Pack Like a Pro - 8 Packing Tips

By: Anna Trosper
November 2, 2023

When you book a trip with me you are in good hands. The only thing I cannot do is pack for you. With this sometimes-stressful task, it’s hard to know where to begin. I have a few tips for you to help make your packing experience a little less hectic.

1. Pack light, pack light, and pack even lighter

The number one rule is “pack light.” Though you may wish to make a fashion statement while traveling, there is nothing worse than getting dinged with overweight baggage fees, lugging extra bags around, or having to sit on your suitcase to get it closed. You’ll likely want to purchase souvenirs along the way, so saving some extra “weight-space” before you leave is a good idea.

2. Bring power adapters, converters, and chargers

You can usually purchase an adapter or converter on international flights or in stores once you’ve arrived, but it’s much easier to pick one up at home. Make sure that your electronics are fully charged before takeoff to maximize battery life. If staying in touch with friends and family is a priority, purchase an external power pack that can charge up your phone while you’re out all-day touring and snapping photos.

3. Make separate packing lists

Having a written packing list to help track what you need to pack is a great idea, but having a separate list for those last-minute items you’ll have to grab on your way out the door – your phone charger, contact lens solution, headphones, etc. – is even smarter. If you have a departure-day list, you’ll be less likely to forget those must-haves.

4. Check your Airline’s/ Cruise Line’s baggage policy ahead of time

It is always important to know what you’re allowed to take on any flight, international or domestic. Domestics tend to have a lower weight allowance, so make sure your bags fall under the limit to avoid any fees. This leads back to tip 1: pack light!

5. Pack some laundry soap

Many hotels and cruise ships have a laundry service, but having your laundry sent out is usually neither convenient nor affordable. Instead, bring a small packet of laundry soap for those times when you need to emergency-wash a particular item of clothing in the sink. Some hotels and cruise ships have laundry rooms with washers and dryers you can use for a price. You can also line your suitcase with dryer sheets and bring a dedicated laundry bag for dirty clothes to keep the rest of your luggage smelling fresh.

6. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a great way to pack your things and keep them organized. Not only do packing cubes streamline the packing process, but they also contribute to an overall smoother travel experience. With everything neatly organized and easily accessible, you can eliminate the hassle of rummaging through a suitcase if you need to access items within your bag during their travel.

7. Choose the right luggage

Picking luggage that’s right for you can be tricky. Do you need two wheels or four? Lightweight or durable? Big or small? A four-wheeled suitcase is easier to push or pull your belongings just about anywhere. Lightweight luggage makes packing light much more manageable than heavy, bulky bags, but remember that durability is important, too. Choosing a unique color or pattern for your luggage or tying a colorful ribbon around the handle will help it stand out on the carousel. And be sure to use your luggage tags in case your bags get lost. Never put your

address on your luggage tag - only your name and phone number. Take a photo of your bag also just in case.

8. Follow TSA guidelines

For first-time travelers, it may be unclear what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on bag. Check out the TSA website ahead of time to ensure that you don’t pack anything that is forbidden. Remember: liquids and gels must be less than 100ml (3.38 fluid ounces) and able to fit inside a quart-sized bag. Consider pre-packing your liquids and gels in a small resealable bag and have them handy at the top of your carry-on to save yourself from frantically rummaging through your bag in the security line! Wear shoes you can easily get off and on if you do not have TSA Pre-Check.

I hope this helps you with your next adventure. I have many more tips for traveling that I would love to share with you. If you are ready to start planning your next adventure, contact me and I would love to set up a time to talk and get you a quote. You can email me at annat@wishesfamilytravel.com. You can also follow me on Facebook. I look forward to talking with you soon!