It can be hard to pack for a long trip.It's important to remember essentials, but not so much for items that aren't necessities.This article will help you learn ways of packing clothing and other items in order to save space in your bag, while also making you realize what you may be able to live without on your next vacation or trip.
Step 1: You need to pack items that you can live without.
It is a good idea to keep your travel documents in a special pouch or bag where you won't misplace them.You won't be able to replace any of the medicines that you bring with you, so be sure to bring your own.You need a journal and camera to remember your trip.This can double as a journal and possibly a camera if you bring a tablet.Otherwise consider a small camera.There is an extra memory card and battery.We all have a chap stick.If you are worried that you won't be able to find an essential item on your trip, pack an extra to be safe.If you misplace your credit or debit cards, a photocopy of your passport and visa could come in handy.If your allergies flare up or you get headaches, make sure you pack appropriate medication.
Step 2: Once you arrive at your destination, print out your itinerary to reference throughout the day.
Carefully consider what you need for each activity or stop on your trip if you use this as a bonus.You will be able to anticipate what will happen each day.You may notice a few items that won't be used.Research online reviews to find out what others think about the experience and what they wish they had brought.If a boat trip provides sunscreen and towels, you might need to pack them.The most important item you pack is comfortable shoes.It varies by person, but typically this includes a pair that ties and has arch support.You can bring articles of clothing that aren't too specific to match your packed items.You won't need to worry about what's clean and what needs washing.
Step 3: Pack threes.
There will be three pairs of socks, underwear, and shirts.Just enough of each item will be enough to wash, dry and wear.Two pairs should suffice because pants can be worn more than once.The rule only applies to the stapled items that you will be wearing everyday.If you plan to attend an event where your standard ensemble won't be appropriate, plan accordingly.If you are traveling during the warmer months, be sure to bring clothing made of lighter fabric, such as a poly blend, which is easily packable,durable, and dries quickly.If you bring clothing items that you can mix and match, they can be worn with anything.A pair of pants that can become shorts is usually a safe bet.These will give you more options.Most bottoms will match shirts in neutral colors like white, black and tan.It's important to remember that darker colors give more sun protection.If you are traveling during cold months, plan on wearing layers rather than packing a heavy coat.Don't worry about spending more time doing laundry, only the piece touching your skin will need to be washed regularly.You can hire a laundry service or bring a container of laundry detergent.
Step 4: Pack according to the culture and dress code you are traveling in.
If you stick out like a sore thumb, this will keep you from offending the locals.If you fit in, you are less likely to be a target for pickpockets and people trying to take advantage of you.If you're unsure of the local customs for covering up, don't expose your shoulders and knees.A lightweight scarf can easily and quickly cover you up if the culture of the visiting country is conservative.Dressier clothing is necessary if you are going to attend a formal event or service.A quick and easy way to dress up your clothing is with accessories.Even a cotton t-shirt can look dressy if you have a piece of jewelry or hairpiece.Men are able to wear ties and glasses with a watch.The best part is that these items don't take up a lot of room in your suitcase.
Step 5: There are a lot of guidebooks and foreign language phrasebooks.
If your destination country doesn't speak the same language as you do, it's a good idea to bring along a language book to help you communicate.It is possible to impress locals by mastering basic greetings and phrases for ordering meals.You can download an application for easy communication with locals if you have phone reception or computer access.Two of the best translator apps are languages and Google Translate.If you expect internet access to be limited, you should bring a reliable guide.Depending on the nature of your trip, look for one that has more sections dedicated to actual activities, excursions, and landmarks, rather than accommodations.Assuming that you have booked a place to stay before you actually arrive at your destination, these are essentially wasted pages.If you want to experience the local cuisine, then a guide that is heavily focused on the restaurant scene would be of most use to you.Local culture and customs should be included in all good guidebooks.They highlight in-depth information about transportation options.If you don't plan to travel in a year, make sure the book is current.To get the best experience, you need the latest information.
Step 6: Go through airport security with zip lock bags and appropriate containers.
Two-ounce liquid containers can be bought at most department stores.Department stores are likely to have sections devoted to travel sized items, such as toothpaste and lotion, that you may need during your flight or when you first land.If you want to avoid extra fees, weigh your luggage before you leave.You should not pack razors or scissors in your carry-on bag.Attach a tag to your luggage with your name and address on it.Animals and plants should not be left at home.
Step 7: During the lengthy flight, you should bring books, music, and anything else you want to listen to.
You can save space by taking multiple books, movies, and songs with you.If you don't want to use what the airline gives you, bring your own blanket and neck pillow.If you want to make your overseas flight more comfortable, you should pack a separate carry-on bag that you can easily place at your feet.Earplugs and an eye mask can be used on overnight flights to make sure you arrive at your destination well rested.
