As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!
Travel Packing 101
Travel packing is one of the final steps in the travel planning process. You have decided where you want to go, purchased your flight, booked your accommodation, and identified the bucket list activities you will be doing. Now it’s time to pack.
Read: 50 Travel Packing Tips, Tricks, and Hacks to Pack Like a Pro
Read: Best Tips to Pack Light on Your Next Trip
All of the decisions you have made throughout the travel planning process determine what to pack. Take into consideration the type and length of your trip, itinerary, weather, size of your luggage, and airline weight limits. There is a fine line you do not want to cross when deciding what to bring. If you leave out something important, you will need to spend vacation time searching for a store. If you pack too much, you will be dragging around a heavy suitcase and paying extra fees.
Always pack from a list. Travel packing lists ensure you do not forget anything and help stop you from overpacking. Luggage space is limited and fills up quickly with “just in case items”. There are many free packing lists online if you do not already have one. Or, sign up for blog updates in the sidebar and you will receive my travel packing list.
How to Pack Your Luggage
The best advice you will ever receive is to pack your must-haves and leave behind your might needs.
Personal Item
Airlines allow one personal item. Become aware of TSA guidelines and what not to pack. Prepack the personal item to be your day bag while you are traveling. Pre-packed items may include lip balm, breath spray, hand sanitizer, Kleenex packet, motion sickness bands, safety whistle, small flashlight, and spork. Never unpack these items. Add sunglasses, wallet, passport, tickets, itinerary, chargers, camera, and phone before leaving for the airport.
Purchase a travel safety bag if you are visiting a destination known for pickpocketing. Look for products with slash guards in the mesh and strap, locking systems, and RFID protection. Pacsafe and Travelon are popular brands. A small crossbody bag will hold a point-and-shoot camera and is appropriate for a night out. A larger crossbody bag has side pockets for a water bottle and it is large enough to hold a DSLR camera. If you chose not to purchase a safety bag, buy RFID card protectors and an RFID passport holder.
Carryon Item
A well-packed carry-on tote is essential. Items included must keep you comfortable during a 14+ hour flight and not in a panic should luggage be delayed or lost. Prepack your carryon with an empty water bottle, travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, headphones, lip balm, Kleenex packet, moisturizer, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, breath spray, small brush, Ziploc baggies, 2 binder clips, door stop alarm, Dramamine, 3 pair of clean undergarments, and travel power strip. Never unpack these items.
Before leaving for the airport add snacks, vitamins, prescriptions, and expensive electronics. Do not bring peanuts onto a plane, they may cause an allergic reaction in another passenger. Have your 3-1-1 TSA bag ready and accessible for security. Remember to download music, games, and books to your phone for in-flight entertainment. If you will not be checking luggage, tuck a tote in a side pocket of the carry-on luggage and transfer items you will want while in transit before you stow the bag in the overhead compartment.
Toiletries
The toiletry bag style is a matter of personal preference. A clear plastic zip bag allows easy access to items. A hanging toiletry bag is great in a small space. Whatever you use, refill it as soon as you get home so it is ready for the next trip. Prepacked items include shampoo, conditioner, body wash in silicone containers that suction to the shower wall, lotion, small perfume, razor, cotton swabs, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, hairbrush, hair ties, nail file, needle, and thread, couple of band-aids, pain reliever, tide stain stick. Prepare a second bag with sunscreen, aloe vera and a hair pick to take to the pool or beach.
Note, a travel-size toothpaste is good for 42 uses and a 3 oz bottle of shampoo will last 18 shampoos.
Luggage
There are many things to consider when shopping for luggage. Backpacks should be medium size, side-loading, and have pockets for organization. Soft-sided carry-on luggage allows for movement when storing in overhead compartments. The best-checked luggage is lightweight, medium size with 4 wheels allowing the bag to spin 360 degrees.
Prepack the luggage with a luggage tag, travel umbrella, foldable duffle bag, laundry bag, and shoe bag. Pack to keep ¼ of the suitcase empty, clothing makes great souvenirs. Roll clothing to save space and minimize wrinkles. Place clothes in packing cubes to organize belongings and avoiding shifting while in transit. Pack heaviest items at the bottom to keep the bag from being top-heavy and toppling over.
Pack toiletries last and put them in easy access of security should your bag be tagged to be searched. As a precaution, place a sheet of paper with your contact information inside your bag in case it is lost. Do this for a carry-on bag too, it might get checked at the gate.
Weigh the bag to ensure you will not incur extra fees. Carry it up and down the stairs a few times and try to lift it up as though you are putting it on a luggage rack. Remove items until you can carry it without a struggle.
Travel Packing Essentials
Going on vacation is a lot of work. You have to decide where to go, when to go, how to go, where to stay… it takes an amazing amount of time. Click through to my Amazon shop and let me help take away some of the burdens and make packing a breeze while at the same time you help me support the upkeep of this blog.
Bookmark and Pin Travel Packing