Pack Your Suitcase Like a Pro

Traveling light is more than the convenience of not having to deal with a heavy bag, it can save money by not having to check luggage. Instead of thinking about packing everything you might need, make a list of what you will need for your daily routine and dressing for activities considering weather. A pro travelling the world sometimes for weeks at a time shares it can be done with just a carry on and an empty backpack to use for what you buy to bring home, if one simplifies. Here are some helpful tips:

• Shoes are bulky. Have a good walking pair, and a dressy pair like sandals. Pack them heel to toe, and use their insides for socks or other small items. Pack them in a plastic bag.
• Plan three tops for every one pair of neutral color pants or skirt. If a raincoat is needed, bring a lightweight one. Plan to layer for needed warmth, and eliminate unnecessary items.
• Roll softer clothes to save space and fold those that may wrinkle and put heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase.
• Use packing cubes or compression bags to make more room and stay organized in a lightweight luggage with 4 rolling wheels. Use travel sized toiletries of 3.4 ounces or less that will all fit in a quart sized resealable bag. Use a pillbox for medication.
• If travelling to cold weather, wear your bulky items on the plane to save space.
• If you will be gone for an extended time, you can do laundry by washing in a large zip lock bag, rinsing with the tub spigot, wring out the excess water, rolling in a towel to absorb moisture, and hang to dry.
• It might be prudent to have a security wallet with RFID blocking technology for your passport, credit card, and cash to carry hidden, and a cross body bag for your phone, the day’s cash, etc.
• Keep your valuables such as your electronics with you in your personal tote that can be stowed under the seat. Also include a change of clothes, sleepwear, and overnight essentials (medication, toothbrush….). Know that a carry-on may have to get checked if the overhead bins are full.
• If you are travelling with a companion who is also checking a bag, consider putting half of each of the other’s clothes in each bag, so if one luggage gets lost, you will have at least half of what you packed.
• Pack creature comforts should you experience flight delays or cancellations. Healthy snacks, favorite teas, an empty water bottle, a book, charging cord…
• If you want to leave space in your suitcase for the future additions to bring home, pack the space with plastic grocery bags you can recycle. Do not overstuff a suitcase and strain the zipper. If your zipper fails you may lose a lot of items and will need to but a new suitcase.
• Tag your luggage with your name and number should the airline need to contact you. Write on a sheet of paper in your luggage the date and city you will be travelling to, and your contact phone number. Consider tying a colorful ribbon or putting on colored duct tape on checked bag to easily pick it out.

Relax. If you need something you forgot, you can probably buy it. Edit your travel checklist on your trip and each time you will have more success. Enjoy your next adventure!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

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