The way you pack your clothes greatly affects the travel process, especially if you rarely travel for a long time (perhaps you will admit this truth, if once you arrive at your destination you find the contents of the suitcase littered with the remnants of squashed toothpaste). Through this helpful guide, you'll find some suggestions that can help you pack like a pro, as well as special tips if you're traveling by train or airplane.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Packing Your Luggage
Step 1. Make a list detailing each item you plan to take with you on the trip
Typically, luggage includes clothing, shoes, personal hygiene kits, travel documents, maps, travel guide books, reading books, hotel information, or car rental information. This list will be a helpful reference when you return to packing for your return journey, as you have a list that lists all the items you brought with you, thus reducing the chances of anything being left behind.
- Items that are often forgotten includes toothbrush/toothpaste, socks, sunglasses, sunscreen cream, pajamas, hat, razor, and deodorant.
- Never underestimate how quickly the space in your bag/luggage fills up. Are you really going to need five pairs of shoes and four coats for a trip over tima night? Consider the weather and the types of activities you will be doing at your destination. You can visit the following website: www.weatherchannel.com to check the weather forecast at your destination.
Step 2. Before leaving, plan out what pairs of clothes you will wear later to prevent packing too many clothes
If you can predict the weather at your destination well, you can choose a more accurate type of clothing. If not, bring something versatile (e.g., a cardigan or light jacket that goes well with several tops, a -sleeved top, jeans that look great when the bottoms of the legs are rolled up) so you can adapt your outfit to the weather conditions that may be unpredictable. As much as possible, take reusable clothes with you. Wearing several layers of clothing is a great way to deal with the unpredictable weather and disguise clothes that have been worn more than once.
- Make the most of the clothes you take with you for travel by pairing the right colors. If you have previously made sure that each outfit you bring is suitable and can be paired with other clothes, create various combinations of clothes.
- Bring an empty plastic bag to store dirty clothes. If you don't have time to wash clothes that you have worn during your trip, storing them in a separate bag is a good solution so you don't mix clean clothes with dirty ones, and makes it easier to find new clothes every time you want to change clothes.
Step 3. For personal hygiene kits, buy the ones that come in a small/travel-appropriate package size, regardless of the length of your trip
This includes toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, etc. If you run out of toothpaste and soap, you can always buy one at your local stores, unless you're in a remote area for weeks. If you will be traveling by plane, the amount of liquid or gel that is allowed into the aircraft cabin will also be limited, so you will be forced to choose between toothpaste and shampoo when you pass through the screening gates at the airport. Therefore, visit the website of the airline you will be using to check the carry-on guide.
- Keep all personal hygiene supplies in a safe bag. Of course, you don't want these items to be squashed and their contents spilled out or seeped in the suitcase! Oh, and as mentioned above, buy these kits in small sizes.
- When you stay at the hotel, you do not need to bring shampoo and hair softener. After arriving at the hotel, just use the supply of shampoo or hair softener provided by the hotel (you can buy other necessities such as toothpaste at your destination).
Step 4. If you are going through customs inspection, check the suitcase you will be traveling with before loading it
Make sure the suitcase is completely empty (especially if it is a borrowed suitcase), because once you arrive at the security check gates, no one else will be responsible for the entire contents of the suitcase, except you. Usually, suitcases have hidden zippers along the middle or sides. Unzip this and check. Taking preventive steps is better than later things that are not desirable.
When you will cross the border, consider using a suitcase protector so you can check if the suitcase arrived in good condition (no burglary marks) before passing through customs inspection.
Step 5. Place heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase, especially if your suitcase has a retractable top
You will find it difficult to move if the wheeled suitcase you carry is always turning and tipping over every time you push/pull it to turn, and it falls when you let go.
When packing, check the list of luggage that you have entered. Do it carefully; Don't let you have to take out the whole bag again in a panic just to make sure you have put certain items in or not.
Step 6. Pack the garment in a “rolling” technique that has often been proven to be effective
Spread out two or three garments, stack them on top of each other, then smooth the surface until they are even. After that, roll the clothes like a sleeping bag to save space in the suitcase and prevent wrinkles. To really make sure clothes don't wrinkle, cover each item (before stacking and rolling) with a piece of thick tissue paper or special packing paper. Don't worry about clothes that wrinkle easily; most hotel, motel, or inn rooms have an iron and ironing board available in a wall cupboard for you to use. In addition, the hotel also has a laundry service.
Step 7. Pack jackets, sweaters and underwear in reusable airtight bags
This airtight bag is very useful; Besides being able to save up to 75% of space in the suitcase, the airtight bag also locks in odors making it useful for storing dirty clothes. All you need to do is put the desired item in the bag, close the bag, insert the air pump (which is usually included in the product) into the one-way hole on the bag, and then pump the air out of the bag with the tool. The process is that easy.
Step 8. Cover glassware or jewelry with socks, then put them in your shoes and put them in your suitcase
Thus, these items will be safe.
