From overweight baggage to leaking liquids, we’ve all experienced luggage nightmares at one point or another. The key to stress-free travel and lightweight luggage is preparation, which, combined with a few packing tips, goes a long way. Just remember these 5 packing tips and you’ll be a packing pro before you jet off to your destination.
1. Invest in the Right Bag
Eliminating weight starts with the right luggage. Invest in a lightweight bag that will not add any unnecessary weight to what you have to carry around. If you’re backpacking, the right rucksack can be a life-saver, with pockets and compartments galore that will help you save space and pack light. Thoroughly inspect several rucksacks before you buy. Get to know which size will best suit you and your trip. For a longer stay of up to two weeks, you’ll want to invest in a 65L rucksack, or perhaps larger if you’re not checking any hold luggage.
2. Space Savers
Now you’ve got the bag that’s right for you, you’ll want to fit in every essential for your trip. It helps to remember a few space saving tips for packing, so you maximise the space in your bag. To prevent creasing as well as saving space, there are a number of packing tips that you will have heard before – roll, don’t fold! Although you may have heard it said a thousand times, it does work, especially if you’re packing a rucksack. Using a packing cube is another little-known way to avoid creasing items that you’ll want to keep fresh. By compartmentalising your items, it makes it much easier to identify where things are in your bag.
3. Protect Your Clothing
Re-sealable bags are king when it comes to separating leaky liquids from your clothing. Take some spares with you just in case – you never know when you’ll need them. It also pays to pack light or white coloured clothing inside out so that you avoid any stains from ruining them in transit. And when packing walking boots or trainers for your trip, a great way of protecting your clothing from coming into contact with well-worn shoes is to cover them in shower caps. That way, your clothes won’t come into contact with your mucky walking boots or damage your case.
4. Hide your Valuables
For savvy travellers, this packing tip may be obvious – but it’s always worth a reminder. When you’re travelling to a new and unfamiliar destination, you’ll inevitably be wary about where you pack your money and your valuables.
A great way of packing money inconspicuously is to use empty cosmetic bottles or lip balm pots to hide rolled up notes. This is an excellent packing tip if, while away, you want to go for a dip in the ocean and have no choice but to leave your money behind on the beach. You may also want to invest in a money belt for when exploring your holiday destination. That way, you know where your money is at all times, close to you and out of sight.
5. Thinking Ahead
For an active holiday where you’ll be spending lots of time on your feet, thinking ahead to potential problems is always helpful. Packing a small bag of random essentials will mean you’re fully prepared for minor injuries, spillages, or damaged items in your bag. In your miscellaneous bag, duct tape should be top of your list. If your mosquito net has a hole in it, or your tent is damaged in transit, you’ll be glad you thought ahead. A mini torch could also be helpful if you’re embarking on a camping retreat, perfect for those evenings when you need to find something in your tent in the dark. Tissues are always recommended in your random bag of travel essentials. When you’re caught short in an unfamiliar destination, tissue can be a life-saver!
Now you have our top packing tips for travellers to hand, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip with a lightweight bag that’s packed with everything you could possibly need. Browse our complete range of travel accessories today and find all the travel essentials you need to pack like a pro.