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General Packing
Tips
These tips are for traveling by air
anywhere/anytime.
Click here for other tips.
Double check baggage restrictions. Not only how many bags you can have,
but what size and weight. Don't forget that airlines have restrictions not
only on checked luggage but carry-ons as well.
Planning on bringing lots of items back that you have
purchased? In the winter, consider wearing clothes that you had planned
for a garage sale or good will and not returning with them. Additionally,
if your carrier allows 2 checked bags, pack one inside the other for 1 checked
bag going out and 2 coming back (you could also purchase a duffle, etc. at your
destination).
Is your trip going to restrict your use of bellmen, skycaps,
etc? Try lightening what you take by finding light luggage and consider
leaving some items at home. Two instances are many hotels have hair dryers
and almost all have wake up service - leave the hair dryer and back up clock at
home.
To further lighten and compact your luggage, don't take any extra
protective cases or packaging. Use your clothing for the protection. If
you have something that may leak, use a sealable baggy as a vapor barrier
between the item and your cushioning clothing.
Don't take your entire key chain on a trip - it adds weight and
the opportunity for them to get lost. Just take the house key and car key
(if needed to get home).
When counting carry-ons, realize that sometimes large or oversized
purses are counted as a carry-on in their own right.
If you plan on needing information from a guide book, don't take
the whole thing, photocopy the pages you need to take. This lightens your
travel weight and you may have a better idea of the information than if you just
glanced at the book before your trip.
If traveling through several different "language zones"
consider an electronic translator or preparing a "commonly used
phrase" sheet with each language before traveling rather than packing
several translation books.
Think of alternate items you might take to lighten your load like:
disposable razors are much lighter than electric or battery powered ones.
For the budget traveler (or person with special dietary restrictions) - evaluate: Will the benefits of carrying food/condiments/water
(liquid), outweigh their weight? Possibly a trip once you reach your
destination to a grocery store, corner market, etc. would be a better option.
If you are traveling alone or with a group/tour of
people who you don't know very well, including a photo of someone
you love will be a light pick me up - a perfect uplift for if the
"homesick" or "can't find what I'm looking
for" bug bites you.