Ten packing tips that every traveler must know
The packing is crucial. If you remember an essential item, you will be satisfied and have to scramble to find the nearest shop to your destination. You’ll need to be more organized, with heavy bags and a lot of money spent on airline baggage fees if you pack too much. We decided to review the most essential and basic packing rules. Every traveler should be familiar with these ten basic packing strategies.
Roll, don’t fold
Travel experts, including backpackers who have to stuff months of clothing into a bag the size of a wine box, agree that rolling is better than folding. Rolling clothes tightly takes up less room than folding them. They’re also less likely to get deep wrinkles due to folding creases.
Packing list
Packing is a task that procrastinators need to do. You can start your packing weeks or days before your departure date. This will give you enough time to create a list and purchase extra items. A packing list will ensure you remember everything necessary.
Be aware of your airline’s baggage fees
Understanding airlines’ confusing baggage fee policies is essential to any budget-conscious packing strategy. Most airlines allow travelers to check one bag for free on international flights. However, most U.S. carriers charge a lot of money to check bags on domestic flights.
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Please look at your airline’s website and review its baggage policy before you start packing. You should check this out before buying your ticket, especially if it’s something you are set on. Southwest and JetBlue both allow at least one checked bag for domestic flights.
Use the 3-2-1 rule
What happens if I don’t adhere to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) 3-1-1 carry-on luggage rule? If you try to bring in a large shampoo bottle or a full-size gel deodorant, the TSA may confiscate it and hold up your line. Get familiar with TSA’s rules. All liquids on planes must fit in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and be placed inside a clear, quart-size zip-top bag.
Knowing which items, according to TSA, are liquids or gels and, therefore, subject to the 3-2-1 rule is also helpful. It’s more challenging than it seems. Gels include peanut butter, puddings, mashed potatoes, and icing. Aerosols, mascara, lip gloss, and other aerosols are also classified under liquids or gels. Keep in mind, however, that liquid prescription medications are exempt. You can find a complete list of liquids or gels that cannot be carried in carry-on luggage if the quantity exceeds 3.4oz.
Use your item with care
Airlines allow each passenger to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item onto planes. The size of the individual item is determined by each airline. However, a backpack, purse, or laptop bag is generally acceptable.
I will bring a large tote under my seat and still have extra storage. Keeping all the items I need on hand for the flight in arms reach will be helpful too.
You can wash your clothes in the car
The laundry facilities in my vacation rental are a great perk. You’re in the clear if you know that your accommodation will provide free laundry services. Even on long trips, you can wash and wear a few outfits.
Call ahead to find out if laundry services are available at your hotel and what they charge. If you’re staying at a property without laundry facilities or taking a cruise (cruise ships charge a lot for laundry services), you can wash your clothes in the sink and dry them on tacks. Packing a small packet of detergent and a stopper for the sink is my secret to fitting everything into a carry-on. You can also find portable laundry-drying systems that attach to showers with suction cups. These are available at most travel-supply shops.
Layer
Two pieces of advice: Pack layers and wear layers. Your on-the-road outfit should be layered to help you navigate different climates with style and comfort. The items in your bag must be neatly arranged in layers to be easily screened. The TSA recommends you “pack items in layers” (shoes on one layer, clothes on another, etc.). So that the agent who screens your bag has a clear idea of what is inside, the TSA agent will screen your bag faster if you can do it quickly.
Never check essential items
Keep your essential and valuable belongings in your carry-on bag. Refrain from checking your luggage. You should always bring your passport, ID, money, credit card, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables on the plane. You don’t have to be told why carrying your wallet and passport is essential. If your checked luggage is lost (or if TSA agents get sticky fingers), you will regret leaving your expensive watch in a bag.
Packing aids
Eagle Creek Compression sacs are my all-time favorite packing aid. They can shrink your clothes into a tiny, compact bundle, which takes up very little suitcase space. Packing envelopes and packing cubicles are other packing aids you can use to organize your suitcase and pack more.