If you've never traveled by plane or it rarely happens to you, you may be confused or disheartened at the very thought of having to pack. The rules on this matter seem increasingly complicated and, in some cases, an additional fee must also be paid. If you have a hard time figuring out what to do, you are not alone. Whether you have to go on a short or long trip, for business or pleasure, read the tips proposed in this article and you will become a true expert.
Steps
Step 1. Make a list of things to bring
Having a list in front of you will help you make no mistakes. Think about where you are going to go, the temperatures you will find and which suitcase you would like to take. At that point, start writing a list of things to put in your luggage. Remember that it is not necessary to prune too many things with you. Here are some simple tips.
- Bath products. You probably won't need everything (many hotels provide shampoos and soaps), but you will need to bring your own toothbrush and personal products, such as deodorant.
- Medicines. Take any medications prescribed by your doctor with you and don't forget some medications you use occasionally, such as a pain reliever and an antihistamine.
- Clothes. Bring clothes to use on different occasions, such as pants that go with more than one shirt. Don't forget your underwear and socks.
- Various objects or clothing, depending on the chosen destination. Go to the beach? Or instead to go hiking in the mountains? Pack everything you will need for your holiday activities.
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Cabin Baggage
Step 1. If you can't live without an item, put it in your hand luggage
As for the items you will take with you in the cabin, choose the essentials: underwear, shoes, a spare clothes or two, something to kill time, medicines and, for longer flights, essential products for the personal hygiene. Someone flies with the absolute conviction of never seeing their suitcase again. In some ways it is not so unfounded. In your hand luggage you should put the things you need to survive in case you lose what you check in the hold.
- Make sure you bring all necessary medications and items with you to travel safely. Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines are allowed. It is easier to pass the checks if it comes to liquid substances that are used for health needs, such as saline.
- To cut down on the amount of clothes to pack, opt for interchangeable ones. Choose garments that you can easily combine with each other rather than wearing coordinated singles. Consider some accessories to spice up your look. For example, scarves do not take up much space and can be used as a shawl, headband or even belt.
- Don't forget your swimsuit if you're traveling by plane. Put it in your holiday gear, especially if you are a woman. If you lose your suitcase upon disembarkation, you can purchase most items (such as shorts or T-shirts) once you arrive at your destination. However, the bathing suit is not always easy for a woman to find. Failing that, you risk not going to the beach, missing a path in the spa with hot tubs or giving up other fun situations.
Step 2. Keep all valuable items in your hand luggage
All items that have a certain importance should be placed in the suitcase you carry in the cabin. On the off chance that your hold baggage is lost or damaged, your carry-on will remain in your possession. If your heart breaks at the thought of losing an item, take it with you.
- For safety reasons, electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries (such as laptops, smartphones and tablets) should be placed in hand luggage, as well as power banks and spare batteries.
- Put the larger electronic devices at the end so that you can easily pick them up. That way, you won't have to dig into your bag if you're short on time.
Step 3. Place the electronic devices in the same place
You have to do this for two reasons:
- You will probably get bored during the flight, so by putting them in the same place you will know where everything is. It's the fastest and easiest way to get access to your iPod, iPad, Kindle, or whatever other device you need.
- Airport rules provide for accurate control of electronic devices. So, by putting them all in the same place so that agents can easily see them, you won't make people waiting in line behind you wait.
Step 4. Make sure you have your documents handy
In order to board the plane, you need an identity document, usually a passport. Don't forget your debit or credit card. However, it is a good idea to avoid carrying all your credit cards on the road to avoid the risk of losing them.
In an accessible hand luggage pocket, keep all documents with flight information: airline name, flight number, confirmation code and travel details. These data will come in handy especially if you need to check-in yourself at the computer terminal at the airport. Many airlines provide this service
Step 5. Decide whether to bring personal hygiene products
Maybe you don't need much. Maybe your aunt brings shampoo and in Peru you'll buy toothpaste. You'll likely need to make an extra stop at a store on your trip, but by avoiding tons of bottles, lotions, and tubes, you'll save space for the most important items.
