Packing can be a nuisance. What should I bring with me on my trip? How will I fit everything in my bag? Won't be my luggage too heavy? Don't worry, with a little practice you won't think about these questions rather be excited about your upcoming adventures!
If you're planning to escape the city for a few days - whether you're going on a romantic weekend getaway with your partner or a last minute budget trip with your buddies - a carry-on luggage will be your best friend. A check-in bag can be necessary and good for longer travels but if it's not absolutely essential, don't bother bringing one. Without a check-in bag you can save money, time and the hassle to carry heavy bags around, not to mention the relief that your belongings are safe with you and not damaged!
Firstly, what is a carry-on luggage?
This is a hand luggage or cabin baggage that you can take on a board with you. This can be a suitcase, weekender bag or a backpack. The size and weight allowance vary on airlines but generally it's 55x40x23 cm and weights between 7 and 10 kilograms. The size limit includes the handle and the wheels and ensures that your bag fits in the overhead storage during the flight. Budget airlines usually pay extra attention on your luggage size and weight and likely to make you pay for the extra weight - though if your bag doesn't seem overpacked, you probably won't have any problem. (You know, this is the price of the cheap tickets!) Lot of airlines allow a small item (laptop bag or a women's handbag) alongside your cabin bag. For the exact measurements, always check your airline luggage policy! For a quick summary check this site.
TOP TIP: Get a luggage scale to weight your bag beforehand so you won't be surprised at the boarding! It'll cost just a couple of dollars and is pretty small so you can fit it in your bag as well.
So after you've chosen your bag, let's see what and how to pack in it. There are a few rules you can follow. (This might be evidential for some people but a quick recap can never hurt!)
Before you start packing - think ahead!
Check the weather forecast
Decide what kind of activities you'd like to do on your trip? You're gonna go to a gym every day, hiking in the mountains or you're planning to try a fancy restaurant?
You may wanna do some laundry. Go through your wardrobe and see whether your favourites are ready to be packed or need to be cleaned first.
Whatever your plans may be, pack your bag accordingly.
The basics
Everyday clothes: tops and bottoms. Pack outfits, not pieces. Choose items that match with everything and wearable more than once.
Underwear. We pack one for each day, though you can easily wash them out.
PJs or something to sleep in.
Always put layers like a sweater or a jacket. We usually put a pair of longer pants too, just in case. Sometimes nights are colder, even in summer. Or it's just happen to be the coldest weekend in months when you finally get to go on your holiday. You'll never know.
A small raincoat can be useful, especially when you're in the nature.
Shoes: no more than two pair. Pick one that suits your destination (hiking boots, heels, sandals, etc.) and a comfortable one for the plane and for exploring. I like to put a thin flip flop in as well - I hate walking barefoot in hotels and indoor swimming pools.
If it fits your plans and style, pack a fancier evening outfit.
Swimwear - if you're going on a beach or your accommodation has a spa facility.
Do not forget your sunglasses and a hat - they are great against the sun.
Towel. We use microfiber towels from Decathlon - they are fast-drying and super compact!
Bring a smaller bag for sightseeing - this can be your 'small item' on the plane
TOP TIP: For women, dresses and romper suits are nice for wandering around the city and for dining out. Men can wear short sleeve shirts in these cases.
Toiletries
When packing your toiletries, there are some factors to consider. Most of the cosmetics and make-up products count as liquids - sprays, deodorants, toothpaste, gels, creams, perfumes, mascara and lipstick, and so on. Probably you've already heard about the restrictions on airports regarding the liquids in carry-ons but here's a summary:
All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml
The total of the carried liquids can be 1 litre
They must be packed in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of up to 20 cm x 20 cm with the maximum capacity of up to 1 litre. You have to be able to seal this bag with the liquids in it.
A passenger is allowed to bring ONE bag in the hand luggage
Anything that violates the restrictions will be discarded by security
You'll have to take them out (with the plastic bag) at the security screening so put them at the top of your packed suitcase. (Check-in bags are fine, you can bring your 1 litre shampoo if you want - though you likely to be able to buy it in your destination so why bother?)
TOP TIP: If you have too much, share it with your travel companion. Women tend to bring more make-up then men - it means he has lot of space, and you can always snuck some of your toiletries into his bag!
So what to pack here?
toothbrush and toothpaste
deodorant
shower gel or soap
shampoo and conditioner - can be replaced with solid shampoo
disposable razor and cartridges (no blades are allowed)
comb, hairpins
nail clippers and tweezers
make-up and skin care
moisturizer
women's health products
TOP TIP: Use reusable toiletry bottles instead of travel size toiletries - they cost less and better for the environment! Also, you can label it for yourself.
The essentials - travel documents and electronics
Your travel documents: passport, visa, ID card, driving license
Health insurance
First-aid kit with medication (for allergies, pain, diarrhea, etc.), bandages and plasters
Money: both local currency and credit card
Phone with charger and headphones
Tablet / Laptop with charger if necessary
Camera with lenses, batteries and SD card
Power bank
Miscellaneous - what you might forget or don't even think about
Reusable water bottle
Travel adapter
Travel pillow and earplugs
Glasses and contacts (with liquid)
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Hand fertilizer
Face mask
Tissues
Flashlight
Padlock - especially for hostels
Zip-log bags and a laundry bag
Reading, music or games for the road
Sewing kit - just needle a some thread
+1: Sneak a swiss-army knife in your checked bag. We use Wallet Ninja, it's as big as a credit card and so far we could take it to the plane as well.
What NOT to pack:
It is forbidden to bring firearm, explosives, flammable or sharp objects (such as knives, scissors, razor blades), sporting equipment that can be used as weapons (like baseball bats), self-defense sprays, workman tools, etc. Some countries e.g. Australia have even more strict policies regarding the imported goods. There's always some who cause some trouble and try to bring dangerous goods or too much liquid in the cabin bag. To avoid being that person, make sure to check the policy of your airline or the governmental site of the destination country.
Here's a few extra tips for you.
Packing cubes are great! They are smaller bags that help you compartmentalize your stuff. There are different types for shoes and underwear or there is one for electronics. You'll find these on Amazon or eBay easily.
Not fold, roll you clothes - they take up less space in this way.
Stuff your shoes with smaller item such as socks and belts.
Wear your bulkiest items on the airport and carry anything heavy in your pockets on on your person (headphones, tablet or a book). You can put these items in your suitcase later.
There are a few apps (like PackPoint) for making packing lists. I hope this guide will help you pack efficiently and you won't find the packing so noisome, rather exciting! Also, don't forget to save some space for your souvenirs! Save this post so you can check it later!
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