Packing Tips

It may seem like a good idea to take everything but the kitchen sink with you on vacation but any experienced traveler will tell you, the less you carry the better. This is especially these days with Airline luggage restrictions. But, how can you pack light and still have everything you'll need? And don’t forget about the wrinkled clothes. Sure your business suit looks like it was made from raisins, but at least you smell good since your after shave spilled all over your clothes. We can help you take a little extra care and planning in packing so you’ll be able to pack light and avoid damage.

What to consider when buying new luggage?

If you’re looking to buy new luggage, you should consider luggage with these features:

Removable straps. Straps may make luggage easier to carry, but they can get caught on conveyor belts etc breaking or damaging your luggage.

Retractable rollers, rollers make it much easier moving through the airport. I'd recommend retractable rollers, so the rollers don’t get pulled off.

Carry-on luggage that's a size that will be allowed under the recent more restrictive carry-on size limits.

A lock, preferably one that doesn’t dangle off your luggage too much.

How do I find out about my Airline's luggage restrictions and limits?
Check out their web site for information and limits.

How should I pack the liquids I bring with me?

So your clothes don't get covered in the liquids, use plastic bottles in your packing. Only fill bottles to the three quarters full incase they are crushed or the contents freeze and expand. You also might want to pack them in plastic zip lock bags just in case.

What is the best way to carry my medications?

• Always carry your medications in your carry on so they will be less likely lost and less risk of harm to temperature-sensitive medication.
• Carry medication in its original packing to avoid security problems.
• If possible take the generic names of your medications since brand names can vary.
• If you have particularly large supplies or any questionable drugs, you should get a letter to take from your doctor stating you have a legal right to use these drugs.
• When traveling abroad, check to see what drugs you can take with you. Something legal here might be illegal elsewhere. It could get dumped, or worse you could get dumped in jail.

What should I do with my valuables?

If its an option its always best to leave them at home in a safe place. Otherwise:

• If your luggage has locks, you should use them.
• Do not carry valuables in your checked luggage, they will be safer in your carry-on bags.
• Shrink wrapping your luggage will not only protect the outside of your bags, but also the contents inside.
• If you do place any valuables in your luggage, hide them in the lower sections of the bags so a quick look inside won’t reveal them.

How can I avoid damaging my camera film?

High-speed film is the most susceptible to damage, but all film is at risk. Carrying film in your checked bags used to be a safer bet, but with stronger bomb detection devices, your film is now more likely to get fried.

I'd highly recommend buying special carrying cases designed for protecting film.

You can ask for a manual inspection in the United States and some foreign airports to avoid the x-rays if you place your film in your carry-on bag.

The walkthrough and hand wand security scanners shouldn’t effect your film.

The safest way is to buy film when you arrive and develop it before you go. This may not be the cheapest route, but it is the best way  to keep your memories safe.

How can I keep my items neat in my luggage?

Pack your liquid items in less than full plastic bottles, they might freeze and expand if you’re traveling by plane or putting them in a trunk and traveling through cold weather. Then place the bottles in freezer bags with a seal to further protect your items.

Bring along plenty of plastic bags to keep your dirty items separate from your other clothes.

Pack your shoes in bags or old socks to keep their dirty soles from touching your nice clean clothes.

Pack carefully to avoid wrinkles see below.

How do you avoid wrinkled clothes?

• Don't over pack your baggage.
• Roll up T-shirts or underwear and wrap your items around them at a fold line. This will help keep a crease from forming.
• Travel with the proper size luggage for your trip. Too large a bag will allow your items to move around and make damage and wrinkles more likely.
• Take clothing that is less likely to get wrinkled.
• Use plastic dry cleaner bags between items. Make sure the dry cleaner bags do not have any advertising printed on them. The ink can rub off and end up on your clothes.
• Unpack as soon as you can.
• Hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower to help steam out the wrinkles.
• Button the buttons on shirts so items will hang properly.

How can I pack light and still have everything I need?

• The more you travel, the more you know that traveling with the least possible luggage is the best. But, how do you cut down on your luggage burden?
• Call your hotel to see if they offer laundry services. See if they include any useful items in your room such as, robes and toiletries that will reduce what you need.
• Coordinate your outfits around a central color so you can mix and match.
• Plan your outfits so you can layer instead of bringing lots of coats.
• Check the weather, so you can bring the most appropriate items. Remember to account for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations and also keep in mind that increases in altitude will decrease temperature.
• List all the items you are taking and check to see if you really need each item, in other words, is there something else you could take to kill two birds with one stone.
• Take a solid color jacket or sweater that will match any outfit to keep you warm.
• Take small sample sizes of toiletries that will last just long enough instead of large bottles.
• Take some old clothes with only one last wear in them. You can then toss them out and use the room for the souvenirs you’ll want to bring home.
• Don’t waste an inch of your luggage space, pack your underwear and socks inside your shoes. This will also help your shoes keep their shape. Pack your belts around the edge of the luggage.

 How can I avoid losses on my trip?

•  Don’t pack valuable, perishable, and fragile or items sensitive to the heat and cold in your checked baggage. Try to avoid these items altogether, but if you must take them, they will be safer in your carry-on bag.
• Learn your destination's airport code and make sure the correct one gets put on your bag.
• Never leave your luggage unattended or take your eyes off your bags.
• Avoid carrying your laptop in a bag that lets everyone know you are carrying expensive electronics.
• Avoid taking luggage with flashy brand names, as it will make them more attractive to thieves.
• Clearly label your luggage on both the inside and outside of your bags.
• Use the locks on your luggage.
• Place a trip itinerary in your luggage so your bags can easily be returned to you.
• Remove any items that are hanging off your luggage and could get caught on conveyor belts.
• Switch some of your items with those of a traveling companion. That way if your bags go missing, you’ll still have some items with you.
• Place a unique bright marking on your luggage so you can easily identify it. This way others will recognize that their similar looking bag did not have the markings and leave yours alone.
• If an airline loses your items make a claim before you leave the airport; some Airlines will not honor claims made after you have left the airport.
• Cover your hands when you are entering ATM or phone card numbers so others can’t copy them down and use them.
• Carry a list of all your items in your carry-on and leave one at home, to help you make a complete claim form if your items go missing. Carry a copy of the final list in your carry-on bags, you’ll be able to use it to fill out claim forms with the airline if they lose your luggage.
• Consider purchasing trip insurance that offers protection for your property.

Things to take with you when traveling (carry on)

It can be overwhelming when traveling here is a list with most the main things you may need to carry

• A passport, for all travel outside the U.S. and identification purposes
• Driver’s License
• Insurance cards for both your medical and car insurance
• Credit cards
• Wallet
• Coupons
• Airline, Train or Cruise tickets
• Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you’ll be staying
• Travelers checks
• Plenty of crisp one-dollar bills for all those tipping opportunities
• A small amount of local currency for immediate use to hold you over until you can make it to a currency exchange, if you're planning foreign travel.
• Travel brochures and maps
  
   

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