Published 11.20.23 – By Clara Ferance
We all agree that traveling is the best. Packing on the other hand? Not so much. With so many holidays, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s right around the corner, there are a lot of exciting opportunities to visit family…but taking a trip also comes with the stressful chore of packing your bags. To some, it’s the most overwhelming part of the process: there’s always a bit of anxiety that you’re forgetting something, or maybe you’re just trying to make sure all your items fit in one suitcase.
Whether you’re an occasional traveler or frequent flyer, don’t stress! Rosedale Travel is sharing our top packing tips that will get your luggage ready to go for the smoothest journey.
- Make a packing list.
Do a little research and planning first before you begin choosing your outfits. Subscribing to our travel newsletter is a great way to follow the latest travel trends and learn about hidden gems. How long is your trip going to be? What’s the weather like at your destination? When it comes to clothes, always bring a variety of weight: for colder climates, a long sleeved jacket; for a warmer climate, lighter, breathable materials. Include dressy clothing or special use items (swimsuits, flip flops, hiking gear, etc.) As your packing list grows, make sure to ask yourself if an item is truly necessary – you don’t want to overpack!
- Know your airline requirements.
If you’re flying, measure and weigh your luggage to ensure it’s within parameters. There are plenty of airline regulations that you’ll need to be aware of ahead of time, especially when it comes to checked bags vs. carry-ons. For example, carry-ons require liquid toiletries to be under a certain size (fluid ounce) and stored in a ziplock bag. Luckily for those traveling by car, there’s no suitcase limitations!
- How to pack: roll, don’t fold.
It saves a lot more space when you roll up your clothes and pack them vertically. If you’re worried about wrinkling certain items, and don’t have access to an iron, try to pack outfits from materials that don’t tend to wrinkle such as polyester, denim, and rayon. Pro tip: athletic wear is comfy and typically wrinkle-proof! Heavy items (i.e. shoes) go on the bottom, so you don’t crush lighter, more delicate possessions. Wear the thickest, bulkiest clothing to the airport.
- Separate your toiletries.
Whether you’re traveling by car or by plane, it’s so much easier to find all of these small, yet crucial toiletry items if already organized into their own bag. Plus, in case they pressurize during a flight, your shampoo won’t explode all over your nice clothes.
- Keep your essential items close by.
Special medications, jewelry, and other important personal belongings should be easily accessible within a moment’s notice. You’ll want to create some room in your purse or handbag to store these during the trip to keep them as close as possible to your person.
- Bring a “day trip” bag.
It may sound like a no-brainer, but a small drawstring bag or similar container is perfect to have on hand when you’re on-the-go exploring a new city! It’s great for holding a water bottle, snacks, groceries, or even souvenirs you’ve bought throughout the day.
- Think ahead.
When you’re packing your clothes, try to imagine what you’ll need first when you land. Underwear, socks, deodorant? Yes, most definitely. If you plan in advance, you’ll have that cute outfit you wanted to wear tomorrow nestled right on top! We also recommend bringing plastic bags to isolate wet swimsuits or dirty clothes.
- Pack emergency supplies.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, having a first aid kit is a good thing to have around. For international travelers, bring extra over-the-counter medicines with you in case you’re visiting another country and aren’t familiar with their pharmaceutical laws. You never know when a bandage, antibiotic ointment, or EpiPen may be needed, so it’s better to err on the safe side and stay adequately equipped for an emergency.
- Coordinate with fellow travelers.
If you’re traveling in a group, it may be advantageous to supplement each others’ packing lists. Double check with one another on any items they might have missed. Having trouble fitting everything into one suitcase? Ask your spouse, friend, or family member to help you by moving a few items into their bag. It’ll help to maximize space and you can also share certain items with the whole group (assign someone to bring a powerful hair dryer!)
- Review and recheck.
Before you head to the airport or start up the car, do a comprehensive check of your packing list (don’t forget your phone chargers!) to make sure each of your bags contains everything you need. We suggest printing your boarding passes, travel itinerary, and other vital documents to have a hard copy with you…just in case.
Effective packing is a fundamental skill for any traveler, whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or organizing a family excursion. Remember these travel packing hacks this holiday season so you can learn how to pack smart for complete peace of mind before the start of your journey. And if you need additional assistance, just ask our Rosedale Travel team for extra travel tips & tricks. When you schedule a consultation with us, we’ll guide you through every detail of your next trip. Safe travels!
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