This phrase definitely applies when packing for a vacation (or even a business trip)! There are SO many tips I have to share with you, so I’m going to break it into a few parts. We’ll start in part one with the actual luggage iteself and organizing it.
Packing tip #1
You never know when your luggage will be lost or delayed. You can do two things to help you when this does happen. First, be sure to pack a change of clothes and toiletries in your carry on. The last thing you want to do on vacation is to go on a mission to buy things you need. Another tip is to spread your belongings throughout the bags you are taking. The natural temptation is to pack each person their own bag. But if you split your belongings in each bag, you will be better off. In the event that one bag does is lost, no one person is out of luck. This will buy you a few days for them to locate the missing bag.
You’ll also want to make your suitcase stands out in the sea of luggage! Put a special tag on the handle, or something that you can’t miss as it goes by on the luggage belt. My mom always tied thick, bright red yarn to the handles of all our suitcases when we traveled. They were so easy to pick out from the others! Lastly, always put your contact info on the inside of your checked bags. That way if your luggage tag falls off, they can still identify your bag and get it back to you!
Packing Tip #2
When packing clothes, especially for children, pack entire outfits including socks, underwear, and accessories into a gallon ziploc bag for easy dressing and outfit coordination. If going to a theme park for the day, once empty, put the ziploc bags into your park bag for use later. You can store leftovers, use it for water ride protection for electronics, put wet clothes in it, the uses are endless!
Another great option along this same line is to use packing cubes. Either put different types of things in each bag (socks and underwear in one, shirts in another, etc) and put the cubes in the drawers at the hotel, or if you are changing hotels frequently put full outfits in separate cubes so you only have to take one cube out of your bag at each location.
Packing tip #3
Ever pack something for a trip and worry that it was be shattered by the time you get to your destination? Or a liquid exploded all over inside your bag?
Consider using your shoes next time! Put things like glasses, perfume bottles or jewelry into your shoes so that they can be protected by the sturdiness of the shoes and be safer. You can even use socks to help cushion things even more.
Put liquids in a wet bag. Here is my favorites. I have magically stuffed 4 wet swimsuits in the drawstring bag. They are usually used for diapers or wet swimsuits, but work great for liquid toiletries. If you don’t have one, a ziploc bag can help as a substitute. It’s not leak proof, but can prevent a spill from what could have been a lot worse.
Packing Tip #4
Use compartmentalized bags like this one in for toiletries, electronics, etc. Have a set pocket for each item, so you know if you are forgetting something because that pocket is empty. Nothing like arriving to your destination and realizing you’ve forgotten something important! This way you can avoid that panic all together.
Here’s a good one for electronics, to keep charging cords, etc, all together.
There’s my 4 best luggage tips for your packing efficiency. Hopefully these tips help you stay organized, prevent you from forgetting anything, and keep your hotel room neat and tidy! Do you have a good packing tip to share? Send it to me, and I’ll be sure to use it in a future post! Be sure to watch for Packing Tips Part 2 for items to be sure to bring INSIDE your luggage!
Click HERE to check out my Packing Tips Part 2!
Ready to book your next trip?
I can help! I am a vacation planner that specializes in Disney, Universal, and all inclusive resorts. My services are complimentary when you book with me. If you have not booked yet, or have booked within the last 30 days, you can book or transfer your trip with me! I help with itineraries, dining and magical extras bookings, packing lists, and even scheduling your transportation from the airport, like in this article. You can contact me at emily@fantasticalvacations.com or fill out a booking form here.
If you have already booked your trip but realize you may need some extra help, I can also help with that for a small fee. Email me at emily@fantasticalvacations.com for more info.
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