PACKING TIPS
There are two kinds of travelers in the world: those who packed light
and those who wish they had. To include everything needed in as little
space as possible, follow these helpful guidelines compiled by the
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most travel-wise
people in the world, ASTA members know the techniques of efficient
packing for all types of travel.
MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT!
Like an architect
planning a building, so must you plan the contents of your suitcase by
creating a list. A packing list eliminates the panic of last-second
packing, serves as a handy guide for repacking at the end of the trip,
and can be beneficial in the unfortunate event of lost or stolen
luggage.
When planning your wardrobe, consider the events you
will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit
for each activity. Crosscheck this list to determine if one piece can
cover multiple occasions. Pick clothes that coordinate well together,
based around complimentary colors.
Check the weather forecast of
the destination and plan accordingly. Also, be sure to know the local
traditions, where a t-shirt for dinner could be a serious blunder, or
bare shoulders may bar your entrance into such places as St. Peter’s
Basilica in Vatican City. For almost all outdoor activities, take pieces
that can be layered.
Forget dress clothes for every occasion.
The world at large has relaxed its dress code, showing almost universal
leniency to tourists. Dark colors – a black dress or blue jacket – will
get you through most dinners and plays.
TO PACK OR NOT TO PACK? THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Now that the wardrobe is thoroughly planned, stick with it. When
packing, lay out the items you intend to take and reexamine your list.
If possible, weed out single-use items and extras.
Set aside the
pieces you intend to bring and ensure that they are clean and ready to
be packed. Contact your travel agent about the hotel’s in-room amenities
– such as a hair dryer, an iron and board, soap, shampoo etc. – so
you’ll know what to leave behind.
Jewelry – don’t take what you
don’t want to lose, and leave behind the flashy pieces that could
attract thieves. Keep makeup to a minimum to save space, and leave the
perfume behind when scented lotions will work just as well.
When
it comes to the question of toiletries, travel kits are always the
answer. Having a travel kit perpetually stocked in a waterproof case
will save in packing time before the trip and aggravation after arrival.
Most personal toiletry items come in inexpensive travel sizes, so
purchase these whenever you see them so as not to arrive with a
half-empty bottle of your favorite hair gel. And don’t fill bottles up
to the very top, for pressure inside the plane may force the contents to
expand and overflow.
With each item you intend to bring,
visualize how to make it smaller, like photocopying certain pages and
maps from the guidebook instead of bringing the entire book. Streamline
your daily habits. Bring only one bottle of all-purpose lotion instead
of multiple lotions for hands, face and body. Choose a regular
toothbrush or razor over electric models.
Film and other
accessories can be purchased globally and often easily, so save packing
room by leaving them behind. Create an in-trip adventure and discover
more about the area by shopping for a local brand of deodorant or
lotion.
When it comes to incidentals, a few items will go a long
way. Important items to bring include a first-aid kit, a tin of aspirin,
sunscreen and a small bottle of Woolite for emergency, in-room
laundering if needed. Also, a Swiss army knife will amaze you with its
handiness, whether peeling fruit or uncorking a wine bottle. Remember –
it’s not allowed on the plane, so pack it in your checked luggage.
Once your travel kit is complete, be sure to pack it in your
carry-on bag to avoid a mess in your checked luggage and have on hand
during the flight.
THE ART OF
PACKING
Now you know what to bring, so let the
packing begin. Iron everything before placing it in the suitcase. If it
goes in crisp and clean, odds are more in its favor of coming out the
same. Button all buttons and zip all zippers.
Learn to fold.
Practice folding like they do in clothing stores – they use that method
for a reason. The better the fold, the fewer the creases. All garments
can be folded in many different ways – T-shirts, jeans, skirts and
sports coats can be rolled up and strategically positioned (i.e.
stuffed) in a duffel bag or travel pack.
The interlocking method
of folding clothes is ideal for suitcases. Overlap two pieces of
clothing flat and then fold them into each other so that each piece
cushions the other to aid in defying wrinkles. Placing a piece of tissue
paper between each layer of clothing will also help prevent wrinkling.
If using the fold and stack method, try to think chronologically,
placing the items to be worn first on the top. This will prevent rooting
around the suitcase for a specific item while disrupting the rest.
Always pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious space and
causes clothes to wrinkle. Eliminate wasted space, such as the insides
of shoes, which are perfect for socks or underwear.
Always carry
travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other
valuables in your carry-on luggage. Items such as these should never be
packed in checked luggage.
Label each piece of luggage, both
inside and out, with your name and telephone number, but not your home
address. If an address is needed, then put your office’s. And remove old
claim checks to avoid confusion.
Unpack as completely as possible
as soon as you get to the hotel to prevent further wrinkles. When
repacking, remember that balled-up, dirty laundry takes more space than
carefully folded clothes, so repack your used clothing identically to
your original packing method.
ZIPPING UP
The main message: be in control of your
luggage and not at its mercy. With a little Travel Sense, a few packing
guidelines and some helpful tips, traveling light will be an easy plan
to follow.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, airlines have imposed strict
regulations on the size and the amount of luggage passengers may check.
Travelers who fail to check size requirements before their flights may
be charged with extra fees in order to bring the bag on board the
aircraft. To avoid such issues, ASTA advises you consult with the
individual airlines' Web sites or Customer Service lines.
