Ready to start packing for your vacation? It’s exciting to think about your upcoming adventure. What’s good to pack? What’s best to leave at home? How should you tackle this task? Here are the best packing tips from Pavlus Travel’s experienced team of global explorers.
We also include some links to top packing tips from others. The reality is that some travelers don’t mind bringing multiple suitcases (and don’t mind paying the airlines’ extra bag fees or excess baggage charges for weight). Others do and prefer to “travel light,” yet definitely want to bring adequate clothes and personal items for an enjoyable trip.
There’s absolutely no one right way to go. Each traveler is different with unique needs. So, pick and choose what works for you. Here goes!
(As shown in the photo above, travelers often head out for a bike hike or other active adventures. Packing the right clothing is essential. Photo by AmaWaterways.)
Best Packing Tips: Pre-Trip Planning
Research the Weather
If you live in a warm climate such as South Florida or Arizona, but you’re vacationing in Antarctica or Japan, this tip is critical. “Research the weather averages in the area during the time you are traveling,” says Pam, a Pavlus personal travel planner.
Those temperatures can vary sizably, so the type of clothing you pack may be far from your norm. Suddenly, you may find you need to bring more long-sleeved shirts or tops, or a sweater and jacket.
Of course, if you’re heading to a tropical paradise, lighter clothing is needed. But if you’ll also spend much time indoors in cool, air-conditioned spaces, that’s something else to consider.
Start Early
A week or so ahead, create a detailed packing list for clothing, personal items and electronics. “That can ensure you have everything you need as it may not be available in a foreign country,” says Abigail in Pavlus’ guest relations department.
Simultaneously, lay out any suitcases you’d like to take on your home’s spare bed, an unused sofa or extra table. Start creating piles of clothing and other items that you might want to take on your vacation.
BUT THEN STOP! Don’t put the clothes into the suitcase until the day prior to traveling. Just lay them out and put them in separate piles. It’s just the planning stage.
As the pre-travel week continues, check the clothes piles daily. If you’re only taking one checked bag, ask yourself, “Do I really need that?” If you think that an outfit will be worn just once, you might reconsider.
Of course, a special outfit and shoes for an anniversary, retirement or birthday celebration requires a special outfit. So, even if you’ll only wear it once, that’s A-OK. But for other clothing and shoes, use the week to perhaps trim the piles a bit.
Do you really need five pairs of slacks or will four or even three do? These are the kinds of questions to ask yourself daily. It’s a great technique to help you whittle down the pile to what’s truly needed. That avoids overpacking.
So, you take only what’s needed. And best of all, you might even have room for a new outfit you might buy on vacation.
A Bit About Dry Cleaning
Also consider any clothing that needs dry cleaning. Make it simple. Washable clothing makes good sense, although we know that’s not always possible.
Some top-rated hotels may offer dry cleaning services through a partnership with a local company. But others may not and most cruise ships don’t offer dry cleaning either. Typically, those vessels handle only regular laundry (washing and drying, as well as pressing services) but not dry cleaning.
Best Packing Tips: Layer, Match, Brighten
If you desire to cut back on the amount of clothing carried, yet still have “unique looks” on vacation, then adopt these three concepts: “layer,” “match,” and “color coordinate.” They’re the perfect buzzwords for packing success.
For example, “I like to pack neutral, basic colors,” explains Leann, a Pavlus Travel air concierge. Then the clothing can be interchanged on different days, yet also can create different looks — both dressy and more casual.
The Meandering Traveler suggests packing several pairs of black (or other dark color) slacks, matching those with different tops or jackets. Think about it this way: By adding a dressy, multi-colored jacket and snazzier shoes in the evening, those slacks can transform into a casually elegant choice.
Feel free to ask your personal travel planner about the level of formal attire needed for nightly dinners on cruise ships or at hotel restaurants. For example, a cruise line may have one or two formal nights or none at all.
For instance, is a jacket and tie required for men every night or not? Understanding all the nuances can help ensure that travelers make good packing choices.
If you’re taking ladies’ dresses, perhaps one or two is fine. If you’re taking a lady’s long gown, one may be enough; But if there are no formal nights, you may desire to reconsider taking any gown.
One good tip? Ladies can use stunningly gorgeous jewelry or elegant scarves with colorful patterns to easily dress up a basic neutral-color look.
Best Packing Tips: Cubes and Rolls
Victoria and Rose, among Pavlus’ many skilled personal travel planners, highly advocate the use of packing cubes. Increasingly, many travelers find these helpful to organizing their clothing. Cubes have the added benefit of reducing the excess air between clothes; that gives a bit more room in the suitcase.
We liked this helpful Points Guy article about the benefits of using packing cubes.
But don’t simply throw items into the cubes. “Be sure to organize your items ‘by type’ in the packing cubes,” says Megan, Pavlus’ director of ocean cruise marketing. So, put lingerie and nightwear in one cube, perhaps, and shirts in another.
That way, you can just pull out each cube at your final destination. Presto, all the contents from one cube can quickly be placed in one drawer or bin. It makes unpacking a breeze.
