Packing

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!