I have tried various packing methods, and what works for me may not work for someone else. Each person has their own preferences. And over the years my family has refined their individual packing style.
Packing Methods
We have used compression cubes, packing cubes, and rolling clothes. I think most of my family likes rolling their clothes and then stacking them systematically, with heavier clothing on the bottom. And depending on the length of time abroad, the method we use can also change. Packing cubes is helpful with more clothes.
I also use a dirty cloth drawstring bag for soiled or discarded clothes, packed on one side of my suitcase. The separation from other clothing is beneficial.
Packing Ideas
A few resourceful ideas that I always stick with are:
I start with being organized. I don’t like digging in my carry-on for an umbrella, eyeglasses or medications, and I don’t like ruffling through my suitcase for a pair of socks. My objective is to arrange items in an easy-to-reach location and placed back in the same location I retrieved them. This also alerts me to having lost an item. The exception to this method is dirty clothes.
Packing a voltage exchanger is top of the list! Wearing hiking shoes on the flight and packing lighter, comfortable walking shoes. This allows for more suitcase space instead of packing hiking shoes. Since flights can be chilly, I wear a jacket on the flight, and pack another sweater or light weight jacket. Thin shower hair bonnets for storing my shoes in my luggage guard against transferring dirt. Most lodging provides shampoo and conditioner, so I don’t bring those. I don’t cram my suitcase full, and I don’t overpack. And since I may bring back a souvenir, I leave extra room in the luggage.
My clothing is packed in the carry-on luggage for overhead stowing, while the smaller additional bag contains my medications, eyeglasses, passport/travel docs, jewelry, handi-wipes, earphones, toothpaste and brush.
Bringing an extra pair of eyeglasses (old prescription) is a good idea, and bringing an empty small water bottle to fill at the hotel, rather than purchasing plastic water bottles is cost-effective. I never bring jewelry or clothing that would be devastating to lose. As I may not have time to search for a lost earring or retrieve a sweater left at a restaurant. Travel or homeowner insurance could cover the loss, but there are sentimental items that are irreplaceable.
Daytime Wallet
While going about my day, I use a travel wallet well secured around my neck and tucked into a small day bag, a crossover shoulder pack, zippered purse, or a drawstring bag. I bring the bare basics, but my passport is left in my suitcase at the hotel.
I’m always on alert because tourists are a target for talented thieves especially in the cities, and an unsecured shoulder bag draws their attention.
