10 TRAVEL PACKING TIPS THAT CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF TIME AND NERVES

Many airlines are now reducing their baggage weight limits, so not only will too much luggage cause backache, it will also cost you money. If you are one of those people who packs everything, bar the kitchen sink, and still forgets something important, then read these ten essential travel packing tips that will save you a lot of time and stress:

1. Prepare a packing list

One of the most useful travel packing tips is to prepare a packing list. Don’t leave it to the last minute to pack and then stuff anything to hand in your suitcase; plan ahead. Making up a list of essentials, well in advance of your trip, will make sure that you don’t forget anything and it will give you time to buy anything that you need.

2. Make sure you know what your baggage allowance is

You can be charged big money for excess baggage these days, so be sure that you understand how much luggage you are allowed to take on your flight. Check also what is allowable to take on board in carry-on luggage, because security regulations can vary from airline to airline.

3. Keep all essential and important items with you

Airline baggage does get lost and, unfortunately, not all baggage handlers are as honest, as they should be. So our next one of useful travel packing tips is to always keep valuable items with you, as well as essential documents and, of course, money and credit cards.

4. Pack accordingly for the climate

Do check what the climate is likely to be like at your destination and then pack accordingly. The less you pack, the cheaper it will be and easier it will be to carry. Travel as light as you can and don’t feel that you need to pack clothes for every weather eventuality. If the worst comes to the worst, you can always buy some warmer clothes, if things become unexpectedly chilly.

5. Love the layered look

If you are travelling to a county where the weather might be changeable, then pack clothes that you can wear in layers, rather than bulky, winter clothing. That way, the same set of clothes can be worn on cold days, as well as the warm, just increase and decrease the numbers of layers that you wear.

6. Roll clothes, don’t fold them

Here is another one of great travel packing tips: roll your clothes instead of folding. Most people agree that rolling clothes takes up far less space than folding. Clothes are also less likely to crease, if they are folded and, if they do get creased, most hotels will lend you an iron, so you don’t need to pack one of those either.

7. Make use of all the available space

Keep the number of your bags to a minimum by making use of all the space that you have. Socks, for example, can be stuffed inside of shoes and there’s nearly always some room for small items in the corners of a suitcase.

8. Decant toiletries

Here is another one of helpful and practical travel packing tips: decant toiletries, such as lotions, shampoo and conditioner, from their larger, heavy bottles into small plastic bottles that will hold just enough for your trip. You can also save space by buying some sample size bottles of cosmetics and toiletries.

9. Buy practical luggage

If you are still carrying around the same suitcase that you had ten years ago, then it’s probably time for a change. More modern luggage is tougher, lighter and it will probably have more pockets and compartments to make packing easier. Another important luggage tip is not to buy expensive designer luggage. It may look good, but it also tells the potential thief that your bags might contain something valuable.

10. Be prepared for delays

When deciding what to take in carry-on luggage, consider the possibility of delays, as well as what you might need for the flight. Something to read and some toiletries to freshen up are always a good idea to have on hand when you are flying.

Do you have other travel packing tips to share?

Stay happy!