Perfect Packing Tips for Any Trip
Whether you’re taking a 14-day journey through Europe’s most famous cities, setting sail on a weeklong cruise, or planned a weekend getaway, these packing tips and tricks will help make your trip easier.
Give yourself plenty of time to pack. There’s nothing more stressful than waiting until the night before to start packing. Begin making a list of items you’ll need as you think of them, or put your suitcase within your daily view and start filling it with items you’ll want to pack, but don’t need until you leave, such as sunscreen lotion or bug spray.
Make a checklist. Write down your daily itinerary and do a search for the local forecasts of places you’ll be traveling to, to ensure you have the right attire for the changing weather. Compare this list with your wardrobe and create a list of outfits for each day of your trip. Select neutrals and solid colors that can be paired with almost anything. Avoid bold patterns or garments that need special care. Pack staple items – like a classic black t-shirt – that you can wear multiple times during your trip duration.
Power up. Phones make it easy to take photos and upload your adventures for the world to see on social apps like Instagram and Facebook, but your phone’s battery might drain faster than you’d like. Don’t forget to pack spare chargers and a portable battery pack to keep documenting your experiences.
Baggage claim. Label each piece of luggage, both inside and out, with your name and telephone number, as well as alternate phone number where you can be reached while traveling. If you have a common piece of luggage, consider adding a brightly colored ribbon to the handle or zipper to make it easier when claiming your gear. Remove any old claim checks off your baggage to avoid confusion.
Secure travel documents. Keep any important travel documents or medications you need to keep close at hand in your carry-on. Should your baggage be misplaced or lost, you’ll have all of your important items with you. Make a copy of all your documents, like credit cards, passports, airline tickets, and hotel information, and leave the copies with a trusted relative or friend. If your documents or wallet are stolen, you’ll have this information available to cancel credit cards, obtain a temporary passport, and conduct other critical tasks.
