Smart Travel Packing Tips

Being a savvy packer can make a difference in your vacation, from the beginning - carry less bags! - until the end - have more room to bring home any special finds!The following tips are to help you decide what to pack, and to help you pack efficiently. The biggest tip, however, is to think ahead and plan for what you might need, considering the weather possibilities, and dress needs from casual and beach to formal, depending on the nature and location of the vacation.

• Toiletries: Almost any type of toiletry can be purchased in or transferred to a smaller size, including shampoo, conditioner and creams. Unless you are going on very expended trip, these little travel-sized items are well worth the investment as they save you from carrying heavy and bulky products. One great tip is to wrap them in plastic sandwich baggies when you are packing, as lids can come off or bottles can break in transit, especially if you are travelling by plane. Having small amounts for each of your toiletries will also mean less waste should something spill. Be sure and remember those little extras such as q-tips, bandaids, razors and hair clips, if needed.

• Clothing: Where possible, pack light. Try and include things that travel well, such as non-wrinkling items and pieces that don’t need too much fuss to look great. Also, where possible it makes sense to take items that do double-duty so you can get away with packing less. For example, if you pack basics that you can wear during the day and also out to dinner with different accessories, you’ll have a whole lot less to pack. Some people like to pack clothes in similar colors so they can mix and match and again get away with packing less. Be sure to check ahead as to the availability of an iron and ironing board in your hotel room if you will need them. For more upscale trips, you will likely use the laundry service and can pack more delicate or expensive things. A rule of thumb for undergarments is to pack everything you need plus two extra days’ worth.
• Extras: As with toiletries, there will be times when you need those little extra things you take for granted at home - think about them now. Plastic bags, elastics, paperclips, hairpins, a small sewing kit, water bottle and headache medication are examples to get you started.
• Important Stuff: These days, you can’t keep your money too close to home. Consider bringing a little pouch to keep your most precious items in, such as your money and your documents (passport, key phone numbers, etc.). This will also make them easy to access as you need them throughout the trip, including at airports and customs.

This should serve as a start to your smart packing. Have fun planning, and be sure to check out our Travel Industry Secrets guide at The Travel Insider. Bon Voyage!