HOW TO PACK AS A PRO

Whether you travel regularly or you’re about to embark on your first ever vacation, we could all afford to learn something to help us pack more efficiently. Packing properly can help you when you’re traveling through your destination but it can also help you get there in a more convenient way and it could even help you save money?

Intrigued? Read on to discover some of the best tips to help you pack like a pro!

Start by making a list.

Making a detailed list might seem like an unnecessary step, but it can help you pack the right amount of things so you’ll have everything you need on your trip. If you have a rough itinerary planned out, go through it day by day and think about everything you need and write it all down. Once you write down everything you need that way, sort the items into lists by category and use that to pack. This can also help you prevent overpacking as you’ll bring everything you need and you’ll notice if there’s something you can use on multiple days.

Pack in a carry-on only to help avoid fees.

While there’s nothing wrong with checking a bag, you can avoid serious fees by packing in a carry on only. Most airlines will allow you one carry-on suitcase and a personal item. For example, you can carry a suitcase and a backpack as your personal item which can also be useful for storing toiletries and electronics. If you avoid checking a bag you will also avoid long lines at baggage claim as you can just grab your things on the plane and walk out of the airport right away when you arrive at your destination.

If you really want to check a bag, consider looking into airline credit cards or looking up the terms of travel credit cards you might already have. Many offer a free checked bag as a perk to their cardholders.

Invest in the perfect suitcase.

If you’re in a position where you have to purchase a suitcase for your trip, you have several things to consider before buying.

Size

Firstly, you need to make sure you buy a suitcase that’s the right size for you. The average airline will require a suitcase to be under 62 linear inches and carry-on suitcases must generally be below 27" x 21" x 14". You can always check with your airline to see if they have different rules but it is wise to stick to these standards as they will apply no matter what airline you choose to fly.

Hard or Soft Shell

The question of whether you should get a soft or hard shell suitcase is one you must answer for yourself because while there are pros and cons to each, there isn’t one that is clearly better. Soft shell suitcases can help with flexibility and often have exterior pockets while hard shell suitcases can help you protect your luggage. Hard shell suitcases are also more popular with companies that offer luggage with built in chargers and other amenities.

Two Wheels or Four Wheels

You will also have to decide between a two-wheeled and a four-wheeled suitcase and while a two-wheeled suitcase is perfectly fine, a four-wheeled suitcase is a far better option. You can roll it through airports easier as you can do so without tilting it like you would with a two-wheel. You can walk with it rolling next to you whereas with a two-wheeled suitcase you’ll have to drag it behind you.

Budget

You will also have to find a suitcase that fits your budget! On average, you can expect to spend about £150 but there are options on either side of that average as well. If you’re planning on traveling more than once or twice it’s a good idea to invest in a durable suitcase that will not fall apart during your trip. You can find second-hand options that come at a lower price and you can often find great options that way.

Don’t go overboard with travel gadgets.

There are a lot of cool travel gadgets out there but you probably don’t need all of them for your trip. Your best bet is to start out with the basic accessories and add to your collection as the need arises. While it’s tempting to buy a lot of what’s out there just in case, items like laundry detergent sheets and capsules of body lotion might be useful if you’re backpacking or something like that, you won’t need to spend money on those if you’re heading to the average hotel.

That said, consider packing cubes.

Packing cubes are often inexpensive and can make a huge difference. They help you keep your items organized in your suitcase and many packing cubes offer a compression element that will allow you to pack more into your suitcase than you would otherwise - which is useful if you’re attempting to travel using only a carry-on!

Pack a reusable water bottle in your carry-on.

This seems simple but it’s something people often forget. Bring an empty resubable water bottle with you and fill it up once you get through security. You’ll be able to avoid having to purchase expensive bottles of water at the airport and you can also use it while you’re traveling.