Issue 24 / Efficient Packing Tips for the Smart Traveller

by Naemah Abid

Efficient Packing Tips for the Smart Traveller

Nov 15, 2015

Going home for the holidays? Take the stress out of packing with these tips and start your trip on a high note.

It seems like you never have enough space in your luggage, you keep forgetting things, you always over- or under-pack and airport security keeps getting tighter. It's no wonder packing is the most dreaded part of travelling. Luckily we've got your back. Here are five tips for successful packing no matter your destination.

Maximize Your Allowance

Call your airlines or check their website to find out exactly how many items you are allowed to carry and the dimensions and weight limit for each. Make sure that your suitcase and bags meet the requirements for a hassle-free check-in. Most airlines allow two carry-on pieces (a bag or small suitcase for the overhead compartment and a personal item small enough to fit underneath your seat). It's always wise to bring a carry-on (with a change of clothes in it) incase your luggage gets lost or arrives late. A purse or laptop bag can be carried on as your personal item, but if you check the weight limit on your personal item it’s usually the same as your carry-on luggage. Which means you can bring a big purse or a huge back pack in which you can carry more clothes and it will still fit underneath the airplane seat. Ditch the laptop bag and slide your laptop in a cloth case (or iPad in a sleeve) and place it in your backpack. Make sure to keep it in the base where the bag will touch the floor and place clothes on top. Cloth purses or duffle bags are ideal as they are more flexible to fit under the seat.

^{Multipurpose packing. If your laptop can fit into you your carry on without the cumbersome laptop bag, go for it!

Photo Credit: www.tortugabackpacks.com}

Check the prohibited list for each airport you will be passing through. Keep all liquids in your check-in luggage as there are strict limits on carrying liquids in your carry-on. Cut down on liquids by substituting them for solids. Instead of a liquid shampoo take a shampoo bar or ditch your roll-on for a deodorant stick.

^{To minimize the liquids in your carry-on, use hard soap instead.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com}

Plan it Out

Know exactly how many days you will be away and what type of events will you be attending so you can plan your outfits accordingly. Check the weather so that you're not packing in those bulky sweaters or taking cute flip flops in vain. Make a list of everything you need and cross out items that you could afford to buy and discard during your trip (like a toothbrush). If you will be staying with a friend or family then you can probably leave out some toiletries like soap, shampoo or even a hair drier. Don't take towels and an iron if you will be staying at a hotel. Some also provide you with shaving supplies and even a sewing kit for free.

Lay everything out that you plan to take with you and start self-editing. Reconsider taking two pairs of jeans; you probably just need one. Take multi-purpose items like a cardigan that you could wear on top of a dress, jeans or skirt.

Roll it Instead

Folding salwar kameez and saris can take a lot of space. Lay the dupatta flat on the floor, fold it in half lengthwise and roll it tightly. Repeat for the salwar and then the kameez. You will be surprised how rolling takes up less space than folding your clothes. Do the same with t-shirts, pants and dresses.

Roll up your belts and insert them in shoes. Utilize all your space. Roll up bathing suits, socks and underwear last and stuff them in the nooks of your suitcase.

^{You'll be surprised how much room you'll have when you roll everything.

Photo Credit: www.pinterest.com}

Use Re-sealable Plastic Bags

For embellished South Asian wedding wear, fold them in resealable plastic bags so they don’t get stuck on other fabrics or tear. For puffy salwar kameez or lehngas fold them and put them in a plastic bag and take out all the air. There are special Ziploc bags that you can use with a vacuum to compress clothes.

You can also separate your liquids in a re-sealable plastic bag so that they don’t spill onto all your clothes. It's also perfect for staying organized on your trip: for your daily morning routine or when you're taking a shower all you have to do is take your baggie to the washroom.

Donate and Gift

The best way to make room for the items collected on your travel is by giving away some of your luggage. Thank the servants at your friend's or family's home or the staff at a resort by giving them your shampoo, conditioner and creams that you can easily replace when you get back. Give away fancy t-shirts you wouldn't mind losing to the needy. If you attended a wedding and know you won't be wearing or taking the salwar kameez or sari back, then donate it.

Follow these pro packing tips and you will be a happy traveller in no time!

^{Main Image Photo Credit: www.flickr.com/highwaysagency}

Naemah Abid

Author

Born in Saudi Arabia and originally from Pakistan, this Canadian immigrant is all too familiar with airport life. After taking her first pleasure trip abroad post-graduation, Naemah was hit with the travel bug. Find this frequent traveller sharing pictures and experiences, offering up advice and tra...