Packing Tips

CHECKED LUGGAGE

  • Maximize your packing space, leave no space unpacked, unless you plan on doing some shopping, and need to leave space for your purchases.

  • Pack your bulky items first, then mold/shape your other items to fit into and/or around those bulkier items. This is a great way to make use of every nook and cranny of your luggage.

  • If you decide to pack with packing cubes, choose packing cubes that have labels on the packing cubes. That way, you don't have to unzip several packing cubes to find what you are looking for.

  • Packing without packing cubes? Make sure to roll your clothes and to use every inch of packing space. For example, place socks inside of close-toed shoes to save on space.

  • Pack a capsule wardrobe. Choose a dark base color, such as black or brown, and create outfits around that color. I use a dark base color so it can more easily hide spills, stains, etc., so it’s easier to re-wear. Mix-and-match outfits around this base color, so ideally you can pack less.

  • Airtags for your checked luggage so if the luggage is lost, the luggage can be easily tracked. Although most airlines track your luggage, it’s nice to have a way to double check where your luggage is.

  • Plastic bags and/or plastic container sleeves to contain liquids. Should your liquids ever spill, these sleeves/bags can help protect your other packed items.

CARRY-ON LUGAGGE

  • My ride-or-die carry-on suitcase for the last 16 years has been my Samsonite carry-on bag. This bag has been tossed, shoved, spilled on, kicked, you name it, and it’s been done to this bag. Despite all of that, it still looks brand new and functions the same way it did when I bought it.

  • Whether or not you have a baby, pack a 1/2 pack of baby wipes into your carry-on. (A full one may be too bulky and heavy. If you are checking a bag, feel free to bring a full pack of baby wipes). Baby wipes can be used for multiple purposes- remove your make-up, clean up spills on you or your seat, clean off sticky fingers, etc.

  • Attach laced shoes, such as athletic shoes, to the outside of your carry-on bag. You can do this by using either a clip like this, or a re-usable silicon twist tie. This will save room in your bag for other items you wish to pack.

  • Re-usable silicon twist ties can also be molded to attach a coat, you don’t want to carry, to your bag, without the coat getting caught in the carry-on’s wheels.

COMPUTERS / CELLPHONES / TABLETS

  • Battery pack to charge your cellphone while on the go.

  • Lightening fast charging cables so you can charge your laptop and/or phone quickly

LAUNDRY

  • Soap sheets are great for doing laundry while traveling. They are small (paper thin and the size of the credit card) and portable to travel with.

  • Anti-stain stick pen

WARM/SUNNY DESTINATIONS

  • Sunscreen

  • Hat

  • Bug spray

  • Water shoes

RAINY WEATHER

  • A few plastic rain ponchos. If/when they tear, they can be easily discarded.

  • Water shoes which can be easily cleaned and dried quickly

  • Umbrellas

  • Trash bags, zip lock bags, etc. so items that didn’t properly dry, can be packed without getting everything else wet.

OTHER PACKING TIPS

  • Toilet seat covers come in handy in those restrooms in which the level of sanitation is questionable.

  • Spork (combination spoon/fork) may come in handy depending on the country.

“SOLO TRAVEL NOT ONLY PUSHES YOU OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE; IT ALSO PUSHES YOU OUT OF THE ZONE OF OTHERS’ EXPECTATIONS.”

– SUZY STRUTNER

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My Travels: Il Duomo in Milan, Italy

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