TravelSmith has spent years helping travelers get where they’re going with ease, and in style. Here are some helpful tips to take the stress out of your next vacation.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but ask anyone who’s lugged an oversized wheeled bag over cobblestone streets and they’ll tell you that less is definitely more. In other words, toting around less stuff is simply more relaxing. If your schedule and destination allow, consider using a carry-on as your primary piece of luggage instead of a checked bag. Downsizing is easier than you think.
There are many different carry-on options appropriate for shorter flights (or trips). They come loaded with features such as telescoping handles, double spinner wheels and expandable main compartments—all of which make traveling easier. Consider hybrid luggage which has durable fabric on one side and tough polycarbonate on the other. This is a lightweight way to carry “delicate” items such as cameras, wine or locally-pressed olive oil, while still having expansion capabilities. Simply pack fragile items in your carry-on, check it for the flight home and rest-assured that the contents will be protected. (Overzealous baggage handlers notwithstanding.)
And, just in case you get separated from your luggage (it happens!), using a Trace Me™ Tag provides airlines with a quick way to reunite you with your belongings. Simply register your individual serial number and secure the tag to your bag.
In the whirlwind that’s known as “getting ready for a trip,” it’s easy to forget something. Take the time to print out a Packing Checklist for each member of your travel team. Some of the items won’t be relevant depending upon where you’re going (insect repellant, raincoat), but it’s nice to have a list of options laid out before you.
Grabbing a bunch of clothes from your closet and tossing in a couple pairs of tight-fitting shoes will not equate to a pleasurable trip. So don’t wait until the last minute to pack. The first thing on your packing agenda should be to determine what your color scheme is going to be. Coordinating colors are easiest to mix-and-match, as are items from the same line or collection (such as the Jet Set collection). Reversible clothes expand your wardrobe two-fold, and are another great option for travel.
Once you’ve decided what you’re taking, go easy on the weight by pulling out the heaviest shoes and bulkiest outerwear. This will work to lighten your load (which really helps if you have to hoist your bag into an overhead bin) and potentially reduce checked bag fees.
“A place for everything and everything in its place.” This expression has been traced to the 17th century, but it’s as relevant today as it was when people owned a lot less.
Just as it does at home, staying organized on the road can put your mind at ease. A good place to start your organization initiative is where you’ll keep your cash, identification and important documents. Savvy travelers often select Pacsafe® RFIDsafe™ organizers or wallets, which keep credit cards, passports and ID safe from high-tech thieves. Regardless of brand, look for packing organizers that match your sense of style and feature ample pockets and/or sleeves for the items you plan to take.
Fabric packing cubes are a smart choice for those who like to be uber-organized. They feature mesh tops so you can see what’s inside, and come in sets of three so you can divide-and-conquer by separating your clothes according to color, type (shirts, pants, etc.) or outfit.
When traveling internationally, you also need to be prepared for the language barrier: the electronic kind, that is. To ensure your North American devices operate correctly (and safely) overseas, pack an all-in-one converter. Also bring a universal adapter plug with dual USB port, which includes interchangeable plugs for more than 150 countries.
And for those aforementioned bottles of wine or olive oil, you can rest easy knowing there’s no chance of leakage if you place them into travel-ready bottle protectors.
Travel guru Rick Steves once wrote, “Don’t pack for the worst-case scenario. Pack for the best case-scenario and buy yourself out of any jams.” What he was referring to is the common ailment of packing absolutely everything you have in your home medicine cabinet. If you have a special shampoo that keeps you from having a bad hair day, or an insect spray that acts like a force field, by all means take those with you. And, if you need to carry medications or vitamins, pack them in a compartmentalized travel pill case. Buy everything else at your final destination and support the local economy—in some parts of the world, this will go a long way.
So there you have it, follow these simple tips and it’ll be smooth sailing on your next adventure. For more packing tips, check out our custom destination guides and download our free packing checklist. Happy travels!
