10 Smart travel packing tips

As you are preparing for a long distance travel, packing is a very important step you need to take before you hit the road. Last thing you want is to drag a bunch of suitcases with you. Not only because airlines charge incredible amounts for extra weight, but also for your own comfort. Traveling to your destination must be a part of fun, so I compiled this short but smart travel packing list to help your travel packing task be easy and with no regrets later.

1. Sit down and write down on a sheet of paper all the items you think you will need for your trip. Don’t think at this point if you want red or blue t-shirts. Just do a ruff count. Think about amount of days you will be traveling and add accordingly that number of underwear, shirts, skirts, etc. Take into consideration the weather and planned activities during your holidays.
2. Now think about which clothes to take. Get into details. Red or blue shirts, black or brown belt, green or purple dress, etc. Look at your wardrobe and write it down. No need to take anything out just yet.
3. Time to lessen the numbers. It might be hard at first, but try to scratch of your travel packing list 50% off everything you wrote. See if you can reuse your clothes while you are on vacation. Maybe there is a way to combine different pieces to make them look new. Expect to wear each outer clothing item more than once. However, do not cut on socks they are untouchable!
4. Pack universal clothes. Take clothes that blend in and are comfortable. Make sure they do not wrinkle from first touch and maintain fresh look for awhile. Avoid puffy pieces because they will take too much space.
5. Pack two pair of shoes. If you are heading for summer destination, pack your flip flops. If winter – you might be absolutely fine with what you are wearing in an airplane. Take sport shoes if you plan on exercising.
6. If there is going to be a special event during your trip (like a cruise dinner), decide what you will wear and add it to your travel packing list. Remember: Even if there is no special event, it is always smart to take one universal dress or dark long sleeve shirts.
7. Find out airline luggage unit and weight limitations. How many pieces of luggage may be checked, maximum dimensions, allowed weight for each bag.
8. Pack safe. Don’t pack expensive handbags, shoes or jewelry in registered bag. Take them with you in carry-on luggage. Metal tags attract eyes of airport security workers. It is very easy to pull them out without damaging the bag itself and insurance will not cover for such theft. Make sure you lock your bag with TSA – approved lock.  Better safe, then sorry!
9. It is always a smart thing to do, to pack one carry-on and one check-in luggage. If you can pack everything into your carry-on, do it. Don’t forget to zip lock all liquids in a plastic bag and leave your scissors at home.
10. Pack smart your cosmetics and toiletries. Buy travel or sample sized items. Get a set of plastic travel containers.

It might seem simple, but this list is a real time saver. Believe it or not, by following these rules, you will do better and better packing for your travel. Smart packing will become a habit that will let you enjoy your trip from the first moment you exit your home.

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