Travel and Packing Tips

Helpful Hints In Packing For A Trip:

Packing for a trip doesn't have to be a major project, if done methodically and with a little planning. The difference between feeling like "I know I forgot something" vs... "I know I've covered all the bases" is simple. Just follow these guidelines. The basic rules of "ize" ...
  • minim-ize what you take, maxim-ize interchangability,
  • util-ize your accessories (to create different looks),
  • real-ize the more you take-the more you schlep.

First Step

Write up an itinerary or use the one made up for you by your travel agent. Make up a list of the things you know you will be doing on the trip and tie it into your itinerary.

Check out the weather channel or a weather site like wunderground.com - this way you know what you will be dealing with.

Second, What to Take

Remember, you want to be comfortable, flexible, and interchangeable. To do so follow these four rules.
  • Choose a color wave for the entire trip (one color/combo you can accessorize to/with).
  • Clothes that fit, can be mixed and matched (if done right 10 garments = 15-20 outfits).
  • Accessorize... the same outfit can be dressed up/down.
  • Choose fabrics that don't wrinkle, or are pre-wrinkled
Do a layout of your clothes... this means find an area in your home and lay everything out that you are going to pack. Nothing gets packed in a case until it's all spread out in one place at one time.

Now... take a picture of it, so that if the airline loses your bag, you have proof of what was in there... as you will never remember otherwise.

Climatize your wardrobe. Simply put, if you're going to a cold climate... learn to layer rather than take bulky items... especially if you are going on a trip with multi-climate exposure.

Women: A shawl that can be used as a wrap, skirt, mini blanket, scarf, etc can be the most invaluable item you take with you.

Third, Packing Aids

Compression packers... Air is cheap, leave it at home and only take the good stuff. This is how you get 10 lbs of clothes in a 5 lb bag. These clear plastic bags have an airtight seal and a gasket to force all the excess air out of your garments. In addition to compressing your garments you will also be protecting them from rain, dirt and insects. In addition airline security can examine the contents without opening the bags and disturbing the contents.

Use tissue, but never-ever use plastic from the cleaners. The cleaner bag plastic is one of the top reasons for suitcase zipper failure by getting caught in the zipper teeth when opening and closing the case. The plastic also traps moisture into clothing. Tissue allows far less shift in transit than plastic and will absorb moisture.

Containerize... your packing by using assorted, removable packing containers. Eagle Creek is a leader and the originator of the packing system. They manufacture pack-it folders, cubes, sacs and bags in a variety of sizes and shapes that are perfect for separating items by like type... that way you can always find what you want, and it doesn't look like you slept in it on a park bench.

Fourth, the Prepack

Take out your luggage well before your trip and give your case a good once over to be sure that it is in good traveling condition. Make sure handles, wheels, zippers, locks and pull handles are operational.

Fifth, the Pack

Be sure you have a well planned out carry-on. If your larger case gets lost you will have your necessities available. The carry-on should contain medication, toiletries, one nights change of clothing, electrical appliances, any breakables and possibly a warm up suit.

When packing always pack the heaviest items at the bottom, closest to the wheels. This lets gravity work for you rather than against you.

Don't Get Mugged for Over-packing

DON'T GET MUGGED FOR OVER-PACKING... If you follow the packing rules and don't bring to large a case you should not go overweight, but if you are a hopeless over-packer we recommend you pack a flat, lightweight nylon duffle bag in an easily accessible outer pocket. When the airline says your overweight and request $25-$50 extra, pull out your duffle and transfer some clothing into it or know your limitations before you pack.
  1. Contact the airline(s) your traveling with and find out their dimensional and weight limitations of both checked and carry-on sizes before packing or purchasing a case. As a rule most domestic airlines allow two bags to be checked per person but they can not exceed 50 lbs each. If one case weighs 60 lbs and the other weighs 30 lbs you will be charged for one overweight bag. The case must not exceed 62" tri-measure (Add the length, height and width together). Carry-ons should not exceed 45" tri-measure and should be no greater than 22" x 14" x 9". You are allowed to carry on one wheeled carry on (45") and one personal bag which can be a handbag, tote or computer/business case.
  2. When traveling internationally the weight limitation is extended to 70 lbs but they are more sensitive to the weight and size of your carry on. Smaller carry ons are recommended and they might not allow a second personal bag. Check with the carrier for details.
  3. Refer to our Travel Security section for information on what is allowed to be carried on and checked in on a flight as well as locking your case.

Questions

If you have further questions or comments feel free to email us at info@LuggageGuru.com.

Also, check out our Travel Security information.