10 packing travel hacks
Whether you’re living off frequent flyer miles or you’ve never stepped foot on a plane, packing can pose a unique challenge. You don’t want to pay for too many checked bags, nor will you want to lug multiple bags around a new and strange airport as you try and find a taxi. Thankfully, there are tons of tips and information to help you pack light, smart, and perfectly. Here are 10 to get you started.
Make a list
Just like the supermarket, you can’t go into packing blindly. Make a list of everything you think you need, and then edit. A good rule of thumb is to list all the outfits you think you need, and then subtract one. Then, once you’re done, put the packing list in with the rest of the it, so you have a list at the end of your trip for what needs to go back in the back—it’s also a handy way to make sure you haven’t lost anything.
Roll your clothes
Maximize your space by rolling clothes instead of folding them. It seems counter-intuitive, but trust us. You will be shocked how much more you can fit in your suitcase. Plus, added bonus, by rolling your clothes instead of folding them, you won’t have creases down the front of shirts and you can unroll and go!
Beat the system
Trying to cheat the 3-1-1 liquids rule at the airport? Here’s a quick tip to get you by: tape the ends of a drinking straw shut and fill it with a single dose of moisturizer, sunscreen, or toothpaste to use in-flight. This method keeps everything under the liquid limit and keeps your favourite in-flight things close at hand.
Hide your valuables
Any small, opaque container will do for this, but Chapstick is often the perfect size. Hide cash, earrings and medication in these containers to keep them safe from thieves.
Cover your bottoms
Let’s be honest – the soles of your shoes have been in some pretty gross places. Don’t let them get up-close-and-personal with your favourite shirt when you cover them with glad wrap or an old shower cap.
Get spill-proof
Glad wrap saves the day – again! Unscrew the lid of your shampoo and conditioner bottles and put a large piece of plastic wrap over top, then reposition the cap. This prevents potentially disastrous spills in transit and keeps all the precious liquids exactly where you want them…not all over your clothes and belongings.
Avoid burnt belongings
In a rush to get going? If you didn’t give your hair tools proper time to cool, store them in a pot holder to prevent singed clothes when you arrive at your destination.
Stay professional
For the business travellers among us – use this tip to keep your look professional during long trips. Instead of shoving your blazer in the over-head compartment or using it as a pillow, try folding it inside out (skip rolling this item). Once you reach your destination, simply turn it right side out again and your jacket won’t be any worse for the wear and wrinkles will be virtually non-existent.
Mark “fragile”
It doesn’t matter what you have – a soft-shell suitcase full of snow globes and porcelain dolls, or a hard-shell suitcase full of bras and underwear – when you mark your suitcase fragile, the airline will take better care of it. Ensure your baggage is handled with care and is one of the first bags released by clearly marking it fragile.
Unpack immediately
We’ve all been there – you came home six weeks ago and are still half living out of your suitcase. When you get home, make laundry your first priority. The longer you stay home, the less momentum you have.
Even if you pack the perfect bag, disaster can still strike. More often than you think, bags are rerouted and lost – this is one of the many reasons people purchase travel insurance. You’ve prepared for your trip with our 10 packing travel hacks, so don’t let it turn bad with one wrong move. Think of purchasing travel insurance today and get going.