The best packing is simple packing. You don’t have a whole lot of space to deal with, so ask yourself “do I really need this?” before you add it to your suitcase. When in doubt, leave it out.
Unless you are going on an extended vacation, most travelers get by with two small bags or one 24-inch suitcase. While this may seem impossible to some, there are several tricks to make the most of your packing.
How To Choose A Suitcase
While luggage is considered an accessory, be smart about the bags you choose to take on your vacation. That means, the best looking bag isn’t necessarily the most practical. And what works for your traveling companion may not be right for you.
Make sure you can lift your bag if you need to carry it down some steps or store it in an overhead compartment on a train or a plane. Rule of thumb: if you can’t lift the suitcase when it’s empty, you certainly won’t be able to pick it up once it’s filled with your clothes.
Choose a bag with wheels. Almost all kinds come on rollers nowadays, even garment bags. While it’s still a good idea to be able to lift your luggage in a pinch, there’s no reason to break your back trying to carry it all the time.
Before leaving the house, make sure your personal information is on your bag on a luggage tag as well as inside your bag someplace. If your luggage looks a lot like the bags other travelers are carrying, you might want to tie a colorful ribbon onto the handle so you’ll have an easier time spotting it at baggage claim.
Before You Pack
Before you lay out your clothing, research your destination and check out the weather forecast for the period of time you’ll be away. Make sure to include raincoat if you’re going to England and don’t forget the sun hat if your headed to a warm climate. Being aware of your surroundings before you arrive will save you time, money, and upset when you reach your destination.
Consult your travel partners and know what type of clothes you’ll need. For example, will you be expected to dress for dinner? If so, put dresses and sports jackets in garment bags separated by plastic or tissue paper in an effort to avoid wrinkles. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to your accommodations to find out if there are irons available for last minute touch-ups (same goes for hairdryers). Or maybe you’ll learn that the tropical island you’ll be staying on gets chilly at night, so you’ll want at least one light jacket or wrap on hand.