These Packing Tips Will Have You Eager to Book Your Next Getaway

My Carry-On Bag. Typically I have one other personal item (ie backpack etc) and this is all I bring.

​Now you’re looking at your suitcase and a pile of clothes you think you need, laid out on the ground, anxious of the fact that you have to pack and don’t know where to start. Let me help you out. Packing doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sometimes can be. The reason I’m able to pack at the last minute is due to the trial and error I’ve had over the past few years traveling for a living and personal travel to 17 countries (at the time of writing this obviously). So here are 10 tips for minimizing stress while packing.

1. Check the Weather

Seeing as though you’ve most likely bought your tickets in advance, you really can't help a random weather change and have to make the best of it. There's nothing worse than showing up to Barcelona and its 60 degrees, and you didn’t bring a sweater, or only brought your thermal pants and thick sweaters to…. Ahh whatever you get my point. Check the weather.

2. Make a packing list

Make a list of the things you should pack, and check it twice.. or three times. Don’t be Forgetful Felicia (yes I made that up, and it should be a thing). (Pack This)

3. Check your airline baggage allotment

This prevents any extra unnecessary fees (unless you just ballin like that). Depending on the ticket you purchase and the airline you fly with, you are usually granted one carry-on roller board and personal item. For a checked bag, there are weight restrictions, and for carry-on there are usually luggage sizers at the gate. Recently they’ve added another class that only allows you to bring one personal item, therefore, charged for anything beyond that. They will definitely charge you at the gate if you bring anything extra, so just be careful and prepared!

4. Make use of packing cubes

So you have an idea of the things you need to bring with you, now let’s organize it. Have you ever gone through security and had to open your bag for something TSA deems as weird or odd and found yourself trying to prevent your undies from falling out? Yeah, let’s just avoid that altogether. I use these packing cubes from Shacke Pak on Amazon (plug: check my Amazon store for all of my packing essentials). This packing set comes with different size packing cubes, for undergarments, pants, shirts, and bulkier items: ie sweaters. I know most people feel like rolling your clothes is the most efficient space saver, but after traveling for months with that idea, I came across Jessica, @thecatchmeifyoucan blog and she showed how laying her clothes flat actually saved more space. So I’ve been practicing this idea and it definitely works!

5. Pack TSA friendly

Even though you could easily check your bag, if you’re like me, *screams 'Team Carry-On!'*, I always make sure I have TSA friendly toiletry items just to avoid any issues. Also, there's no need to waste space on full-size shampoo/conditioner (unless you’re going somewhere for a month and can’t buy those specific items where you’re going). You can always buy more of something if you run out. Pack your toiletry bag away from your valuables and clothes to avoid spilling. I use the Myzirui case for my shower gel, toner and hair conditioner (to keep the locs fresh and moisturized, obvi). You can also buy extra bottles on their website a la carte.

6. Don’t overpack

All of the things you're thinking about packing “just in case” don’t do it. You’re just wasting space, and you can always pick up things where you’re going if you happen to need something. That way you bring back a souvenir all in one! Which brings me to my next tip.

7. Leave Space for souvenirs

Don't leave the house with a bag so full that you can't possibly fit anything else in it. I typically under the pack, especially when I’m traveling internationally because I love bringing goodies back home. Whether it's a new shirt, jewelry or gifts for loved ones, I make sure that I have space for them in my bag and don’t need to check anything coming back. Also bring little reusable bags, foldable tote or foldable backpack ( if it's not already your personal item) for daily excursions.

8. Bring a change of clothes and toiletry items in your personal carry-on

Just in case you have to check your bag at the gate, due to limited space, or if you decided not to bring your roller board onboard, make sure you have something in case your bag gets lost. Unfortunately, this actually happens and you don’t want to be stuck without anything for however long it takes the Airline to find your bag or compensate you for their mistake.

9. Pack the right cords and adaptors

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten my European adaptor at home in the states. I have at least 3 of them and luckily some hotels and hostels will have the USB adaptor, you can’t 100% count on that and it's nearly impossible to function if you don’t have your electronics charged (deezzz days).

10. Play some music while packing

... because I said so and it makes it more fun. Theses are just a few tips that I’ve found to make packing a little more feasible. Hope it helps and happy traveling! ✌🏾