Packing for travel is an art, but few give a thought to planning what to take on the trip. Many pack too much, cramming the case with unnecessary clothes and toiletries.
Packing for travel is a practiced art. Deciding what is essential for that holiday or business trip is down to experience and to careful planning. And it is never too early to start thinking of what to take. It should start from the time you book the plane ticket or buy the cruise.
Make a Packing List
First write down everything that is considered necessary, write it on paper and keep it by your case. As you think about the destination and what the holiday or business trip involves amend the list accordingly taking out what is not necessary or including items overlooked at first writing.
A list acts as a good check list and if pressed for time then it will act as a good memory jogger.
Think of the culture of the destination. Will the plunging neck line cause offence to your hosts? Is a business suit needed for the trip or is the prevailing culture more relaxed about business attire?
Do not pack the night before or just before leaving home, start at least two or three days before departure. Even if you don’t fill a suitcase until the night before at least put clothes and items aside ready to pack when the time comes.
Don't Pack too Much
If the case looks like a marshmallow so that everything has to be squashed tightly and secured with a strap or bungee rope then there may be a chance you will lose some things. If a security checker can not close the case after security inspection then the chances are that something will have to be left behind.
Reclaiming Baggage
Most cases look the same, a dull black or grey, sometimes a muddy brown. Stick a ribbon of colourful duct tape to the case, or have a distinctive strap, tie coloured ribbon or string to the handle, or use an oversized luggage tag with a contrasting colour. Decorate the outside with sticky flags of countries visited, or be different and buy a brightly coloured or patterned case.
Identify the luggage
Write on a piece of A4 (letter-sized) or larger paper in large block capitals the destination address and the home address and place it prominently on the inside of the case. If it is lost and needs to be opened by the airline it will be easy for them to forward the case.
Toiletries
Shampoo, soap, tooth paste, hair gel, perfume, sun screen, moisturisers are heavy items and can not be placed in carry on luggage. Keep them to the minimum. They can be bought at your destination and hotels will provide basic necessities anyway. If taking toiletries pack them in travel-size bottles and put them in waterproof zip lock bags.
Unless attending a formal occasion or a business meeting keep the wardrobe to clothes that can be mixed and matched and in neutral colours. Blue, black, navy or beige are always functional. Wear them more than once and dress up with cheap accessories like brooches, pins, necklaces, or scarves and belts.
Pack a few quick drying clothes and wash them in the shower or hand wash basin.
The ideal of successful packing is economy of space, use every inch of available space to reach every corner of the case without wasting any nook and cranny.
The best way to achieve this, roll as many clothes as possible or layer them into the middle of the case and then fold one upon the other; folding the arms and legs over each other and then pack into a lightweight inner shirt case.
Reading Material
Books are heavy and unless necessary should be left at home. Relevant guide book pages can be photocopied or even removed from the book and taken in the carry on case.
The ideal of packing for a holiday or business trip is to be economical and organised. Packing only essential items and clothes will lighten the load and ensure there is room for small souvenirs to take back home.
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