Whether this is your trip or your hundredth trip, it’s always helpful to have a rundown of what items you may want to pack so you have a travel checklist.
Start by collecting all of your important documents in a travel document organizer (most travel organizers hold a passport, ID, numerous credit card slots, coins, documents, boarding pass(es), and a pen! This will help ensure everything you need to get from one place to the next is all in one place.
Double-check your passports and ID’s and make sure they aren’t expired. It’s also a good idea to let your bank know that you will be traveling abroad – that way your account won’t be suspended because of suspicious activity.
The next thing you’ll want to do is prepare your personal item carry-on bag with anything you’ll want with you on the flight. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have an outfit (or two) and a few essential toiletries in your personal item just in case your luggage is lost. If you’ll be traveling around to multiple destinations, make sure this bag has items to keep you cozy on any train, boat or bus rides. It’s always nice to have a bag that’s easy to access, so you don’t have to get in your main travel bag each time you need your eye mask. Nevertheless, you will be carrying most of this, so don’t make it too heavy.
Whatever you’re planning, we recommend luggage that is versatile, lightweight, and large enough to fit all of your essentials. The most important decision you’ll make as far as luggage is finding a piece that’s versatile and can fit lots of gear while also being easy to carry. If you’ll be going through different types of terrain, or switching from airports to cobblestones, having a bag with the option to roll it around or carry it like a backpack or duffel is handy.
When you have many different types of activities and a variety of gear to pack in your suitcase, staying on top of all of it can be challenging. When packing for a long trip, think layers. Layers can be easily divisible into sections which is important when planning a big trip.
Compression Packs are gaining in popularity as they can reduce the volume of your clothes by up to 80%.
You’ll want to pack lots of clothing options if your trip covers a lot of ground. Just pack smart. Include clothing that can be worn on your adventures and then dressed up slightly with a different pair of shoes and a scarf.
If you’re carrying on, keep your toiletry bag light and TSA-compliant. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule makes it easy to remember: liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container and they must be in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
A lightweight, versatile day bag can be used in a myriad of ways to ensure comfort and preparation.
In most large cities, travelers should always be aware of theft. The best way to keep your belongings safe is to keep them close to you (such as a hidden money-belt, undercover bra stash, holster, or the like.) You may also consider choosing one that has RFID protection.