Step 8: Pack in advance to make sure you're prepared for your trip.
If you're running low on something, this will give you enough time to go to the store.It is possible that having all the items you are packing in front of you will help you make some eliminations throughout the week, saving valuable room in your suitcase.You can add to the check list throughout the week if you make one a week in advance.If you take note of the items you use on a daily basis, you will know what you need on your trip.Consider talking to friends or acquaintances who have been to the place you are visiting and see if they have any recommendations for what to bring.Internet research or a guide is usually more useful than an insider's view.It's more personalized and they will be able to answer your questions.
Step 9: Take everything you are going to bring to the floor.
Analyze each item individually to determine the likelihood of using it during your two-week trip, and whether or not it's something you can easily buy once you reach your destination.Decide if the item is worth the weight in your bag.You should do a lot of research on the destination so you know what to expect when you arrive.Think about items you can get by without, rather than what would be convenient on your trip.If you have a coffee press at home, you will have easy access to cheap coffee on every corner, so this is probably something you should leave behind.More weight can be devoted to the contents if you use lightweight luggage.luggage with wheels lightens the load on your back because they are made of heavier material.Soft materials are more lightweight and can fit in the luggage bin, trunk of the car, and other places.
Step 10: If you are going to pack everything into a carry-on, limit yourself to twenty pounds or what you can fit in a 9 x 22 x 14 bag.
Not only will your luggage fit in the overhead bin of the airplane, but it won't weigh you down.You will enjoy mobility when you get to your destination.Everything you packed will be easy to find.If you know you need access to certain items, you should put them at the top of your bag or on the outside pockets.You won't have to dig through all of your belongings to find that pair of extra socks.It is less likely to get lost, broken or stolen if you carry your bag on the plane.Less stress will be met with last minute changes to your flight itinerary.Save on bag fees.If you travel by car or train, keep your bag at your feet and save room in the trunk or baggage storage.
Step 11: You can learn how to pack clothing items.
This will allow for more space and less wrinkling.Rolling shirts and pairs of pants make it easier to cram into clothes than it is to fold them.They will be fine when you take them out to wear.Place the sleeves on the body by folding the shirts in half.Begin rolling.With pants, fold them in half with the back pockets touching, and roll from either end, making sure not to form a crease.If you want to maximize space inside your bag, you can stick the rolled items into a compression bag.The air between clothes saves room.Be careful with the weight of the bags, as it can add up before you realize, and make sure you don't stuff too many items into them.Place socks and t-shirts in your shoes.During travel, wear your shoes and other bulky items.This will save space in your bag.If you are tight on space, layer shirts or sweaters.You can pack ties with your suit jacket to save space.
Step 12: Pack only what you need.
Most first aid supplies can be bought at your destination.If you are tight on space, make a pharmacy stop once you arrive.Sometimes part of the experience includes a trip to the local market to pick up handmade butter to replace your usual body cream.If you plan to do this, you need to research whether or not you will be able to find all of your essentials.If you are going to buy a toothbrush in a remote area of Alaska, you might be uncomfortable for two weeks.Products in a foreign country may not be what you are used to, but embracing these differences is part of the fun.
Step 13: Unless absolutely necessary, leave food and beverages behind.
Local food and drink customs are likely to be a significant part of your trip.If you stop at a grocery store along the way or when you arrive, you will not have to worry about packing food from home.Bringing food will take up more space and it won't last long if it's not refrigerated.If there is a packaged food that you can't live without, leave room for it in your packing.This should be included in your packing list as well.Purchase a collapsible water bottle at your destination and reuse it for the duration of your trip.
Step 14: It is not advisable to take up valuable suitcase space with rain gear.
Pack these items if you consider the weather forecast.If you are going to the Pacific Northwest, the weather forecast during your two-week stay should let you know if it is worth it to bring boots, raincoats, and umbrellas.While nothing is likely to ruin your trip more than being unprepared for a rainstorm, these items also take up a significant amount of space for something you may never remove from your bag.It's a good idea to pack waterproof shoes and a rain jacket.If it starts to rain, you won't have to waste any extra space for your rain gear.Travel size umbrellas can be used during a light shower.If the forecast is wrong and it starts to rain, you will most likely find a disposable poncho at your destination.
Step 15: Extra walking shoes are required.
When you arrive, don't just buy extras, these usually need to be broken in.You don't know if a shoe is right for your foot until you wear it for a while.If you find out that the toe portion is too narrow, you won't be able to do much sightseeing.After extensive wear, the best sneakers are likely to cause a blisters.Don't leave without an extra pair of shoes even if it's just a comfortable sandal.This won't be cheap if you're in a tourist area.A lot of space can be taken up by packing an extra pair of shoes.