Plan to take a trip soon? Here’s a list of some simple yet effective packing suggestions designed to make your trip go a lot more smoothly:
Pack light with a plan. Check the weather forecast for your travel destination before you start packing. Don’t waste precious space on clothes that are too heavy or light. Type up a packing list with whatever you need when you travel, including clothes, medication and personal care items. Use it each time you pack for a trip to avoid forgetting anything important! Will you have laundry facilities at your travel destination? You may be able to pack even lighter.
Accessories are key. Just because you aren’t going to take a lot of clothes with you doesn’t mean you can’t keep your outfits interesting. Pack belts, necklaces, sweater clips and other little odds and ends that can add to any outfit.
Roll things up. Once you’ve chosen everything that you want to take on vacation with you, it’s important to organize and pack it in a way that makes sense. Less space is more when it comes to travel. Fold —or better yet, roll — all of your clothing items. (Backpackers swear by rolling to save space.) Don’t forget to store toiletries inside of plastic ziplock bags.
Before you start packing, it’s a great idea to call your airline and make sure your luggage and carry-on items fit size and weight requirements. That way you’ll know you won’t have to pay a hefty fee of $100 or more at the airport.