At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel economy lost over $1 billion a day. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many still mask up and embark on travel holidays and other getaways. Is this your first time breaking out?
If so, keep reading for our advice on how to pack luggage and other travel hacks.
Use a Checklist
A checklist is one of the most important pages to have on hand when preparing for travel (you know, aside from your passport or plane tickets). As a first-time traveler, it’s easy to overlook the utility of certain items like a power or plug adapter (for travel to certain countries abroad) or a collapsible water bottle. Find or make a comprehensive checklist that covers everything you’ll need on your trip.
Choose the Right Travel Bag and Luggage
If you’re traveling via airplane, you may want to bring a small bag as a carry-on in addition to your luggage. Keep essentials in your carry-on like daily prescriptions or rescue medications (like an inhaler or epi-pen), a phone charger, flight documents, valuables you don’t want to lose if your luggage is taken or left behind, hygiene products, and a book or other form of entertainment.
Some airlines have weight limits for checked bags. If you’re planning for international travel or an extended stay, this is where you have to be resourceful.
Keep it Light
Marie Kondo has methods for a tidy suitcase and joyful journey. She recommends folding clothes and stacking them next to each other like file folders. This method frees up a lot of usable space and helps to prevent wrinkles in your clothes.
The luggage itself should be durable and lightweight. Leave room for items you may bring on your return trip home.
Be Realistic
Do you really need a dozen pairs of pants for a four-day-long trip? Here is the general rule of thumb for packing for a trip:
- One shirt for each day, plus one
- One pair of pants, shorts, a skirt, etc. for every other day
- A set of socks and underwear for each day, plus one
- One to two extra pairs of shoes (dependant upon occasions)
- One to two pieces of outerwear (dependant upon climate)
- One to two pairs of pajamas per week
The clothes and other items you pack should be versatile, appropriate for the weather, and daily essentials.
Be Mindful of TSA Travel Restrictions
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules regarding what you can and cannot bring in a carry-on bag. You can have a quart-sized bag of liquids (or semi-solids) in your carry-on as long as the items are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in size or smaller. The only exceptions to this are medications or things necessary for feeding infants or children.
Prepare For The Unexpected
What if the hotel you booked cancels your reservation or you arrive before check-in time? What do you do with your carefully packed bags? Mindmybag allows you to book luggage storage online and house your bags at one of their safe locations for as long as you need.
Learning How to Pack Luggage Made Simple
As a first-time traveler, you likely feel overwhelmed by figuring out how to pack luggage efficiently. Just use our tips, like following a checklist, using a carry-on bag, folding the KonMari, and following the rules.
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