When traveling I’m often amazed to see the number of suitcases I see people checking in – sometimes there’s even more bags than travelers! We’re a family of five and we’ve always traveled with two large suitcases, one for the kids and one for my husband and I. We normally travel for eight days but have also made two bags work for ten day trips to Europe. All it takes is the right bag, some planning and a few little tricks to make it all fit.
There’s definitely a lot to consider when determining what to bring: the type and length of your trip, your itinerary, the weather, the size of your luggage and any weight limits imposed by your mode of transportation. No matter the length of the trip be it a quick weekend getaway or a three-week European tour you’ll need to pack a bag, so here’s some tips:
Use the right suitcase
One of the most important decisions that any traveler can make is what luggage to buy. Bags come in a nearly infinite variety of sizes, materials and prices so how do you know which is right for you. For me, it was travel experience that led me to my favorite suitcases. After having multiple soft sided bags rip during travel I’ve now opted for hard sided cases. I also discovered cases that open like a book, offering a 50/50 split that allow you to easily fill both sides equally. This offers more space and allows you to pack in a way so that everything can be seen in the bag without completely unpacking – this was especially useful for us when staying in multiple apartments on a trip to Italy. I also like that this type of case gives me the option to separate clean from dirty items throughout our stay or for travel home.
What you choose needs to be based on your travel needs. Packing for one, I suggest finding a small carry-on you like. Planning to pull your suitcase through multiple terminals – having good wheels that turn when you need them to is important. You need luggage that’s reliable, practical, easy to maneuver and complies with your airline restrictions.
Keep in mind many bags look similar when on a baggage claim belt so unless you have a very unique bag, make sure you mark or tag your suitcase in a way that it will stand out as yours. We’ve used bright colored ribbons or suitcase specific straps. You’d be shocked at how often people take the wrong stuff at baggage claim!
Make a list and check it twice
As with so many essential life tasks, writing out what you need is never a bad idea. Start by creating a list that includes all of your essentials like toiletries and other items you use on a daily basis. Then, add items customized to the specific needs for your trip. If you start your list a week or so before you leave, you’ll have time to make a complete list, buy anything you need, and minimize the risk of leaving something important behind.
One of the biggest mistakes people can make when packing is to just throw things in a suitcase. By doing this you’ll forget what you already packed and run the risk of forgetting important items and over or under packing. My husband is horrible at packing! He has forgotten a belt and had to use string from our backpack for a nice dinner out and has somehow managed to pack all one color for a whole week’s vacation! I’ve found that if someone in your family is opposed to writing their own list, it’s a good idea to print out your own to share. That person might read it even if it’s only when they’re “done” with packing.
Plan your outfits in advance
There’s nothing more annoying than struggling to stuff everything back into your suitcase at the end of a trip only to realize you didn’t even wear half the clothes you brought. To solve that problem I strictly pack by outfit, not individual items. For example, I’ll take a skirt only if I know I’m bringing a top and shoes that I would wear with it. I also try to limit myself to only a few pairs of shoes that I can wear with multiple outfits.
When choosing outfits be sure to think about the activities on your itinerary and what you see yourself wearing while doing them. If you’ll be spending a week on a sailboat there’s no reason to pack fancy dresses. It’s also important to check the weather for the period of time you’ll be away, make sure to notice both the high and low temperatures as well as precipitation. This can really help to streamline your vacation wardrobe and ensure you’re only bringing things you’ll actually wear.
Roll your clothes and pack vertically
One of the simplest, yet most effective tips to fitting more into your suitcase is to roll your clothing and pack items vertically as opposed to stacked. Although folding clothing may seem to make the most sense, rolling stops wrinkles and really saves space! Occasionally I will even roll whole outfits together. This works especially well for my children, everything is together and while away I don’t have to help to find a particular item to make up an outfit. Not only does this way of packing allow you to save space, but it allows you to be able to take one look and see everything in your bag, which is especially helpful if you’re not planning to completely empty your bag at your destination. This way, you don’t have to take out everything to find the one item you are looking for.
Bring travel sized toiletries
Since TSA rules do not allow large size liquids and gels you’re forced to pack these items in a checked bag. When possible try and bring travel sized items instead. There’s really no reason to bring a full sized bottle of shampoo to wash your hair only a few times. Even if they don’t sell your favorite brand in travel-size bottles (usually 3 ounces), purchase some empty travel-size toiletry containers and make your own. There will still probably be items that you need to bring full size, for example when my family of five goes to the Caribbean we need a few full sized bottles of sunscreen. Just do your best to really evaluate what you’re bringing and if you’ll actually use all or most of it. When placing these items in a suitcase make sure they are completely sealed. I usually place them in ziplock bags just to be safe, there have been a few times this has saved my clothing from sunscreen.
Use all available spaces
Make sure you take advantage of all available spaces! Shoes are hollow inside so, put things inside them. Bikini tops and bra cups can be filled with your underwear. Leave no spot unfilled!
Weigh your bag
Once you think you’re all packed and ready to go, weigh your bag! If you don’t have a fancy luggage scale, just use a regular bathroom scale. It doesn’t have to be exact but it’s good to have a general idea if you’re within your airline’s allotted baggage weight limits. Otherwise, you’ll be paying extra fees or pulling items out in the middle of the airport in an attempt to bring the weight down – we’ve done this, it’s not fun!
Is the bag too heavy? Reconsider some of those packed liquids, can they be moved to carry on? Wear your bulkiest clothing or pair of shoes that is the heaviest and takes up the most space.
What goes in the carry-on?
It’s extremely important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money/credit cards, medications, toiletries, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you. Even if you plan to carry everything on board in a smaller suitcase, there’s still a risk you could have to check your bag at the gate, so be sure your essentials are in a smaller bag you can keep at your seat. When packing my carry-on I always consider – would I have everything I need if my bag were to get lost? If your answer is no, grab those necessary items from the bag you plan to check and put them in your carry-on. Besides the essentials, I always make sure we have an extra pair of underwear or swimsuit (if traveling somewhere warm).
Packing is one of those things that has to be done for a trip but isn’t necessarily fun. Pack early so you’re not stressed out about it and you don’t forget anything. Taking the time to slowly pack and really just bring what you need will pay off in the end. Maybe even have a little pre-vacation fashion show to really get excited for what’s to come!
Take vacations, go as many places as you can. You can always make money, you can’t always make memories.
A sneak peek into my packing process:
