Packing for any trip is usually a mission and one that requires some smart planning. On my honeymoon I packed all my stuff including toiletries in my check-in bags. When our luggage was mistakenly sent to another city, we were left without clothes or even a toothbrush… for an entire day and a half! Mind you, we were in the middle of a small town outside of Barcelona with no access to these items. This is just one mishap of many from my travels. Needless to say, I have compiled a list of smart travel packing tips from lessons learned through the years.
Here we go….
Make a List
First thing is first. Make a list of essential items such as prescription medications, eyeglasses or contacts, toothbrush, etc. Then write down all those under garments…socks, underwear, bras and so forth. Once those are jotted, take out your itinerary and review what you need for each day and put it down on paper. I make a column for each of us, so I do not miss anyone’s items (and definitely not to leave behind my youngest’s stuffed animal). Though this may seem tedious, it helps tremendously.
Packing Cubes
I used to try to keep my luggage tidy and separate each of our items in sections and used an insane amount of zip lock bags to keep everyone’s socks, underwear, and toiletries organized. Until I discovered packing cubes! These made my life a lot simpler. They are typically sold in sets and come in different sizes and colors. I bought each of us a set that has 4 in different sizes, and each set in a different color. I use the small ones for socks and underwear, etc. The midsize for pajamas and/or thermals. And the larger sizes for our clothes which I roll in sets. Each time I open my luggage, I know exactly where to find each person’s items!
Laundry Bag
This one is a great hack. I never knew what to do with all my used clothing because by the end of the trip it was much more than my clean sets. So, I started packing trash bags. The trash bags function like a laundry basket and separate the soiled garments from the rest of the stuff in the luggage. As the packing cubes get thinner, the trash bags get fuller, but all is organized. When you are ready to unpack and start washing clothes, there is no question what returned used.
Camping Towels
If you like to pack your own towel like I do, try using the ones specific for camping. These microfiber camping towels are lightweight and take up minimal space in your luggage. I personally love them and use them for all kinds of travel (from travel trailer camping to hotel stays and rentals).
Travel Folder
My husband and I used to stress where we placed our tickets and reservations. We accidentally left it inside the luggage itself a few times…not helpful! As our family grew and our trips on the road became lengthier, an organized solution was needed. I highly recommend putting together a three-prong travel folder with pockets to place your printed itinerary, tickets, car rental information, maps, pamphlets, and reservations. When on the go, this travel folder is helpful for making any necessary quick changes.
Of course, make sure to email yourself all the information too, just in case.
If you are going on a road trip, you may want to take along an Atlas too. I have found some areas loose GPS and phone signal.
Toy Tote
If you are traveling with children, this is a great tip. For keeping kids entertained while on a long trip either by plane or road, fill a tote full of goodies; it is a life saver. Pack small items that keep their attention, such as color activity packets, small Leggos package, Monkey String, mini tub of Playdoh, set of cards, small puzzles, comic books, and a couple of books. Note, make sure they are new to them, so their interest lasts a bit longer.
Another option is a carry-on for each child to include toys and an extra set of clothes (just in case).
Travel Size Toiletries
I love the dollar stores! They have everything I need to stock up my toiletries, from deodorant to hair mousse. I typically purchase these items at the dollar store because they are inexpensive and compact. What I have learned is that most items can just be purchased when you arrive to your destination. The travel size toiletries help in case you do not have time to go out to the store; it provides you time and flexibility without weighing down your luggage or taking up too much space.
Additionally, it is easier to use inexpensive toothbrushes just for travel that can be disposed of later. This trick helps me pack early and mark it off my list, so I do not forget it (it has happened).
Zip Lock Bags
Although the packing cubes have eliminated the ridiculous number of zip lock bags I wasted on past trips, I still use them. The little bags are amazing! I use them to keep medications and jewelry, so it doesn’t take up space or get lost in the luggage. They are also great to store liquids and lotions, so it does not spill all over (it’s messy, trust me). Larger zip lock bags can also be used to store your shoes.
So, there it is… a list of travel packing tips and tricks that I hope are as helpful to you as they are to me.
Happy packing!
