Comments on: Essential Packing Tips, For People Who Suck At Packing

By: Jen

Jen — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 14:19:27 +0000

I’ll admit it, Im super rusty as a result of the global pandemic- but nobody should suck at packing anymore with all the tools out there and GSTP articles!! But experience ( good and bad) are still the best teachers. Depending on your phase of life and purpose of trip packing will be different but doesn't have to suck. In addition to all the great mentions in this article and the various comments I would add… a great roller carry on like Away or Tumi plus a solid back pack with strap to attach to carry on can take you far. I also like to think of helping the environment in tandem with bringing some basic toiletries. Today you can surely find bar soap style shampoos and conditioners and bring your own water bottle you can refill almost anywhere ( saves money and the environment). Instant score as you go through TSA no liquids!! I always include a stylish reusable shopping bag that folds up and fits small enough to fit in my pocket as a day bag or beach bag for my destination and of course for my baby blues must have my sunglasses ( even if no )! And if your like me and have a bunch of supplements (or medicine) take the extra time to sort them into a weekly pill organizer that will neatly fit in carry on. Never check your meds!! A little extra time in the planning /packing phase will save you lots of money and frustration on the other side!! Also train your kids early.. they don't need that much and should only bring what they (or you when they fall asleep in transit) can carry!! Happy Packing…

By: DC Yukon

DC Yukon — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:52:45 +0000

Regular packing rules go out the window for some trips where you’re not permitted to take your regular carry-ons, like for puddle jumper flights to lodges in Africa that don’t permit hard sided luggage and which impose very strict weight restrictions. Add that to the need to carry the extra long safari lens that wouldn’t allow my Rimowa to close (if I could take it), and which doesn’t fit into my camera bag that serves as my personal item and things get complicated for those local flights. I find myself frantically looking for the perfect lightweight soft sided bag that apparently doesn’t exist for my month long 2020 [edit, backspace] , 2021 [edit, backspace] 2022 [let’s hope no more editing, backspacing] trip to various countries. I do keep a couple of different packing lists of essentials saved to double check before closing the luggage and leaving home, but the list for traveling to the middle of nowhere with no corner pharmacy is by necessity far longer than it is if one only travels to cities.

By: Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:22:01 +0000

In reply to Mark. Haha I feel for ya! Last year, my first trip back after a 7 month absence, I forget literally all of my trousers. I had one pair for the entire trip!

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:11:24 +0000

Under normal circumstances I’m a 100+ night a year hotel stayer.

My wife and I went away for our first couple of nights since the pandemic started (Jan 2020), also my first hotel stay.

Turns out I completely forgot how to pack, literally taking everything I didn’t need and nothing I did. When we got to the hotel and unpacked, hilarity ensued as we both laughed at our ridiculous packing attempts. Despite going away for ONLY 4 nights I managed to take 12 pairs of boxers and zero pairs of socks (other than the ones on my feet? !?!?!?

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 02:50:18 +0000

Sounds weird, but I’ve started saving my empty toothpaste tubes and refilling them with various toiletries like shampoo and sunscreen. As they empty, they take up less space than a rigid bottle. I go carry-on only and don’t buy big souvenirs, so the toiletries space can now fit the occasional magnet or mini-alcohol from my travels. I also try not to be high-maintenance and limit hair/makeup products. Sephora’s birthday freebies are perfect travel sizes.

By: Mike C

Mike C — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 13:41:01 +0000

My best tip. A week or so before you do final pack, set out a container and put things in you will or may want to take as you think of them (such as small umbrella or hat) . This includes items to go into backpack, carry on, purse, suitcase. If something very important, such as Rx drugs, that you need to have out – put a note in the container to remind you. When to start packing, you can determine what things in the container you really need and sort out what goes where.

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 04:05:31 +0000

In reply to Richard. I don't know why I wrote international treaty, it's actually a DOT regulation but applies to any itinerary ending or starting in the US, even if your role in that itinery is just a codeshare connecting flight, but point stands, good luck arguing that at the counter.

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 01:38:09 +0000

My top tip – no wheels on carry ons. Once inside of Europe, even if your flight is to the US, they will often try to apply the very low-weight carry on restriction of your intra-Europe connecting flight (violating an international treaty, but good luck arguing that). Something like the Billingham Weekender can carry more than a 21″ wheeled carry on once you factor that in.

By: Laura Weis

Laura Weis — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 14:09:57 +0000

In reply to Tim. Yes to all of Gilbert's suggestions as well as packing cubes. Game changer for finding what you need and keeping everything neatly stowed.

By: Eileen Kerrigan

Eileen Kerrigan — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 13:22:14 +0000

Another cube convert here — in fact, my entire family is getting packing cubes for Christmas, so they can stop borrowing mine! 😀