To the Sahara and without a hat? Upstream, and no paddle? Make your preparations easier with our checklist and tips on how to pack a suitcase before traveling. 

With flights and hotels booked, what to pack is the last thing to do before setting off on a well-deserved vacation. However, packing does not have to feel like a burden, especially if you follow our helpful advice on exactly what to take on a trip.

Control fluids.

We are all mindful of the rules, but we still run into traffic jams when someone tries to sneak a bottle of water through airport security. 

Much to the embarrassment of many, the general rule in many parts of the world prohibits passing containers larger than 100ml, and all liquids must fit inside a one-liter clear bag (sometimes available just before security). If you carry liquids that exceed this limit, put them in your checked baggage.

Today there are already bottles with flexible silicone materials that bend, allowing you to fill your bottle as many times as you want from permitted drinking water points and helping the environment.

Medications, just in case.

If you wonder what to bring in your suitcase, you cannot miss a small bag with essential medicines. You don’t need to take the entire pharmacy with you. In the same way, you do not know what it can give you. 

After all, no one wants to suffer from a headache, fever, stomach upset, or all three at the same time on vacation. It may be easy to buy medicines in your city, but maybe they are only sold with a prescription in the country to visit. And the same goes for medications for allergies or asthma. Don’t forget to pack them!

Labels are there to help.

Unless you are an international spy, you don’t need to travel incognito. Many suitcases already come with tags attached. So be sure to write down your details. It will be a relief if you or the airline loses your luggage!

These tags help you identify the luggage owner in the event of loss or at a security check. The airlines will share these cards with you, but if you like to travel with a design, they already sell labels with unique designs to help differentiate your luggage better.

Consider luggage restrictions.

Get organized with a list of things to travel and read the details of the maximum weight allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. 

Read the small letters that indicate the maximum weight of your carry-on and checked bags. Get organized with a list of things and read the details of the maximum weight allowed. If your airline says “23 kilos,” it means exactly that: 23 kilos. Weigh your bags beforehand you leave the house and make sure you don’t go outside the restrictions. Understanding how to pack a bag can save you a lot of headaches, from having to drop a ticket at the airport or repack and redistribute your possessions in your luggage to be within the allowed limits.

Do not go overshoes.

The number of shoes you need depends on how long your vacation will be and the type of activities you have planned. We think three pairs is a reasonable average for a one to two-week getaway. 

More important than the space they occupy is their versatility. Make sure you do not wear uncomfortable sandals to walk in the mountains and wear appropriate shoes for the activities included in your vacation. Put on the bulkiest during the flight and tuck your socks into the other pairs, thus saving more space.

Toiletry bag with hygiene products.

You will not want to smell ugly on your trip! Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, or moisturizer are some of the personal hygiene products that are essential to carry in your suitcase. 

As a recommendation, do not forget the sunscreen. It will always be your best friend when traveling, and if you travel to tropical places, do not forget the mosquito repellent.

Don’t forget about the adapters.

It is currently difficult to live without a cell phone and more so if you are going on a trip. Avoid paying a fortune at the airport and do not forget to put them in your suitcase, both the mobile charger and an external battery that can be very useful. 

Also, do not forget the camera, tablet, or laptop charger if you are one of those who carry several devices. And a very important tip, check the type of plug they use in the country to which you will travel.

Keep rolling.

A very important tip to know how to pack is to roll the clothes to save a lot of space and avoid annoying wrinkles.

The trick is to start with the shoes. You can fill it with stockings or small rolled clothes, place them in the opposite position, and not forget to fill the free spaces between them. When rolling up the shirts, you can overlap one another to save more space. This tip leads you to the following:

Whether it’s for the seductive duty-free items or vacation souvenirs: it’s inevitable to come home with more than you left. So make sure you make room for the newest purchases!

Beware of fragile objects.

If you need to pack something that could break, like glass or porcelain, wrap them in bubble wrap or between your clothes and place them in the center of the suitcase. It is the best way to protect them so that they arrive in one piece. 

If possible, try to transport them with you in carry-on luggage, thus ensuring that your suitcase is treated with care (by you!).

Valuables in hand luggage.

These days it’s rare for airlines to misplace luggage. But why risk it? Play it safe and store your valuable possessions, like your camera or engagement ring, in your carry-on luggage.

Take an extra set of clothes on board.

Have you ever wondered what can be carried in hand luggage? It is a mix of several objects that will help you improve your trip. Always have your technological objects and their chargers at hand. And, of course, the documentation required for your flight, hotels, and others. 

In the same way, you can carry objects that help you entertain yourself and generate comfort, such as a pillow, blanket, travel games, or books. It is also important to always have a bottle with water for when thirst attacks.

If you still have space in your hand luggage, it is always a good idea to bring a change of clothes with you. In case your suitcase gets lost or if the flight is delayed and you need to spend the night at the airport or in a nearby hotel.

Check the weather before you go out.

What to bring on a trip is not always obvious, but you can avoid a bad time by packing an umbrella.

Depending on your destination, the weather forecast can be the best ally or the worst enemy of your vacation. Rain or shine, meteorologists will give you an idea of ​​what weather to expect during your vacation. Check one day before you leave and pack accordingly.

Documentation for the trip.

Traveling without documents! Don’t let it happen to you. Keep them in an organizer to avoid losing or forgetting one. Among the most important that you must have are: Passport or visa, travel insurance information, reservations and itineraries, and transportation tickets.

A super useful tip is to send you the documentation by email in case something happens. You can easily access it online.

It does not matter if you go on a weekend trip to the beach or a two-week vacation abroad. It is everything you need to know to avoid going through stressful moments when packing.

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