We are already past the first month of summer vacation, so my suggestions about packing today might be too late for some. However, I do know of several folks who still have vacations coming in July and August, and on into the fall, so I thought I would pass on some packing tips we’ve discovered over the years.
- Put your name both outside and inside your bag and that way, if your outside tag gets torn off, it is easier to find an address. Also it is a good idea to just lay a copy of your itinerary on top of the clothes so they can track where you are going.
- Some people have suggested that in these day and times with the smart phones that have a camera built in that you take a picture of your luggage and that way you have it available to show what it looks like if lost.
- We re-learned this on a recent trip. If a couple is traveling, pack both male and female clothes in both pieces of luggage, or if you are only checking one, pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.
- Do not walk away from the luggage check-in counter without your baggage claim check. Having it will save you a lot of grief if the bag is lost.
- Pack chronologically; that means if you are leaving on Tuesday, don’t have your Wednesday clothes on the bottom.
- Consider packing shirts, blouses, pants in a plastic dry cleaning bag; it helps to keep the clothes from wrinkling. Use the plastic newspaper bags for your shoes. Most men’s shoes are too big to fit, but they work real well with women’s shoes.
- Place heavy items at the end of the suitcase that will be at the bottom when the suitcase is standing on its end; saves wrinkling, stabilizes it when upright.
- Pack things inside of other things; socks and camera inside the shoes, remember to pack your pocket knife and inside the shoe is a good place.
- Remember to pack all liquids, hair spray, beauty and shaving items in the checked luggage, especially if over 3 ounces.
- It’s always nice to have a plug with multiple outlets; in a hotel or cruising.
Call The Travel Factory and allow us the pleasure of helping you plan your trip. We can be reached at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040.