Pack wisely before traveling

Packing is critical. If you forget an important item, you’ll be disappointed and scrambling to find the nearest store in your destination. Packing too much results in disorganization, heavy bags, and a loss of money to cover expensive airline baggage fees. So we decided to go over the most fundamental—and most useful—packing rules once more. Here are ten essential packing tips that every traveler should know.

1. Roll rather than fold.

Many travel experts, including backpackers who must cram months’ worth of clothing into a pack the size of a box of wine, agree that rolling is better than folding. Clothes that are tightly rolled take up less space than clothes that are folded. Furthermore, they are less prone to developing deep wrinkles from fold creases.

2. Prepare a packing list.

Procrastinators fall short when it comes to packing. Begin your packing process days or even weeks before your departure date; this allows you time to create a comprehensive list and purchase any additional items you may require for your vacation. Making a packing list is a foolproof way to ensure that you never forget anything important.

3. Understand your airline’s baggage-fee policy.

Understanding the airlines’ perplexing baggage-fee policies is essential for any frugal packing strategy. While most airlines allow passengers to check at least one bag on international flights, the majority of domestic carriers charge exorbitant fees for checked bags.

Before you start packing, go to your airline’s website and read the baggage policy. This is something you should consider doing before purchasing your plane ticket, especially if you plan on bringing a checked bag or two. Consider Southwest or JetBlue, which both allow at least one free checked bag on domestic flights.

4. Adhere to the 3-1-1 rule.

What happens if you don’t follow the Transportation Security Administration’s (3-1-1) carry-on luggage rule? If you try to bring a large bottle of shampoo or a full-size gel deodorant through the security line, the TSA will most likely confiscate your items, causing you to be held up in line. So get familiar with the agency’s rules: All liquids brought

5. Make good use of your personal item.

Airlines typically allow each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. This personal item is subject to size restrictions (which vary by airline), but a purse, laptop bag, or backpack is generally acceptable.

Caroline Morse advises travelers in Five Tips for Fitting it All in a Carry-on Bag to leverage their personal-item allowance, saying, “Forget wasting my personal-item allowance with a tiny purse.” I’ll bring a larger tote bag that I can stash under the seat while still providing additional storage space. This will be useful for keeping everything I’ll need on hand during the flight within arm’s reach.

6. Do your laundry on the road.

One of my favorite aspects of staying in vacation rentals is the laundry facilities. You’re in luck if you know your accommodations will have free laundry facilities. Even on extremely long journeys, you can wash and wear only a few outfits.

If you’re staying in a hotel, call ahead of time to find out if laundry services are available and how much they cost. Travelers staying in properties without laundry facilities or on cruises can wash clothes in sinks and hang them to dry. I always bring a travel-size packet of laundry detergent and a sink stopper with me to clean my clothes.

7. Bring multipurpose clothing.

It’s one less thing to pack if it’s a two-in-one. Items that serve multiple functions, such as pants that convert to shorts or a jacket that converts to a travel pillow (see these items here), are worth their weight in airline baggage fees.

8. Layer

This advice is in two parts: Wear layers and layer up. To begin, your on-the-go wardrobe should include plenty of layers to help you travel through multiple climates in style and comfort. Second, the items in your bag should be neatly stacked for easy screening. The TSA recommends “packing items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)” so that the security agent screening your bag can see what’s inside.

The quicker the TSA agent can screen your belongings, the faster you’ll get through security.

9. Never double-check essential items.

It’s critical to keep your valuables and necessities in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage. Bring your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables with you on the plane at all times. We probably don’t need to explain why you should keep your passport and wallet on you at all times. However, if the airline misplaces your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you’ll be sorry you checked your expensive watch.

10. Make use of packing materials

Eagle Creek Compression Sacs are my all-time favorite packing aid. Use them to shrink your clothes.

a tiny, vacuum-packed bundle that takes up very little suitcase space Packing envelopes and packing cubes are two other packing aids that can help you organize your belongings and fit more into your bag.

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