Let’s Get Away: Part 1

Packing Tips & Tricks

Photo by Caroline Selfors on Unsplash

I am taking a much-needed vacation in a couple of weeks. Originally, I was just going to block out a few days. Maybe go somewhere in country. Enjoy some places that are usually packed with tourists but are emptier now. Then my flat mate asked if I wanted to tag along for a trip she was planning with a mutual friend. After lots of research, a locale was decided, and I ended up booking a whole week with them. I can’t wait. I have missed traveling. What a perfect way to recharge after a stressful school year.

I’m a road warrior. I travel a lot for work and when I can, for fun. I relish seeing new places and learning about different cultures. Living in Europe makes it easy. Over the years, I have streamlined my travel process to make things smoother. Now that countries are opening back up, I want to share a few tips & tricks to help make traveling easier. This week we will cover packing. Next week, we will talk about the flight itself.

·       Pack light – There is no way to pack for every possible situation. Don’t even try. I can usually buy something there if I really need it. So, I keep things on the lighter side. I can make it for 10 days in just a backpack. You can too! Pack things that go together so you have the ability to mix and match. Light layers are key! I am trying out a packing app. I will give you feedback after this trip.

·       Packing cubes – I have quite a collection of these in all shapes and sizes. I recently discovered compression cubes and I am in love. They save space and help keep things organized. You can also use them as makeshift drawers if needed. I usually throw a few extras in for dirty clothes or things I’ve picked up on my trip.

·       Pack your carry on for ease at security – It never fails, I always seem to get behind the person who hasn’t been on a plane in over a decade and has packed something in their hand luggage that is clearly not allowed. Make sure your liquids are not more than 100 ml (3 oz) and are in a clear plastic 1 liter (1 quart) bag. Some places in Europe only allow 10 items in this bag. Know the rules of where you are going. I make sure my liquids are at the top of my bag and my electronics (computer, iPad, Kindle) are quick and easy to access. No one wants to wait as you locate these things. Have them ready. You should also put snacks in a larger storage bag as sometimes they want them to be pulled out as well. After I get through security, I rearrange my bag(s) to make things easier once on the plane.

·       Must haves for your carry on – There are things I always travel with in my hand luggage. Comfort items such as ear plugs, a good eye mask, lip balm, and lotion are some of the first things I pack. I also make sure I have hand wipes (and/or sanitizer) and plenty of tissues. I bring along a nasal spray decongestant and use it just before takeoff. Stuffy sinuses can be quite uncomfortable during a flight. Snacks and a collapsible water bottle (hydration is key) are recommended. I tend to get hungry when traveling. You should always travel with all your medication in your carry on. I also bring a travel pill box that holds that day’s meds and supplements plus melatonin and ibuprofen. Any important papers or travel documents need to stay with you as well as jewelry or any other valuables. Don’t forget a scarf to keep warm. Compression socks are helpful for long travel days.

·       Electronics – Make sure all electronics are fully charged. I also bring a fully charged portable battery. Remember to download podcasts, books, tv shows, and movies before getting to the airport. WiFi is not a given and not having enough entertainment during a flight can be torture. I also pack a small case for my cables and chargers. Don’t forget earphones or ear buds (again, fully charged if they are wireless). I recommend having a back up pair. Don’t forget to turn on airplane mode on all of your electronics once you have boarded the plane. Adaptors/transformers might be needed for some locations. Be sure to look up the electricity wattage and plugs for the location you are heading.

·       Travel bin – I have a bin on one of my shelves that I keep things I use just for travel. I store adaptors, TSA locks, a luggage scale, extra cords/chargers, ear plugs, travel toiletries (including a hairbrush, comb, toothbrush, and deodorant), wipes, sanitizer, bags and cases, and a whole plethora of things that are useful when I travel. I make sure toiletries are restocked after each trip so I can just grab and go.

·       Don’t forget – Make sure you know the mask requirements for your flights and destination. Have plenty on hand and pack a few extras. Comfortable shoes (packed in shoe bags!) are a must. A trip is not the time to break in new shoes. Travel towels are also a must pack item for me. I have a small camping microfiber towel that is super absorbent and dries quickly. It has been a life saver many times. I also usually bring a Turkish towel. These are so versatile. They can be used as a wrap, a beach towel, a blanket – the possibilities are endless. A drawstring gym sack is also a great choice to have on hand. I also toss in a reusable shopping bag or two. A pen comes in handy for filling out entry forms.

Packing is easy and quick for me because I do it so often. I use packing cubes and containers for almost everything. This keeps things organized and when it is time to pack, it’s like playing a game of Tetris. You just fit everything together.

Let me know in the comments below your favorite packing tips. I’m always looking for ways to make the process easier. Next week, I’ll discuss more about travel itself.