Step 9. Purchase a wide-diameter clamp ring at large supermarkets
This clamp ring is almost similar to the ring found on the shower curtain and can be opened and then clipped to something to connect it. Clamp a few important items, such as a passport holder, into a handbag or carry-on bag, then tie them all in a suitcase. The bulky, bulky bag that you usually have to take off when taking care of other things is an easy target for thieves. Keep ID, documents, money, and other expensive items in a bag that you hang over your shoulder or hidden in your body (you can buy a special small bag to wear under clothes to store flat items) depending on the security of the location. However, don't hide something that you will need immediately.
Step 10. Bring a light snack to stave off hunger pangs if you're only traveling for a short time, or if you're going to places that provide snacks or lunch for a long bus/car/train/plane trip
Bring a more filling snack from home if you have certain conditions or allergies to certain types of food (for example, you can only eat foods that don't contain gluten or nuts) and are difficult to find when traveling (usually airlines that provide meals for passengers can meet this requirement). certain food requests).
Step 11. Bring something to cheer you up when you're bored
A diary (as well as a pen), small, easy-to-carry games, playing cards, books, and electronic devices are all items that can relieve boredom on long trips.
Step 12. Remember, travel is for recreation so you can unwind and have fun, not stress
Don't panic too much in organizing or making plans. If you feel too stressed to prepare everything, entrust your travel plans to a travel agent. Websites like seatguru.com or tripadvisor.com feature reviews of places to stay, accommodations, restaurants, and airlines as well as great seating and other offers.
Method 2 of 3: Packing for Traveling by Airplane
Step 1. You must know what items are “not” allowed on board
In addition, there are also other restrictions imposed by airlines, including regarding safety, bag weight and size, and even the types of food allowed.
- The safety restrictions imposed by the aircraft vary from country to country, but usually include the prohibition of objects that are clearly classified as dangerous (knives in carry-on bags, flammable liquids in luggage), items that are not particularly dangerous. dangerous (nail clippers or paperwork in carry-on bags), as well as some items that don't seem to have a clear reason for prohibition (airlines in the United States prohibit passengers from bringing unopened water bottles – unless you buy them “after” passing through the screening gate).
- Bag size and weight restrictions depend on each airline. So, look for more information on the airline's website in advance. Almost all medium-sized tote bags and luggage sold as carry-on bags can fit into the aircraft cabin.
- Do not bring nuts on board. Peanuts have the potential to cause allergic reactions in other passengers.
- When you board an international flight, do not bring agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, and plant seeds), meat, or dairy products. Maybe you passed the inspection in certain countries; however, most countries control this kind of luggage to reduce the spread of disease and species that are not native to the country.
Step 2. Separate liquid luggage from other items in carry-on bags, so that you can easily access them when you are asked to collect them for inspection purposes at the inspection gate
Airline regulations in the United States provide specific restrictions for carry-on in gel or liquid form:
- You are allowed to bring 100 ml of liquid/96 g of gel for each container (not the whole total). For example, you are allowed to bring 59 ml of shampoo, 57 g of toothpaste, and 100 ml of face wash.
- Each container filled with liquid must be collected and placed in a resealable plastic bag, with a total liquid/gel capacity of 1 l (this bag will be provided to you if necessary, while you are lining up for the screening gate). Before you and your suitcase go through the scanner, you must place the bag of liquid separately on the conveyor belt so that staff can inspect it if necessary.
- In order to avoid the hassle of packing and storing liquid luggage separately, also bring other solid body hygiene items, such as solid deodorant, smudging powder, etc. You can store liquid luggage in the carry-on bag.
- Liquid baggage restrictions usually do not apply to prescription drugs from a doctor (provided you bring along the supporting documents for verification), infant/toddler formula milk, breast milk, or the like. Make sure you store these items separately from other liquid luggage and let the staff know.
Step 3. If possible, don't put luggage in the luggage compartment
Many airlines benefit from charging passengers an additional fee for every piece of luggage that is put in the plane's baggage. Even if you don't mind spending the extra money, waiting for the baggage check-in process as well as the luggage removal process upon arrival can take up to half an hour or more at the airport. In addition, the luggage left behind the flight, and the suitcase can only be sent back to the owner in a long time. If you are traveling with children, make sure each child carries a carry-on bag of the maximum size and number allowed (if possible) so that, as a group, you can bring even more items into the aircraft cabin. Wear the thickest clothes when traveling (e.g. jeans, running/tennis shoes, thick long-sleeved sweaters) to save space in your bag. Or, replace your jeans with lightweight, travel-friendly pants that don't take up much space and dry quickly.
Step 4. Consider purchasing a bag with a dedicated laptop compartment that meets TSA standards
If you're flying to the United States or between regions within the United States and you put your laptop in your bag with other items, you'll be asked to pick up the laptop before it's checked through an X-ray scan. As a result, you'll slow down the queue and make a mess of your bag's contents, especially if you don't tidy it up properly. If you are still looking for a bag/luggage to carry, look for a type that is specifically designed to avoid this process (usually a bag with a special laptop compartment that can be folded out of the bag, so that the laptop can be checked separately without having to be completely removed from its storage room).
