- 1. Tips & Tricks for a Stress-Free Start to Your Vacation
- 2. Packing your suitcase can be so easy
- 3. How to pack your suitcase for a short trip
- 4. How to pack your suitcase for a longer vacation
- 5. How to properly pack your carry-on luggage
- 6. Documents & electronic devices on the plane
- 7. Packing can be as easy as finding great deals!
Tips & Tricks for a Stress-Free Start to Your Vacation
Frantic searching, piles of clothes, and bursting zippers - sounds like packing a suitcase. To help you tackle this task with ease in the future, I've put together a few tips so you can start your vacation relaxed.
Are you one of those travelers who always ends up packing way too much? So that this doesn't happen on your next vacation or short trip, here are some tips and tricks for the dreaded suitcase packing.
Packing your suitcase can be so easy
How to pack your suitcase for a short trip
Are you planning a city trip for the weekend? Then often a small bag is sufficient. Count the days and pack only as many outfits as you need for each day. You're even more flexible if you pack your favorite pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.
- Are you planning a city trip for the weekend? Then often a small bag is sufficient. Count the days and pack only as many outfits as you need for each day. You're even more flexible if you pack your favorite pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.
With my handy checklist and packing list for vacation, you won't forget anything.
Whether to roll or fold your clothes is a matter of opinion. Some pieces wrinkle less when rolled, while others stay more presentable when folded. The important thing is to not just toss everything into the suitcase but to utilize nooks and corners. For example, stuff socks into your shoes and use all the side pockets - this applies to luggage for longer trips as well.
If you need a nice outfit for your city trip, you can easily iron out the worst wrinkles from a shirt with a flat iron; just be mindful of the appropriate temperature.
Proper footwear is crucial on a city trip. If you're doing a lot of walking and your style allows for it, I highly recommend sneakers as they are the most comfortable! It's best to wear your heaviest shoes on the flight and pack another pair in your suitcase.
If you're planning just a short trip, it's wise to transfer your shampoo and other toiletries into travel containers or take them in solid form - this saves you a lot of space and avoids issues if you're flying with carry-on only. You can find these small bottles and solid soaps at any drugstore.
Are you a 'stress packer' or an 'easy throw-it-in' type? Some pack excitedly a week before departure, while others need the crunch of time three hours before leaving. Just make sure you don't underestimate yourself. It's okay if you need time; take it. Only real stress experts can have everything ready in just a few minutes.
- Whether to roll or fold your clothes is a matter of opinion. Some pieces wrinkle less when rolled, while others stay more presentable when folded. The important thing is to not just toss everything into the suitcase but to utilize nooks and corners. For example, stuff socks into your shoes and use all the side pockets - this applies to luggage for longer trips as well.
- If you need a nice outfit for your city trip, you can easily iron out the worst wrinkles from a shirt with a flat iron; just be mindful of the appropriate temperature.
- Proper footwear is crucial on a city trip. If you're doing a lot of walking and your style allows for it, I highly recommend sneakers as they are the most comfortable! It's best to wear your heaviest shoes on the flight and pack another pair in your suitcase.
- If you're planning just a short trip, it's wise to transfer your shampoo and other toiletries into travel containers or take them in solid form - this saves you a lot of space and avoids issues if you're flying with carry-on only. You can find these small bottles and solid soaps at any drugstore.
- Are you a 'stress packer' or an 'easy throw-it-in' type? Some pack excitedly a week before departure, while others need the crunch of time three hours before leaving. Just make sure you don't underestimate yourself. It's okay if you need time; take it. Only real stress experts can have everything ready in just a few minutes.
How to pack your suitcase for a longer vacation
Shampoo, towels, books - all these are things you can buy at your destination in an emergency. If you're running out of space, be sure to consider what can stay at home.
- Shampoo, towels, books - all these are things you can buy at your destination in an emergency. If you're running out of space, be sure to consider what can stay at home.
My packing list for a world trip shows you what to pack for longer travels.
Are you traveling to a country where you know in advance you'll be shopping like crazy? Then definitely leave some space in your suitcase at home. There are countries where you can buy an entire wardrobe for very little money. Additionally, clothes from distant places make great souvenirs and gifts.
Also pack a few items you can part with in case of emergency.
If you're traveling as a pair, make sure to coordinate with each other and avoid taking duplicate items. You can easily share a hairdryer, cosmetics, and charging cables - saving you luggage space.
