Packing Tips from the Pros
People who travel for a living — pilots, flight attendants and those who conduct business around the world — usually have packing down to a science. Not only do they arrive at their destination with everything they need, their clothes stay neat and organized throughout their trip. Whether you’re taking a cross-country vacation or a weekend trip to see Grandma, these tips will help you pack better.
Fly Smart
Now that airlines are charging for checked bags, you’ll want to pack smarter.
- Wear a multi-purpose coat, jacket or sweater that will go with all of your outfits.
- Purchase a $10 mini fold-up umbrella for potentially rainy vacations.
- Pick clothes that mix and match with one basic color scheme.
- You'll probably wear fewer shoes than you think you will. Try to limit it to one or two pairs of very comfortable, all-purpose shoes.
- Bring essential health and beauty items, but you don't need to pack your entire medicine cabinet.
- Call ahead and see if you need to bring a hairdryer or clothes steamer. Most hotels provide a hairdryer and ironing board.
Be Neat
- Wrap your shoes in plastic, newspaper or food storage bags so they won'’t get other items dirty.
- Pack a couple of plastic grocery bags for dirty laundry, wet swimsuits and unwrapped souvenirs.
- Tightly roll your clothes. They will take up less room and get less wrinkled as items shift in your suitcase.
- If space is an issue, consider purchasing space-saving bags that allow you to vacuum out excess air.
Stay Healthy & Safe
- Don't forget a small sewing kit and first aid kit.
- For longer trips, bring a copy of your glasses prescription or an extra set of contact lenses.
- If checking a bag, make sure that you carry on essential medications, your jewelry, camera or other valuables, plus anything you’ll need for an unexpected delay (a change of clothes, toothbrush & toothpaste, etc.).
- With swine flu worries, carry a pack of antibacterial hand wipes in a purse, pocket or an outside pocket of your suitcase, and use them often.
- Carry on some high-fiber, high protein snacks in case your plane is delayed. Meals may be available for purchase on domestic flights, but there are rarely enough for everyone.
- You can’t carry bottled water or other beverages through security. Plan on buying a bottle on the way to your gate. (And drink lots of water on the plane.)
Be Legal
- Remember the 3-1-1 for carry-on bags, to comply with the Transportation Safety Administration: 1 1-quart bag per person, filled with 3 ounces or less of liquids and gels. (There are no limits for checked bags.) Keep your plastic bag at the top of your suitcase so you don’t have to go fishing for it at security.
- If you travel often, consider keeping your bag of health and beauty liquids filled and packed and ready to go whenever you are.
Bon voyage!
Question:
What are your best tips for packing smarter?
