Guest Post – How To Pack Your Life Into a Carry-on
The Numerous Suitcases
Many people are convinced they require at least three suitcases to take a weekend trip. They worry about having the perfect ensemble, shoes, toiletries, jackets for all seasons, etc. These individuals can overcomplicate the process of packing to such an extreme they begin to panic. It is possible to be extremely well prepared for any trip with just one carry-on. The secret is in the planning, and knowing exactly what to pack, and what should be left behind. There are some excellent tips below that should enable anyone to go from three or four suitcases to one carry-on.
The Necessities Come First
The first step in packing a carry-on is to include the necessities first. These are items it would be impossible to live without including money, travel documents, medication, foreign power adapters, cell phone and undergarments. There may be variations for different people, but basics are basics. Nobody needs to pack a dozen pairs of shoes for a vacation.
Making the Most of the Basics
A classic pair of jeans and a T-shirt will work well for numerous occasions. They can be dressed up or down, and have numerous different looks. A pair of basic flat shoes, dress shoes and boots are all anyone really requires. Packing a neutral wardrobe will make it much easier to mix and match the different pieces. Anything outlandish should be left at home. Keeping the wardrobe basic will greatly reduce the amount of clothing necessary.
The Practical Approach
Although it may be tempting to include materials such as wools and silks, having clothing dry cleaned while away from home can be problematic. This is especially true in a foreign country. The best clothing to pack is easily washable, and does not require any ironing. The clothing should be placed on hangars as soon as the destination is reached to prevent any wrinkling. Just these first few steps should eliminate a large percentage of the wardrobe.
Do Not Pack Anything Irreplaceable
When traveling, luggage can be lost. When an individual travels from hotel to hotel, items can be lost as well. Any item considered irreplaceable should not be packed because there is a chance it will be forever lost. This includes items of sentimental as well as monetary value.
The Importance of the Weather
As obvious as it seems, many travelers fail to consider the weather. In addition to considering the expected temperature for the time of year, the traveler should always consider the possibility of rain. Packing a simple, lightweight, waterproof jacket will handle many situations. If the area is cold, and there is snowfall expected, include a pair of gloves in the case. Although it is always possible to purchase any missing items at the destination, nobody wants to have to spend money on items such as hats and gloves.
The Accessories
Accessories are small and can make the most of every outfit. Everything from inexpensive jewelry to a bandana can be packed, and requires very little room. A T-shirt takes on a whole new look when worn with a bandana, and those classic jeans come to life with just the right belt. By mixing and matching the different pieces of clothing with an assortment of accessories, a wide variety of outfits can be easily achieved. Extremely expensive jewelry should be left at home along with those irreplaceable items to ensure it remains safe.
The Toiletries
When traveling fairly close to home, bring any necessary toiletries along. For travel farther away, and especially abroad, it is much simpler to purchase basic items including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant and lotion once arriving at the destination. The airlines have restrictions on any liquids including shampoo. It is easier, and safer to purchase the travel sized portions at a local store. For longer stays, larger bottles are readily available as well. There is also the risk of certain toiletries exploding due to the extreme change in air pressure. For any electrical items such a blow dryer or razor, remember to pack a foreign adapter to ensure the item can be used.
The Importance of the Weight
Once the individual has come to the realization that everything necessary will fit nicely into one carry-on, the weight factor must be considered. Baggage fees are incredibly expensive, and each airline has a maximum weight for a carry-on. Finding out what the weight is, and what the fees are if the weight limit is exceeded is highly advisable. This can be accomplished by simply weighing the carry-on using an average scale.
The Single Carry-On
The most important thing to remember is everything in the carry-on should be easily replaceable. If the luggage does become lost, it should not be catastrophic. It is also advisable to leave a little extra room in the bag because most people inevitable find a couple of items they want to purchase and bring home. Stay with smaller, lighter weight items and everything will fit perfectly.
Saleh Stevens has expertise in the fields of technology and travel. His skills are notable and include cryptocurrency, strategizing, blockchain, coding and investing. He makes improvements with blockchain technology in cases where the same programming has become stagnant from overuse. Saleh Stevens also considers travel as one of his favorite hobbies.
The post Guest Post – How To Pack Your Life Into a Carry-on appeared first on Two Americans in China.
