Difference between revisions of "Packing"

Revision as of 08:48, 27 January 2010

Packing Tips

Below are various tips for packing. You will see that the common theme is to pack light. I have known people that have been able to travel for two weeks with little more than a medium-sized backpack--like those with which you send your children to school. Now, I do not think most of us could achieve that level of efficiency, it is good to try and leave as much home as you can.

Packing Before You Go

• PACK LIGHT!
• In general, you are allowed two checked pieces (those that go in the cargo hold) and one carry-on (those that go on the plane with you). There are weight restrictions--somewhere around 75lbs. per piece--so check with your airlines ahead of time.
• The lighter the suitcase, the better. Also, the less you can pack the better (see further down).
• Think TRANSPORTABILITY! It is likely that you will need to move your luggage from one place to another, so the lighter it is, and the easier it is to move, the better. Anything with rollers rules!
• PACK LIGHT!
• If at all possible, try to bring one checked bag and one empty, foldable one. The reason for this is simple: it is very likely that you will purchase things on your trip and in this way, you will have something in which to bring back your purchases. In general, I place dirty clothes in the foldable bag and place valuables/breakables in my regular suitcase.
• Place toiletries inside plastic sealable baggies (e.g. Ziploc) so if the spill, they will be contained. This is one of those things I learned the hard way.
• If you are on an extended stay, consider bringing powdered detergent with you as in a crunch, you can wash your clothes in a sink or bathtub.
• PACK LIGHT!
• Pack a small bottle of deodorizer (e.g. Fabreeze, Oust, etc.). It will allow you to go longer between washing your clothes, and if you take part in the night life, many places, especially in Europe, will be very smokey.
• Pack as if your luggage will be lost. In other words, try not to pack valuables/irreplaceables in your checked luggage.
• DO NOT PACK MEDICATIONS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE.
• PACK LIGHT!
• Do not pack an outfit a day. Try to bring durable clothes that can be worn in different combinations. More than likely, where you are going will have many places where you can buy local styles.
• Pack a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of cheap flip-flops/sandals. The latter are useful when you stay in dorms, go to the beach, etc. More importantly, they can be left behind with little heartbreak.
• Try not to bring hairdryers or curling irons as they tend to not like foreign power outlets. Many a time have I witnessed an American hairdryer die a violent spark and smoke-induced death in Europe. If you do bring one, buy a cheap one from Walmart that you will not get to attached to. If you are traveling with a group, try to coordinate with them so you can...
• PACK LIGHT!

Packing A Carry-on

• When packing your carry-on, do so with the possibility of losing your luggage in mind. In other, pack any essentials in your carry-on.
• PACK YOUR MEDICATIONS IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE.
  • Prescriptions should be in their original bottle.
  • Always carry a paper copy of your prescription with you, just in case you run out, or lose them.
• In general I'll pack a toothbrush and basic toiletries. This is especially helpful on extra-long flights, or when you are delayed, as they will help you freshen up. You'll be amazed how good it will make you feel. These may include:
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Any other fluids of less than 3oz.
  • Brush
• DO NOT pack knifes, lighters, straight-razors, or sharp utensils as they will like be confiscated by TSA.
• If you do want to bring liquids on board, you need to limit them to no more than three ounces. In generally, the travel sizes available from most stores are OK. Just like in your checked luggage, pack them in sealable baggies as well.
• Things you must bring in your carry-on:
  • Photo ID (passport recommended, even while traveling within the states)
  • Tickets/Boarding Pass
  • Itinerary (if possible)
• If you wear contacts, make sure you bring solution with you. It also helps to bring your glasses, just in case.
• Bring some form of entertainment with you, just in case what is provided by the flight does not appeal to you. These are also good for layovers or delays:
  • Playing cards
  • Electronic games (DS, PSP, etc.)
  • Books
  • Magazines
  • Digital audio player (CD, iPod, etc.); your headphones should also work in the plane's audio system
• Bring some lotion, and if possible, some bottled water as planes tend to be very dry.
• Pack a snack, just in case the airline food does not agree with your palate (read: the food sucks). Airlines are now starting to penny pinch by charging for food during some legs (generally, just continental flights). Bring your own food will save you some money, and likely some indigestion.

Packing For A Day Of Touring

• Fabreeze/oust
• Water
• Antiseptic hand wash
• sunglasses
• small poncho or umbrella
• travel guide or map
• snack
• money
• bag
• Shout wipes (just in case a pigeon craps on you while you are outside of the Pitti palace in Florence, giving a lecture)
• sunscreen
• hotel brochure (just in case you wander off to a pub on your first day in a city, make Irish friends, drink one too many pints with them, and get lost; at least you'll know the address of the hotel and can ask for directions)
• dictionary/translation tool
• conversion tool
• facial tissue
• camera (film/memory) (batteries)
• bandaids

Packing For The Trip Back

• Pack breakables in your carry-on
• If possible, keep all essential items in carry-on (in case luggage is lost)
• Pack things in such a way so that they are easily removed and repacked in case customs wants to take a look
• Know the location of all the items you have purchased

Easy-to-Forget Items

Below are items that I had never thought of bringing, or have routinely forgotten:

• A mini (keychain) flashlight
• A bottle opener
• A cork screw (get a Swiss Army knife, just don't pack it on your carry-on)
• power converter (note on laptops)