Packing Tips & Tricks

Preparing yourself for a trip can be time consuming and overwhelming, however, it is necessary when travelling to have all the essentials you need while away. Typically, when preparing for a trip, the first thing I will do is review my agenda for the entire duration of the trip. This will tell me two things, what I need to pack and how much I need to pack. The second thing I do is check the weather during the time of my stay. I generally check the weather channel where I can get a 10-day forecast and if preparing well in advance the ability to obtain an average forecast for months to come.

The third thing I do is to check the accommodations and see what amenities are available. For example, while staying in Mauritius I stayed at Sunset Reef Resort & Spa, which is in Pointe aux Piments. Sunset Reef Resort & Spa has a swimming pool, gym and aerobic classes, spa services, restaurant, bar, and many other services. The fourth thing I do is verify with the airline the amount of baggage and the weight requirements for my destination. Usually airlines charge a fee for your first bag for domestic flights, however, if you are an airline cardholder or you are in first class your first bag on a domestic flight may be free. In addition, you may have up to 2 free bags when travelling on an international flight. Another important thing to consider is the weight of your baggage, to help thwart any excessive baggage fees purchase yourself a luggage scale for as little at $5 from anywhere (Target, Walmart, eBay, Amazon, Groupon, Bed Bath & Beyond), and many other stores.

The amount of luggage you take on your trip is based upon your personal requirements. When my husband and I travel internationally, we typically each take a carry-on, each has one checked bag, and we will put one empty bag inside of another for souvenirs.  We typically ensure our checked bags are under 50 lbs. to stay in compliance with the airlines. The additional checked bags we bring are to take home souvenirs. Time and time again this has proved to be a good decision as we tend to purchase mementos from our travels and having the additional baggage to transport goods home is a godsend.

The types of luggage I prefer are any of the wheeled luggage, which allows me to easily maneuver through the airport and en route to my hotel. I do not have a brand preference, but rather like both soft and hard-shell luggage. We tend to purchase new luggage every few years, due to the amount of handling luggage goes through during transport from origin to destination and back. One piece of advice do not purchase and/or use locks on your luggage since bags may be checked at random and as such may endure damage when airport professionals attempt to check baggage.

What are your packing tricks and tips used when travelling domestically and internationally?

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