Alternatively, if you don’t plan to use packing cubes, “consider rolling your clothes rather than folding them,” suggests Shari, a Pavlus personal travel planner. “It saves space and prevents wrinkles.”
Best Packing Tips: Printed Documents
Yes, we live in an electronic world with everything needed on a cell phone. But having hard copies (printouts) of your most important documents can prove critical if your phone is lost, stolen or just stops operating unexpectedly.
So, we suggest that a week or so before your trip, begin printing out “hard copies” of any important documents. Again, place them alongside your clothing on a bed, sofa or table, prior to putting them into your carry-on bag or purse the day prior to departure.
What does this entail? Print out the following:
- Airline reservations and confirmed tickets for both outbound and return flights.
- Boarding passes for airlines (usually available to create 24 hours prior to your flight’s departure). Here’s a Weather Channel article about why you should always print your boarding pass.
- Cruise ship reservations that show the booking number, itinerary details and cabin number.
- Tour reservations with pertinent details about the booking reservation and itinerary.
- Hotel reservations showing any confirmation number.
- Important email confirmations from travel suppliers.
- And any other vital documents.
Check Entry Requirements
And check entry requirements for countries you’ll visit. Some may require a form to be filled out either online or handed to the border control officer when you arrive at a foreign airport or border crossing. Or you may need to purchase an online visa or, alternatively, do it at the airport upon arrival.
Recently, for example, The Meandering Traveler was informed by one foreign airline that border officials wanted to see a hard copy of one document upon landing.
Bottom line? While it’s not always necessary to have such printed documents, they do provide peace of mind for smoothing any journey. In this same vein, Donna, a Pavlus personal travel planner, says this: “Be sure to have a color copy of your passport and any photo ID in all luggage, both your carry-on and checked luggage.”
Also put a copy of your travel itinerary, contact email and cell number in the checked bag. Jamie, one of Pavlus’ personal travel planners, also provides this tip: “Be sure to copy and include contact information for your home country’s embassy in all the countries that you’ll visit.”
Another team member, Shari, recommends “leaving a photo of your passport and driver’s license with someone at home in case of a loss.”
Pack Medicines, Insurance Cards
Pack all prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) that you use regularly in your carry-on bag, recommends Pam, a Pavlus personal travel planner. NEVER put prescription drugs in your checked baggage. If the bag doesn’t make it to your destination on time, you could be without vital medications.
Occasionally, though, by the time you board your plane, overhead bins may be full. So, the crew may tell you they need to “take” your bag and check it. If so, be prepared to quickly grab any medications and hand-carry them onto the plane within your purse or another small personal item.
Another good suggestion? Pack enough prescription medications for the length of the trip plus a week or two beyond. Then, if something unusual happens and your stay is extended for a bit, you’ll have enough of them to tide you over.
If you use a pill box for sorting your prescription medication, also bring the “original” pill bottles. These show the pharmacy, doctor and prescription details.
Don’t forget to pack any travel insurance or medical evacuation plan cards. Plus, pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes. Pavlus’ Shari suggests individual Clorox wipes to clean surfaces, such as airplane drop-down trays.
Decide on Laundry Services
Some travelers opt to do laundry during their vacation, which means they likely won’t need to pack as many clothes. The laundry services might entail a hotel or cruise line valet laundry service. Or instead, you might find and desire to use self-service facilities on a ship or in a destination.
BEFORE you begin packing and putting items in your luggage, find out what laundry services (at what price) or facilities will be available.
Yes, doing laundry on vacation is a personal choice. Some travelers don’t want the hassle, while others don’t mind it at all. But making a decision ahead of time can influence what and how much you pack.
Also on the laundry front, Fia, one of Pavlus’ personal travel planners, suggests “packing a travel-sized bottle of Febreze and a Tide pen.” Those are good to have to do quick touch ups.
Best Packing Tips: Think About Activities
Definitely think about what specifically you desire to do on vacation. Don’t forget your bathing suit if you’re headed to a beach or you enjoy pool play or a relaxing time in a spa thermal room pool. A hat can also come in handy on a long walking tour in hot weather.
If you’re zip lining, such as Pavlus Travel’s personal travel planner Shari did above, then be sure to bring some casual clothes for comfort. Active adventures also require clothing that you don’t mind mussing up or even getting dirty. And for those planning to go trekking, good hiking shoes are an absolute must.
Of course, if you plan to attend dressy balls, then also plan accordingly with more formal attire. Find out about any dress codes on cruise ships or in hotel restaurants in advance. Talk with your travel advisor or check online social media sites and web pages for travel suppliers. Get a sense of things.
For men, is a coat required every night, or not? How many nights approximately will one be needed? Also, is a tuxedo required any evening for dinner or a social event?
Also, if you’re heading for a hot weather destination, or planning lots of walking, pack appropriate clothing to keep cool. On that front, Lee, a personal travel planner, also suggests packing a hand-held, rechargeable mini-fan. When it’s 92 degrees with high humidity in Southeast Asia or South Florida, you’ll be glad you did.
