you’re set. If you’ve got more options, attempt to use the shorter one – most people tend to over pack when their suitcase is too big for their trip. You don’t really need an additional sweater, 2 more t-shirts, and another pair of boots just because they fit! Plus, your baggage will be a lot more accessible to handle if it’s smaller and thinner, which will cut your stress level accordingly.
3. Lay everything out: Laying all of your items out allows you to decide outfits and account for your days/nights away. When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing things easier. This also involves shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc. Dividing items into sections based on where they’ll be packed is also important. Lastly, don’t forget to layout your plane/travel day outfit and include it with your other pieces.
4. Pick simple mix-and-match items to prevent over packing: In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make various outfits. Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweater, coat, or cardigan) can make up to 24 various outfits? Depending on the reason for your trip, you might need to pack a particular item that can only be worn once (suit, bridesmaid dress, etc.), but try to keep these to a minimum! This step is the key if you’re squeezed for space.
5. Put stuff back: Once you’ve laid out all your items, really think about the number of days you’ll be on your trip. Chances are you could stand to put a few items back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently. Remember, no one wants to pay a price for overweight baggage or lug around extra clothes for no reason!
TravelAussie, your best travelling partner, will guide you for your next trip around the globe. Whatever you need either a cheap international flights booking online, all inclusive family holiday packages or hotel booking for your next destination, we are here to help you in all the possible ways. Just make a call at 0478 663 304 | 02 9188 6455 or visit Travelaussie.com.
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