How many of us struggle with packing for a trip?

When I began travelling thirty years ago, I was the sort of traveler who had a carry-on and a large checked bag. In my carry-on I would typically hold full size products, which are now a part of the 311 rule. If anyone is unaware of this rule it pertains to things such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion. The rule says that liquids, gels, aerosols, and pastes should not exceed 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters per container. The 311 rule stands for (3) ounce containers or smaller, (1) quart size clear plastic bag, (1) bag per traveler in your carry-on luggage. There are exceptions to this rule, such as if you have special needs, children, medication, breast milk, baby formula, and other items. Check with TSA security prior to packing, then once at the airport present these items to TSA at the checkpoint to determine if additional screening is required. Otherwise, put larger items in your checked bag.

Back in the late eighties early nineties, most people used a single lens reflex camera (SLR), twin lens reflex camera (TLR), or some other type of camera requiring batteries and film. My first time travelling included one of these types of cameras as well as several rolls of film secured in a plastic tube with a top. We were always careful with the film, as it was the understanding the airport scanners would damage unprocessed film. This was before the use of digital cameras and cell phones, which is what so many of us use to take photos and videos with today.

In the last 30 years the way people dress has changed to a less formal attire. Typically, a woman would bring multiple pairs of shoes (dress and casual), nylons, dresses, pants, skirts, jewelry, etc. Today, the way some people dress is more relaxed, so you may see more jeans, sandals, shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes as an example. I tend to be on the dressy side, so I have a combination of the two with less emphasis on the casual. Men and women alike would hang a lot of garments and bring portable irons, however, with the more relaxed attire you will find less items on hangers and most people do not own an iron let alone carry one. It is all about preference and what makes you feel comfortable wearing.

I am still typically old school and travel with a checked bag and carry-on to most destinations. My daughter on the other hand tries to travel as much as possible with only a carry-on bag. My daughter and I have had many conversations about how we both approach packing. My daughter typically will take items with her that are more casual in nature and she can often interchange. Almost forgot to tell you, she does not mind doing laundry while travelling. This helps to keep down the number of items she travels with especially on a trip for two or more weeks at a time.

This just goes to show, the way we pack for a trip is different but not wrong. As things have changed over time, they impact the way in which we pack for trips. For example, when most airlines instituted baggage fees, this helped spearhead a change within the airline industry. Now most people will either travel with a carry-on or think about how they can travel without incurring fees. I must admit, baggage fees can be quite costly, however, due to my perks from my credit card and the fact that I typically fly internationally I never pay these fees.

In closing, people pack different ways due to many different reasons, because of economics, lifestyle, etc. Think about why you pack the way you do and share those reason why. Visit Ketour Travel’s website (https://ketourtravel.com) read the blogs and updates on current and future trips. Go to https://discover.ketourtravel.com/ to purchase airfare, hotel, transfers, activities and holiday packages. Do not forget to subscribe to the newsletter, follow Ketour on our YouTube channel, Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. When making reservations for airfare, hotel rates, transfers, and activities visit https://discover.ketourtravel.com.