JetSet Packing Tips: Start Packing Light!
We all know the pain of travelling with a lot of luggage. It can be tremendously frustrating to arrive at your destination without the baggage you checked at your departure gate. More people today are learning that the most stress-free way to travel is to rely on hand luggage only.
But be prepared - packing your entire holiday's worth of belongings into the limited hand luggage can be a bit of a challenge!
You Don't Need To Take it All
On your next trip, consider changing the way you pack.
- Make a preliminary list, not of the specific items that you want to bring, but the general items that you need. For example your list may include shorts for playing golf, a dress for dinner, something to wear while sailing, etc.
- Make a specific list ensure that you are co-ordinating shirts with pants and blouses with bottoms. Immediately rule-out any clothes that do not match other items!
- Start rolling-up your clothes rather than folding them. Its easy fold each item in half then simply roll! Not only does this save space, but it can also minimize wrinkling.
- Rather than pack a large amount of different clothes, try focusing on accessories. Different ties or scarves, for example, can change the outfit completely even if the blouse or pants stay the same.
Packing Wrinkle-Free - Is it Possible?
The method that may work best for you when trying to avoid wrinkles is the bundle method. The bundle method works by starting with a core object - a pouch containing socks, for example - and wrapping layers of clothing around it. For example, tailored clothing like jackets, go toward the outer layers of the bundle, while wrinkle-resistant items like shorts and knits go in the interior. Try this and see if your clothing arrives at your destination wrinkle-free!
Minimize the Bulk
Here are some extra space saving tips to help minimize the bulk and allow you to bring as much as possible in your hand luggage.
- Consider items that are made of microfibers, which are not only easy to "squish into tight spaces", but are also wrinkle and stain resistant.
- Pack shoes that will serve many purposes. For men, leather rubber-soled shoes can make the day and night transition. For women, a pair of flip-flops and comfy wedges can serve all casual and chic dressing needs.
Still Not Packed Light Enough?
It's not simply a matter of fitting as much in the bag as possible, you also have to consider the weight of your hand luggage. Here are some heavy items that you may choose to leave at home:
- Your heavy travel guide book. With the excitement of your trip you have likely read this book from front to back - a few times! Save weight in your luggage by photocopying on the essential pages and packing them in a folder.
- Your iron. Don't worry, you won't have to walk around in wrinkled pants all week, just check to make sure that your hotel can provide an iron for you. Similar items such as hair dryers are also often found in hotel suites.
- Souvenirs. Consider shipping your souvenirs home instead of packing them. Not only will this save you time on customs it will also allow you to avoid adding the extra weight to your bags on the return trip.
Remember Security Restrictions
Travelling with only hand luggage has one last challenge - getting through security. If you plan on getting through airport security without any difficulty, consider leaving restricted items at home. These items include firearms, weapons, box-cutters, scissors, lighters, and liquids or fluids of any kind.
You can also speed your security check by placing all allowable items that security may want to check through (toenail clippers, nail files etc.) in a separate plastic bag on the top of your carry-on luggage. This makes them accessible and easy to repack.
< back
|
