Six Essential Packing Tips For Every Trip

Just a little preparation can save you from forgetting essential items at home or being surprised when plans unexpectedly change during a trip. Here are six packing tips to help make packing smarter and lighter.

Use math. McAlpin suggests packing three tops to one bottom and three pairs of shoes per trip for optimal space utilization. She further advises tightly rolling clothes in order to maximize capacity.

1. Keep it simple

No matter your packing style – be it overpacker or minimalist – less is always more when it comes to planning a trip. Take only what’s necessary and try selecting items that coordinate when worn together (for instance black leggings with brightly-colored shirt). Choose fabrics that dry quickly without creasing too easily; for cold climate travel consider layering outfits so you can quickly adapt when the temperature changes.

To be more organized, invest in compression packing cubes and a hanging bathroom organizer so your items remain easily organized and accessible. A reusable laundry bag may also prove helpful for keeping dirty laundry separate and organized. Don’t forget bringing along a lightweight luggage tag where you can write your name so it is easy to identify among other bags if need be!

Some travelers recommend packing a small pouch or satchel with essential items, including snacks and water, just in case their checked bags get lost or delayed during transit. Others suggest carrying chewing gum along to help alleviate pressure caused by changing altitudes.

Before packing, always review your airline’s baggage requirements to understand which size and type of bag to bring with you. Remember that carry-on and two personal items per person are usually allowed; consider leaving any non-essential items behind that can easily be purchased upon arrival at destination. Finally, if your luggage becomes lost or stolen while travelling with Apple AirTag tracking capabilities you can ensure its location at all times!

2. Don’t forget the toiletries

An effective travel toiletry bag is essential when taking long trips. Choose one with separate compartments so your items won’t spill and mix together, and consider products with multiple uses – like an oil that works double duty as moisturizer and body wash, or BB cream that doubles up as sunscreen – in order to save space in your suitcase. Also try rolling rather than folding clothes – compression packing cubes or hanging bathroom organizers can help!

Your specific packing list will depend on where and why you’re traveling; however, following common sense and these helpful tips can make the packing process much simpler – whether for an overnight journey or extended journey!

3. Pack a spare outfit

An emergency outfit can be an inexpensive but worthwhile travel investment. In case of delays to flights or dining reservations, having an outfit stored away allows for swifter travel experiences by providing fresh shirts and slacks as alternatives to going hungry or dressing inappropriately while waiting to receive new clothing.

Packing this way can be especially helpful for long road trips or international adventures where finding appropriate clothing may prove challenging. Furthermore, having one spare dress or skirt stored away could come in handy at formal events, like weddings or cocktail bars; having this piece at the ready could save the day!

If you want to use this packing technique, select a neutral color that will coordinate well with most of the items in your suitcase for maximum versatility. Also bring along an accessory such as a scarf or hat that coordinates well so you can create multiple outfits from one core wardrobe item.

Make finding an extra outfit easier by recording ideas using Stylebook’s Looks feature. This way, you can see how your pieces go together without digging through your suitcase, using styling tricks such as belting, tying or tucking tops to achieve different looks. Add notes to each of your outfit ideas so you don’t forget any details when packing; save these into a packing list so selecting them when traveling becomes much simpler!

4. Don’t forget the shoes

No matter if you’re packing a duffel for a weekend city break or an entire suitcase for overseas adventure, shoes must not be overlooked. Travel creator Sumari Barnes suggests stuffing each pair with socks to prevent creasing; she doesn’t bother with expensive shoe bags – instead using clear shower caps to protect her shoes from becoming dirty; also suggests comfortable walking shoes with good traction; brings socks made of cotton/nylon blend or merino wool as these dry more quickly than 100 percent cotton socks

Make sure that you leave room in your luggage for souvenirs to avoid overpacking and underpacking, which are common travel mistakes. And for some great packing ideas, check out this list of useful travel items you should pack for your trip.

5. Don’t forget the accessories

One of the greatest frustrations on any vacation is realizing you forgot something important – whether it’s a memory card for your camera or curling iron, even something as seemingly minor can become unbearably irritating. That’s why creating a packing list before embarking on your trip can help ensure all necessary items don’t slip your mind! Creating this checklist will keep all the extras you may have forgotten safe from getting left behind.

On long flights, many travelers find it comforting and useful to bring along a travel pillow – they provide both support and double as a pillow! Other popular accessories are earplugs, eye masks and pillow cases to protect their belongings; additionally, scarf, hoodie or compression socks may come in handy as extra layers. Additional considerations could include taking souvenirs home in a bag or using lightweight collapsible suitcase to pack additional clothing and shoes for return flight journey.

Keep a small folder or pouch on hand containing copies of your passport, itinerary, hotel and vacation rental confirmations and travel documents to keep yourself well organized while traveling.

Packing needn’t be stressful! A good travel checklist and helpful accessories will make packing for your vacation an easier process. For more helpful hints and tricks, check out our complete packing list guide by Rachael Hood – she combines retail merchandising experience with extensive research to create ultimate packing lists for every kind of journey. Currently living in San Diego she uses three items as her holy trinity: TUMI handbag, Lug cosmetic case, and CALPAK packable tote as her go-to travel essentials!