What you must pack in your luggage is a bag for your dirty laundry.
Travel detergent or washing at your destination? It depends - in some countries, getting a sack of dirty laundry to a laundry service only costs a few euros. If that's not the case, you should consider washing a few items by hand. Hotel laundry services are definitely more expensive than going to a laundromat. Or you can simply choose an accommodation with a free washing machine. On platforms like Airbnb, you can set filters and find a place with a washing machine.
The type of suitcase or backpack is a matter of taste. It really depends on your plans. Sturdy suitcases are great for flying, while a light backpack is optimal if you're changing accommodations often.
Hairdryers, flat irons, five pairs of shoes - are you going on a world trip or to a warm country? Then you simply don't need many things. Keep it simple and think about whether you really need each item. As a guideline, if you're planning to travel with a backpack: your backpack should weigh a maximum of 1/4 to 1/3 of your body weight.
- Are you traveling to a country where you know in advance you'll be shopping like crazy? Then definitely leave some space in your suitcase at home. There are countries where you can buy an entire wardrobe for very little money. Additionally, clothes from distant places make great souvenirs and gifts.
- Also pack a few items you can part with in case of emergency.
- If you're traveling as a pair, make sure to coordinate with each other and avoid taking duplicate items. You can easily share a hairdryer, cosmetics, and charging cables - saving you luggage space.
- What you must pack in your luggage is a bag for your dirty laundry.
- Travel detergent or washing at your destination? It depends - in some countries, getting a sack of dirty laundry to a laundry service only costs a few euros. If that's not the case, you should consider washing a few items by hand. Hotel laundry services are definitely more expensive than going to a laundromat. Or you can simply choose an accommodation with a free washing machine. On platforms like Airbnb, you can set filters and find a place with a washing machine.
- The type of suitcase or backpack is a matter of taste. It really depends on your plans. Sturdy suitcases are great for flying, while a light backpack is optimal if you're changing accommodations often.
- Hairdryers, flat irons, five pairs of shoes - are you going on a world trip or to a warm country? Then you simply don't need many things. Keep it simple and think about whether you really need each item. As a guideline, if you're planning to travel with a backpack: your backpack should weigh a maximum of 1/4 to 1/3 of your body weight.
How to properly pack your carry-on luggage
For your carry-on luggage, be sure to pack items such as your laptop or camera - your valuables and sensitive items - so that nothing gets broken or lost. If you're flying with only carry-on luggage, also remember to fill your liquids in containers of a maximum of 10 x 100 ml and pack them in a transparent, resealable bag. Keep this bag handy at the security check at the airport; this will save you from having to frantically dig through your carry-on.
You can find relevant articles about baggage in the travel magazine:
If you're also traveling with checked baggage and it's already heavy, then store books or other heavy travel items in your carry-on. My tip: If you enjoy reading while on vacation, consider getting an eBook reader. This saves you a lot of space and weight while traveling. Be sure to pack a toothbrush and deodorant as well as a fresh t-shirt in your carry-on for long-haul flights - nothing is worse than arriving in a tropical country wearing long-worn, musty clothing. This way, you also have a small emergency kit in case your suitcase gets lost during the journey.
Have a long flight ahead? My long-haul flight tips will help you make it through and ensure you have everything important for your time on the plane.
Documents & electronic devices on the plane
Finally, here's an important note for you: electronic devices that are powered by batteries or lithium-ion batteries should be packed in your carry-on luggage.
Have you ever wondered how sex toys while traveling are treated in checked and carry-on luggage? The article has the answers.
So, if you're taking a power bank, batteries for a drone or camera, or your laptop on vacation, make sure to pack these devices in your carry-on. Zippos should not be put in checked baggage due to explosion hazards! Don't forget: If you want to use your electronic devices without restrictions on vacation, you should also think about the appropriate travel adapter.
You should also never pack important documents or valuable items in checked baggage. If your suitcase goes missing, the loss will be significant and you'll need to provide proof of ownership. Passports, credit cards, expensive jewelry, or watches as well as cash should always go in your carry-on while flying.
Packing can be as easy as finding great deals!
Ready for your next trip? With my tips, you can ensure packing your suitcase goes smoothly. If you want to take advantage of unique offers with your next booking, I encourage you to check out my current deals. The next vacation is not far away!