If you bring personal hygiene products, remember the rules set by the airport authorities. In the United States, you can use bottles with a maximum capacity of 100ml, for a total of 1 liter. Everything must be kept in a transparent bag with an airtight seal (one per passenger). Also, you must take it out of your baggage before going through security. Visit the website www.enac.gov.it to find out about all the relevant regulations
Step 6. Prepare a first aid kit with the most important medications, especially pain relievers
Sometimes, a headache can break out on a plane trip, so have an emergency kit on hand. Here's what you should put on:
- Pain relievers;
- Patches;
- Sedative (if you get nervous easily on the plane);
- Anti-nausea drug;
- Chewing gum (for pressure changes)
- Handkerchiefs;
- Ear plugs (useful for any trip);
- Medicines for any illness you are prone to, such as allergies.
Step 7. Wear more than carry
Remember that there is no additional cost for any clothing you wear while traveling, so keep this in mind. Dress in layers so you can wear more clothing. For example, instead of a t-shirt and jacket, put a t-shirt under a long-sleeved shirt and a sweatshirt. Wear your hiking shoes and pack your slippers in your suitcase, especially if you're traveling for work.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Checked Baggage
Step 1. Avoid the suitcase to be checked in the hold if you can
If you have to stay out for three months for business reasons, consider traveling without any checked baggage and save money. Checking in takes time and stress. You have to pack your suitcase, drag it everywhere, meet weight requirements, pay extra taxes that you didn't know existed and, finally, hope the airline doesn't lose it. If the trip takes less than two weeks, consider this option. It will be a challenge, but it is doable.
Flight attendants and other staff always adopt this strategy. They manage to survive for more than a week with only hand luggage. If they can do it, you can too. In addition, you can invest the time and any money saved in what you prefer
Step 2. Try to lighten the load
In addition to meeting the weight requirements, it is more comfortable to travel with a light suitcase. You don't run the risk of losing a lot of things (while flying or changing hotels), not to mention that less heavy luggage is easier to drag and you will have plenty of space for souvenirs and last-minute purchases. By the way, it will take you less time to rearrange everything when you need to return.
Even if you don't want to wear too many shoes, you need to have a few on hand. They should be placed in special bags to prevent them from dirtying other items, unless they are new. Also, consider putting your socks inside to save space
Step 3. Keep copies of the most important documents in the suitcase to be checked in the hold
If something happens to your carry-on bag, if you don't prepare it properly or if you have a bad travel experience, copies of the most important documents stored in the larger bag will save your life. Then, make sure to photocopy your passport, residence permit and any other material that may come in handy in the worst case. If you do, you won't need it. If not, you may have problems.
Step 4. Remember that the bottles may have leaks
If you carry personal care products with you, it is possible that at least one package is lost. Each product should be wrapped in an envelope and stored separately from the others so that it does not get wet or dirty on your clothes. Finally, put all of these items in a suitcase divider.
Remove the cap from the bottle and wrap the opening with cling film; then put the cap back in its place. In practice, if the bottle were to open, nothing will happen
Step 5. Roll up your clothes
If you have not yet adopted this strategy, follow the example of those who use it. It prevents square-shaped creases and saves you space, so why not take advantage of it? Start by arranging the heavier items on the bottom because the light ones are usually softer, so you can put them as you wish on the top.
The tighter the roll, the more space you will gain. By saving half an inch here and there, you'll end up with a lot more space in the end
Step 6. Bring a couple of extra plastic bags
Some airports are generous enough to provide plastic bags to passengers, but if not, fix it yourself. Bags are always useful, especially if you are traveling in a group: someone can forget them. Furthermore, if an envelope gets dirty during the trip, you can replace it.
- Bags with zip locks are the most suitable. Resealable bags are more suitable than those without this system, but if they have a zip it's better. In fact, the former can be opened with just a little force.