Best Packing Tips: MORE Options
Add Compression Socks: For those heading onto an airline flight, particularly a long one, your feet can dangle down for an extended period of time. So, Victoria, on the reception team at Pavlus, advocates wearing compression socks to get the circulation moving. Alternatively, put a pair in your purse or carry-on to don during the journey if desired.
Leave New Shoes Behind: Don’t even think about bringing a pair of new shoes or breaking them in on vacation. You might be walking long distances, either on independent exploration of a city center, or taking an organized tour or hike. Simply put, it’s a bad idea to think how fabulous they’ll look and then to try them out on vacation and find out that they’re not comfortable — perhaps even rubbing your feet the wrong way. Leave new shoes behind, stresses Victoria.
Carry a Neck Pillow: Sharon, a Pavlus Travel personal travel planner, tells her clients to “bring a travel-sized neck pillow.” It’s a great way to relax comfortably and even sleep on an airplane. That’s particularly true if you have a long flight ahead and are in the economy cabin.
Leave a Bit of Space: Don’t fill every nook and cranny in your checked bag, says Abigail who works in Pavlus’ guest relations department. “Instead, leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs purchased along the way,” she says. Otherwise, you may have to buy another bag and perhaps pay to check it on the return flights.
Pack a Carry-On Outfit: Pack an extra outfit and a pair of shoes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage doesn’t arrive with you. That’s suggest by four different Pavlus team members – Rose, Erin, Donna and Melissa.
What About Electronics?
Talk with your travel advisor or the travel supplier about what’s permitted in the way of outlet/extension cords or surge protectors. Some travel suppliers allow these, others don’t. But if permissible, “bring a small surge protector to provide extra outlets,” say personal travel planners Annette and Shari. The latter also suggests “packing an extra-long phone charging chord.”
The Meandering Travel highly suggests bringing a plug-in adaptor if you’re traveling on a ship or overseas. You can purchase one online or in a store at home. That way you can plug into U.S., E.U. and U.K. outlets. One never knows what type of outlets you might find in countries or on ships.
It’s also good to carry a small portable power pack. That can be charged prior to leaving home. Then, it can provide power to your techie device if the airline seat power for the plug isn’t working or there is no plug-in outlet. “Be sure to keep these chargers in your carry-on for use during plane rides,” says Pam.
Best Packing Tips: Even More!
Download a Translator App: If you’re heading to a foreign country where English isn’t the prime language, Pam also suggests “familiarizing yourself with Google Translate or download a similar application on your phone.”
Pack a Few Snacks: “Never underestimate the importance of snacks,” quips Jessica in Pavlus’ guest relations department. So, if you have a long air trip, you may desire to bring along a packaged energy bar or other snack treat for the airport “wait” or the flight itself.
Bring Helpful Items: “I like to bring a collapsible, reusable water bottle,” says Sarah, a Pavlus sales manager. This is a good option, as it can always be refilled in destinations and then emptied as needed for airport flights. She also suggests:
- Packing a large scarf that can be used as both a blanket and a headscarf, if necessary. That’s good when you’re visiting certain countries and religious or historic sites.
- Taking a money belt pouch that can be worn under clothes to keep IDs and money safely tucked away.
Know the TSA Rules for Carry Ons: You might also check out this MSN story about TSA’s Carry-On Luggage Rules You Should Know Before Heading To The Airport
Other Options for Packing
Erin Turner, Pavlus Travel‘s vice president of sales, suggests bringing an extra bag for dirty laundry. She also utilizes shoe bags to keep shoes separate from clean clothes in a suitcase.
Denise, a Pavlus air concierge, suggests bringing a mini shoeshine kit, while Renee in Pavlus’ guest relations department likes to take a few safety pins while traveling. Meanwhile, Jocelyn, who is also from Pavlus’ guest relations department, packs dryer sheets in her luggage to help keep clothes smelling fresh.
Tina, a Pavlus reception team member, suggests bringing an eyewear tool kit.
Several Pavlus folks also like to take along corkscrews. That’s particularly helpful if you’re driving to a beach resort, urban hotel or a national park lodge, for instance.
That said, if you’re taking an airplane flight, check on the official TSA web site about those and other items you might desire to pack. Some corkscrews are permitted (the no blade type), but others are not. And TSA officers on the spot will determine if an item is acceptable. You can also consult this site for “where” to pack — in your carry-on OR in checked luggage.
Other Sources for Packing Tips
Other frequent travelers also have packing tips that may prove helpful. Here are a few articles to peruse.
- Best Packing Tips in Conde Nast Traveler.
- Frequent Flyer Packing Tips in Good Housekeeping.
- Travel + Leisure magazine’s Packing Tips story.
- USA Today’s “What’s Allowed and What’s Prohibited in Your Carry-On According to TSA.”
Best Packing Tips: Pack Your Patience!
At times, modern air travel and transiting to a vacation destination can have unexpected developments along the way. Just relax, do the best possible, keep in touch with your travel planner, and stay calm.
Most importantly, when it comes to the “cerebral” part of travel, Pavlus Travel’s team members collectively stress: “Never forget to pack your patience.”
