Flying somewhere? Taking a road trip? Finally taking that well-deserved vacation? Whether this is your first trip or you’re a seasoned globetrotter, these tips will help to take the stress and frustration out of packing and unpacking.
Choose Your Main Luggage
Wherever you’re planning to go, pick luggage that is versatile, lightweight and big enough to hold all your essentials. The most important decision you’ll make is buying a bag that has an awesome warranty like the American Tourister Arona Premium Hardside Spinner Luggage Set from Buydig.com. Traveling with a piece of luggage with a broken wheel, handle or zipper is the absolute worst! Brands that back their gear with stand-up warranties build that promised durability into their gear. It’s also important to find a travel bag that’s as versatile as you need it to be, while also fitting all your stuff and being easy to carry.
The Great Divide
Begin packing by laying your American Tourister suitcases on the bed. Separate items into two piles: carry-on vs. checked baggage. Think of it as separating items that you would cry about losing or damaging vs. items that you would not. Err on the side of caution and put your valuable (cry-able) items in your carry-on.
Keep Calm and Carry On
Here are a few recommended items to keep in your carry-on: jewelry, special gifts, e-reader, computer, camera case, etc. You should also bring all of the chargers for items that you carry on. Important papers or documents should make the carry-on list as well. If you still have room to spare, add the heaviest (non-liquid) items into your carry on. It’s extremely rare to be asked to weigh your carry-on luggage.
On a Personal Level- Your Camera Backpack
Airlines usually allow a piece of carry-on luggage for the overhead bin and also one “personal” item. If you’re already planning to pack your camera bag for this trip, change it up to a camera backpack instead. You can use the camera backpack as your personal item allowing you to pack a few more items without worrying about going over the weight limit! You can always store any smaller camera cases or camera bags you might need during the trip in your other luggage or even within the camera backpack itself.
Weight Problems and Solutions
If you have two pieces of luggage to check-in, start by putting the heaviest items in the smaller of the two. Fill the smaller one up first. Shoes, jeans, jackets, and your toiletries are heavy and should go in first. This tip will allow you to bring home some extra souvenirs without going over the weight limit. You want to be sure before you get to the airport that your luggage is not over the weight restrictions. Luckily, you no longer have to try and weigh your luggage on a bathroom scale or lift each piece up yourself and try to guestimate the weight. A clever electronic luggage scale, like this one from Buydig.com, clips onto the handle of your suitcase. You simply lift up and the scale will register the weight. It’s lightweight and you can just throw it into your luggage to use on your return trip.
Don’t Waste Precious Space
If you’re in need of space, wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the plane. The best way to save precious space in your suitcase is to roll your clothes. This is the only way you’re going to squeeze that must-have souvenir in your suitcase at the end of your trip. Rolling everything from shirt and sweaters to socks and underwear also keeps clothes relatively wrinkle-free. Remember, there’s always extra room inside shoes.
With these tips, you’ll be packing like a pro in no time. The only question that remains: where will you and your impeccable packing skills be heading to next?
Leave a Reply