Step 5. Keep all the most important things in the smallest of bags
Almost all airlines allow passengers to carry one small bag and one medium-sized carry bag, which can be used to carry other necessities such as purses and baby gear bags. You'll likely be placing one of the largest bags in the top compartment, so remember not to put things you'll need for the duration of the flight (eg snacks, sweaters or books) upstairs. You will find it difficult to stand in the aisle of the plane and look for these items on the flight.
Method 3 of 3: Packing for Traveling by Train
Step 1. Place and distribute heavy items in several bags evenly
Most trains allow passengers to carry heavy luggage, so trains are a better alternative medium of transportation than planes in certain situations. Just like on an airplane, luggage is often stored in the upper compartment. If you're carrying a large suitcase instead of several smaller bags, lifting the suitcase up into the compartment and lowering it back down can be difficult. So make sure you don't put all the heavy stuff in one bag. Very heavy bags can get you caught in undesirable situations, such as being stuck in an aisle trying to lift/lower your bag with wobbly legs, and you'll have to ask someone else for help.
Step 2. Keep valuables near/on your body
Storing your luggage in the upper compartment may make you feel like you're on an airplane, so you assume that storing valuables on top is safe. However, your luggage will not be supervised by officers and passengers can get on or off the train at any time. Keep valuables close at all times, especially if you plan to stretch your legs, grab/buy a snack, or sleep.
Step 3. Before you decide not to bring snacks, make sure in advance whether the train will provide snacks
Most trains provide it (or stop at the station where food vendors can hop on and sell their wares, or you can get out and buy them before the train leaves). However, if you're traveling by train in a country where you don't really understand the protocols and customs, make sure you prepare food or drink so you don't go hungry, for example on an 18-hour night train trip.
Tips
- Don't pack at the last minute before the walk. In addition to stressing you out even more, there's a good chance you'll forget to bring important items with you.
- Pack neatly. Fold the clothes you carry neatly before putting them in your bag/luggage, don't just throw them away. Make an effort to save space in the bag. You'll get more space if you fold your clothes neatly! Also, maximize the use of every part of the suitcase and tuck socks into the gaps if possible.
- Always leave about 10-20% free space in the bag to put souvenirs, gifts, or other things you buy while traveling.
- Arrange and pack your clothes as tightly as possible. For example, roll clothes as tightly as possible. Store socks and underwear in a sealed bag, then slowly blow the air out of the bag by continuously pressing or rolling the bag. When the bag is completely packed (the volume is twice the previous size), you can lock it. No need to vacuum. You can also store small clothes such as baby clothes or children's clothes in this bag.
- If you are traveling to a place where the weather is warm, make sure not to bring too many thick types of clothing. Clothing like this would not be necessary.
- Do you want to go abroad? Make copies of passport documents and keep these copies separate from the originals. If you lose your original passport, having a copy will speed up the passport replacement process.
- When you pack, open your suitcase on the bed and try on all the clothing options you want to take with you, to make sure they fit.
- Always carry the prescription medication given by your doctor when traveling. Some countries have quite strict rules about buying drugs.
- Use a large, sealed plastic bag to store clothes. Once inserted, press-press until the air comes out of the bag and then seal. In addition to saving space, doing this will also make the contents of the suitcase neater because the luggage is grouped into several sections.
- Make sure the socks you will be wearing to wrap the glasses or accessories are clean.
- Ask the person who arranged your trip about what items you need to bring.
- Make sure your suitcase has a recognizable appearance among other suitcases. Or, attach a suitcase marker hanger that has a cheerful design or color.
- First of all, pack up the essentials like clothes, phone and passport. After that, then you pack other items such as food, makeup, or jewelry, so you can make sure that the items you need fit and can be carried.
- Double check all items and make sure nothing is left behind. After that, add or subtract existing items if necessary.
- Pack the most important items in a large bag.
- Insert the necklace into the hole in the straw to prevent the necklace from entangling!
- Try putting each pair of clothes you plan to wear in one plastic bag, so you don't have to take out the entire bag when you want to wear the mix. Or, you can roll it up to save space if it won't fit in the plastic. Press the bag until the air escapes the plastic to save space.
- Start packing three days before the day of departure to save time.
- Get things ready two or three days in advance.
- If you wear makeup, bring foundation, concealer, powder, eye shadow, lipstick or lip balm, and blusher. Sometimes, you can apply makeup just by combining two or three makeup products. Bring the product, because it will save space.
Warning
- Beware of cases of break-in luggage. Check your luggage before going through immigration, to make sure it's intact.
- Don't forget to pack medicines and other important items in a carry-on bag, not in a suitcase that you want to put in the plane's baggage. At least if the suitcase is lost or left behind, you still have these important items.
- Some countries don't allow you to bring certain foods with you, and if you do, you could be fined or arrested. Make sure you double-check what items are allowed to be brought into a country.
- Remember, airport security regulations prohibit many dangerous items such as razors, scissors, and lighters. For a more complete list of items that are allowed and prohibited on board, see the TSA chart here.
