Good morning from Paris! I’ve just begun my first international trip since the pandemic started. I’ll certainly break down into more detail my experience when I return home. In the meantime you can follow my journey along the Seine between Paris and Le Havre on social media.
Since it has been quite a while since I’ve used these packing tips I wanted to share them with you this week as well.
#1 – Don’t overpack! When you start packing, lay out all of the items that you are thinking about taking on your trip, then put half of them back. On a two week trip you don’t need 14 different outfits.
#2 – Don’t pack for the worst case scenario, pack for the best case. In the event of unexpected weather you can always pick up a few items.
#3 – Know how much your bags weigh. Put them on the bathroom scale before you leave home or use a handheld baggage scale. Make sure that you don’t exceed the airline limit for overweight baggage. A few pounds extra pounds in your luggage can be a costly mistake.
#4 – Stick to a color scheme with your clothing and use items that are versatile. Mix and match your pants and tops to make the most of the outfits you are packing.
#5 – Leave the hairdryer at home! They are common place in nearly every hotel and cruise ship stateroom. If there isn’t one in the room, call the front desk, they can deliver one to you in minutes.
#6 – Take advantage of the Pack for a Purpose program and you’ll have extra room built in for souvenirs you may pick up along the way. This brilliant program allows travelers to bring 5 or more pounds of school supplies, medical supplies or other items that are needed in the destinations you visit.
#7 – Cross pack – If you are traveling with a spouse or other close friend this can be a great way to offset baggage loss. Instead of packing two individual bags, one for him, one for her, pack the same two bags with 1/2 her items and 1/2 his. If one bag does get lost or delayed one person isn’t left with nothing. You each have enough to get you through a few days if necessary.
#8 – Don’t toss your packing list once your suitcase is full. Pack it as well, when you are ready to re-pack your suitcase for your trip home you can use the list to make sure you are not leaving any items behind.
#9 – Keep your valuables and medications with you in your carry on bag. Don’t run the risk of loosing them if your bags become lost or delayed.
#10 – In addition to having identification information on the outside of your bags you need it inside as well. Luggage tags can easily become separated from your bags. It’s a good idea to put id inside your bag too. I recommend placing a copy of your vacation itinerary, along with contact information inside the bag. Place it on top of your items, where it can easily be seen if the bag is opened by airport personnel.