What and how to pack

1. Make a packing list. Plan what you will wear, so that you don’t over-pack. Limit your wardrobe by picking one color palette and keep layers in mind for colder days and evenings. Wear bulky clothes on the plane. Stick to quick-dry, non-iron fabrics where possible. Lay out everything you want to take and try to reduce it by at least one third. You will not use ‘just in case’ items, so don’t take them. Pack heavy to light.
2. Travel necessities. Important electricals include outlet adapters, charging cables, a power bank for charging, and an extra camera battery. Get a bag for your money, passport and travel documents that has security features like a no-cut strap and RFID blocker. If you want to do a lot of reading, an electronic device (e.g. Amazon Kindle), will save on weight and space.
3. Use a suitcase and/or bag that is easy to carry, durable and light weight. A trolley bag with wheels is best.
4. Use packing cubes. These are a fantastic way or organize your packing, simplify unpacking, and keep track of your belongings. Assign a different color to each family member. Organize your clothes by day. Take a shower cap for shoes to protect your clothes. Roll your clothes rather than folding them to reduce creases.
5. Your carry-on bag. Take a pen to fill in forms, earphones, hand sanitizer, travel pillow, and eye mask. Include any medications you are taking, and an empty water bottle to fill up once you’re in the airport terminal – security will make you toss any full bottles. Consider putting a toothbrush and change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your luggage is lost or delayed in transit. Put any liquids or creams over three ounces in your checked bags in a Ziplock bag.
6. Pack less than you need. You can buy toiletries and you could use a laundry service to reduce the number of clothes you take. Keep a space clear for souvenirs and gifts.
7. Vacuum pack your clothes. Remove all the excess air and create more space. Use bags that you roll rather than relying on a vacuum cleaner. Take an empty bag for dirty clothes.
8. Bring things you can throw away. Consider taking older underwear that you’re happy to get rid of at the end of the trip to make room for souvenirs. Use small bottles or decant just enough toiletries, so you can throw away what remains at the end.
9. Make your bag/suitcase stand out. It will be much easier to spot on a baggage carousel and reduces the risk of someone else taking your bag by accident.
10. Take a luggage scale. Weigh your luggage more easily before the flight home. This can save you a lot of money in excess baggage fees.

Summary:

• Make a packing list.
• Take travel necessities – outlet adapters, charging cables, power bank; bag with security features for passport, travel documents, and money.
• Use a durable, light weight bag or suitcase with wheels.
• Use packing cubes to organize you and your family members.
• Essentials for carry-on include a pen, earphones, hand sanitizer, travel pillow and eye mask, any medications you take, and an empty water bottle.
• Pack less than you need to keep space for souvenirs and gifts.
• Vacuum pack your clothes to create more space.
• Bring things you can throw away.
• Make your bag/suitcase easy to identify on a baggage carousel.
• Take a luggage scale.