Let's Talk Packing

   The number one thing I get asked what are your top packing tips.  Well, I have some of my favorite tips to share, if you have some feel free to comment below.

As a travel agent, you would think I have this packing thing down pat, but honestly, I don’t.  I always over pack, I wait until the last minute and more often than not I forget something, since I am leaving for a trip this week I will be testing some of these options and I will update how it goes next week.

1. Roll don’t fold.  My husband has been trying to get me to roll my clothing into my suitcase for our as long as I can remember. Now if you are like me you never do what you husband tells you (LOL) so I have never folded my clothes, but experts say it really is the best to prevent wrinkles and it allows for more space in your suitcase.
2. Make a list of all your medications and bring a copy of your prescription from your doctor, always a good idea just in care your medications get lost or ruined.  Also Do NOT pack them in your checked bag, bring your meds onboard in your carry on, this way you will always have them and you don’t have to worry about lost luggage.
3. Make a list and check it twice.  Make a list of everything you need to take with you and check it all off as you pack the list.  Make sure to note if you are going to need dressy clothing, for evenings on board cruise ships or resorts.
4. Pack your carry on bag carefully.  While we always want to make sure we have things to do onboard the plane, you don’t want to use your entire carry on for laptops, iPads, books, magazines and more.  Make sure you save room for a change of clothes, just in case your luggage is lost in transit and if you are getting on a ship or going to a warm destination you might want to throw in your swimsuit too, so you can start using the pool or beach ASAP.  Pack your jewelry in your carry on also, NEVER put it in your luggage!  You never know if someone can get into your bag or if you bag is lost, you don’t want the chances of things to go missing.
5. Add a few dryer sheets to your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
6. Transfer your favorite toiletries into travel size bottles, it’s better to use your favorite items while traveling then to try something new. If you are like me your hair if picky with certain products and my skin is super sensitive, better to stick with what you know than take the chance of bad skin and hair for those vacay pics.
7. Keep your valuables like money, jewelry, and keys in the safe at the hotel or on the ship. Don’t have a safe keep those old suntan or shampoo bottles and turn them into a hide all. Simply cut the bottom off and tuck those valuables inside. Feel free to leave it out in the open, no one wants your sunscreen.
8. Know the baggage limits set forth by the airlines. Keep in mind the weight and measurements.
9. Get a luggage scale. You can check your bag easily at home and avoid the extra costs of heavy bags.
10. Make sure you mark your bag so it stands out from the rest.  So many bags look alike and when you are standing at the luggage carousel you want to make sure you can spot your bag quickly and make sure no one else mistakes your bag for theirs.