- The high quality zip lock bags can also be used to compress the contents. Sometimes, you can gain 1/3 of the space by expelling air after putting clothing inside. With this system you can also protect your clothes from any inconvenience once they have been removed from the wardrobe and separate dirty laundry from clean clothes.
Step 7. Arrange the contents of the suitcase as if you were playing tetris
To prepare your baggage as effectively as possible, you need to fill it according to the shape and size of the items. Start with the largest and heaviest objects, which go to the bottom, and continue with the lighter ones. This way, it's easier to close the suitcase once you're done. If something is oddly shaped, tuck it into your clothes. In any case, the goal is to not leave empty spaces between the various items packed in the suitcase.
In general, it is easier to place long, cylindrical objects rather than unusually shaped bottles and containers. Next time, to make it easier to prepare your suitcase, opt for items that have more classic dimensions so that they take up less space
Step 8. Don't bring what you can buy
If you plan to shop in the trendiest boutiques during your Paris stay, don't pack your suitcase with clothes. Leave room for your next purchases.
Step 9. Decide whether to ship
In some cases, it may be easier to ship something by post or private courier. It may be necessary if it is a long trip or you need special equipment, such as winter camping gear.
Part 3 of 3: Preparing for the Journey
Step 1. Find out about the duration of your flight and travel
The destination determines the type of items to pack, while the length of stay will tell you how many items you should bring. On which days did you plan any special events? How can you reuse the same garments more than once?
If possible, avoid carrying your hold suitcase. More and more airlines require an additional fee even for the first checked baggage, and an initially cheap flight can become very expensive all of a sudden. If stewardesses can survive on hand luggage for more than a week, you can do it too
Step 2. Check the weather forecast
If you inquire about the climatic conditions, you will be able to understand if there is something you absolutely cannot do without. For example, summers are generally mild in Vermont, but "heat waves" can also occur which can favor semi-tropical temperatures. A look at the forecast will let you know if you need sleeveless shirts or an umbrella.
Bring some multipurpose garments to cope with the weather on your vacation. For example, a waterproof windbreaker takes up less space than a raincoat and jacket
Step 3. If you go abroad, see if you need an electric power adapter
If you have to visit another country or go to another continent, not everything will be like home. Consider whether you need an adapter for the power outlets.
Step 4. Be aware of the prohibitions
For example, you definitely won't be allowed to bring a bottle of wine to your Saudi host or bring some plant seeds to Australia.
Advice
- Always keep valuables in your hand baggage as the hold baggage could get lost.
- If you wear belts, don't roll them up. A space-saving trick? Arrange them around the perimeter of the inner bag.
- It's a good idea to bring some spare underwear. Jeans and t-shirts can last several days, but briefs need to be changed daily, and having extra replacements can save you the day.
- If you're backpacking around Europe, put your most frequently used items on top of everything. That way, you don't have to dig to find what you need in the most hectic moments.
- Don't put too many pairs of shoes in your hand luggage. Keep in mind a very specific rule: bring two pairs of shoes at the most, no matter how long the journey will take. The problem is that footwear always takes up a lot of space in the suitcases, not to mention that they weigh heavily on the weight. Just choose a pair to always keep on your feet and another for the most elegant and formal occasions. If you put one of the two already to go to the airport, you will have more space in your suitcase.
- Bring a pair of headphones to listen to music and an eye mask for better sleep.
- Generally speaking, choose items that can have more than three uses. If you are planning on bringing a mask and snorkel for snorkeling, you are exaggerating.
- Use squeezable vials instead of carrying liquids in large packs.
- Pay attention to the weight: for some airlines, loading a bag that exceeds the permitted weight in the hold costs more than two that do not exceed it. Generally, baggage weighing more than 20 kg is considered excess, but check the rates of the airline.
- Check the airline's rules to see what you can bring in your suitcase.
