15 Packing Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money, and Stress
Packing for a trip is a battle of what you want to take and what can fit in your suitcase. You’ve probably had piles of clothes staring back at you, while you wondered how on earth they’re going to magically fit. Packing can be easy, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed. With a little know-how, you can pack efficiently and still have everything you need.
Packing smart is not just about saving space, it’s about making your journey easier, so you can concentrate on the fun parts of traveling. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend road trip, or a dream vacation, these practical tips will make your packing experience less stressful and more fun.
Roll Your Clothes Instead of Folding Them
Not only does this save space, but it also helps keep clothes wrinkle-free. Travelers and packing pros alike have been endorsing this simple trick. You can see everything at a glance in your suitcase, which makes for easy unpacking and repacking.
Use Packing Cubes to Make Packing Easy
Packing cubes are like drawers for your suitcase; they let you separate your clothes by type or activity. They help you find particular things without having your luggage become a tornado. They make travel sense and bring a sense of order to an otherwise chaotic process, travel expert Rick Steves says.
Put Heavy Items at the Bottom of Your Bag
The weight of your suitcase is best kept balanced by keeping heavy bits such as shoes or toiletries at the bottom. They provide a stable base making it easy to wheel your luggage and prevent it from turning over. It also protects more delicate things.
Stuffing Smaller Items Into Shoes
Don’t waste the inside of your shoes. It’s easy to fit socks, belts, or even a travel-size first aid kit inside. The trick saves space and helps shoes hold their shape during transit.
Buy Travel Size Toiletries
Carry travel-sized versions of your favorite products instead of full-sized bottles or use refillable travel containers. A study by the Global Travel Industry Research Council found that most travelers could cut up to 25% off their luggage weight simply by downsizing toiletries.
Pack a Multi Use Scarf or Shawl
A lightweight scarf or shawl makes a great blanket on cold flights, a beach cover-up, or even an impromptu picnic blanket. It’s an accessory that can be used many times over.
Limit Shoes to Three Pairs
Shoes take up the most space in your suitcase, so stick to three pairs: one for walking, one for dressier outings, and one that is a versatile pair such as sneakers. This is a foolproof way to keep your luggage streamlined.
Pack a Portable Laundry Kit
A small bag of laundry detergent and a sink stopper can save you the hassle and money of laundry services for longer trips. If you wash a few essentials in your hotel sink, you’ll need to pack fewer clothes.
Pick Clothing in Neutral Colours
Wearing clothes in the same color palette makes it easier to mix and match so that you can create more outfits with fewer items. Traveling light means sticking to neutrals like black, white, and gray.
Travel with the Bulkiest Items On
If you’re bringing a heavy coat or big boots, wear them on the plane or in the car. It saves space in your luggage and keeps you warm while waiting in possibly cold airports or cars.
Pack a Foldable Daypack
A small, collapsible daypack is just perfect to take out for a day’s excursions or to shop with during your stay. It’s small and takes up hardly any space in your luggage, but when you need it, it gives you extra storage.
Seal Liquids in Plastic Wrap
Unscrew the cap of your toiletries and place plastic wrap over the opening before screwing the cap back on so you won’t have spills and leaks. It’s a lifesaver to have this extra layer of protection on your suitcase when things get jostled.
Keep a Copy of Important Documents
Having digital and physical copies of your passport, ID, and travel insurance in case of an emergency can save you a headache. Keep paper versions in a waterproof bag and email a copy to yourself.
Start Planning Outfits Ahead of Time
Packing “just in case” items generally results in over-stuffed luggage and unnecessary stress. Instead, plan your outfits for each day based on your itinerary. Not only does this approach help you pack lighter, but it also saves you time deciding what to wear later.
Pack a Small First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit with band-aids, pain reliever, and antiseptic wipe for unexpected mishaps is a time saver. Keeping it small and organized doesn’t take up much room and still gives you peace of mind.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
