travel tips | first in a series: 7 packing tips | since being a baby, I've had the great fortune to travel often and far. friends ask for recommendations on how to be a better traveler - I decided to start documenting | questions for me? leave it in the comments! | I hope this brings added value to already-experienced travelers!
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| go for unique colors, like gold |
First & foremost: the ultimate secret to traveling light is to develop a SINGLE, highly refined, PERSONAL packing list that addresses every possible occasion. If your trip doesn't require malaria meds or a ski jacket - you simply don't need to check those items off the list. No list --> adding extra items you absolutely don't need.
1. Pack as if your suitcase won't arrive with you.
- Make sure you have in your carry-on (a) a full change of clothes (b) basic toiletries (c) any important documents, phone numbers, addresses (d) chargers for your electronics
2. Make your suitcase stand out from the rest.
- Almost everyone has a black, wheeled suitcase. Either buy a distinctive-colored case or tie a ribbon on it, use a colorful strap, etc. It will be easier for you to spot it & greatly decrease the possibility that someone will accidentally walk off with it
3. Check with the airline for weight/size restrictions for carry-on luggage.
- Seriously - check. Some airlines restrict the size more than what is laid out in international standards, especially budget airlines
- A workaround that almost always works for me: check in online and go straight to security. It's not foolproof but security isn't going to put your bag on a scale and put a tape measure to it
4. Verify the expiration date of your passport!
- Not exactly a packing item, but so so important
- You MUST have 6+ months validity left
- I've heard countless horror stories of travelers arriving at their destination only to be turned around at customs, and their passports were still technically valid
5. A few unexpectedly helpful extras...
- A foldaway bag, such as a duffle or Longchamp shopping tote. Great for day trips or extra luggage space when heading home
- A pillowcase and sheet. Sometimes you just end up in less-than-ideal places and clean linens actually allow you to sleep
- Traveler's clothesline, powder detergent, universal sink stopper. If suitcase space is a premium, trust me: three changes of undergarments & socks will take you anywhere in the world
6. Pack carefully when leaving your hotel.
- You might feel silly doing a final check of all drawers, closets, and piles of bedding - but it's worth a look
- As much as I've lived out of a suitcase, on two separate occasions now I have left (predictably) very expensive items in the closet - thank goodness for express mail & honest housekeepers
7. Wrinkle-free clothing upon arrival isn't a pipe dream!
- Freezer bags: I've been doing this for years and it works. Pack an item or two into a gallon bag and as you seal it, press all the air out. It has a similar effect to vacuum sealing, reduces how much space your clothes require, and if you're in a tropical environment, it decreases the likelihood of little tropical bugs setting up shop in unexpected places
- Bundling: wrap clothes around a core object such as small pouches (like a toiletries kit) - this avoids the folds that result in creasing. Create tension as well - place easily rumpled items like jackets & shirts closer to the luggage perimeter and items like sweaters and knits closer to the center. Use the straps inside the suitcase to prevent shifting
