10 packing tips for travel
weekender bag | boots | sunnies | jeans | top | wrap
photos by Ban Avenue Photography
Sitting here looking at the calendar and I can’t believe it’s November 15th. Where has this year gone?! It feels like we were just celebrating Boone’s first birthday back in February, and now it’s almost time for holiday travel. While I don’t like how fast my boys are growing, I do love this time of year and welcome it with open arms. It’s always a busy time of travel for us since our family all lives 7+ hours away, so I thought I’d share some tips/tricks I use to help pack for our family and make the holiday season just a little less stressful.
Packing Tips:
1. Always start with a list. Depending on the type/duration of your trip, this could be as simple as making a note with bullet points in your phone or as in depth as using a checklist like this one (I have and love). I’ll usually start making a list at least 3 days before the trip, because I always think of things over the course of a few days. If I wait until the last minute to make a list and/or pack, I inevitably forget something.
2. Roll don’t fold. Many years of folding, and I finally figured out some years ago how much less room it takes to roll clothes in a suitcase or duffel. I also find that clothes don’t wrinkle as much when they’re rolled opposed to folded. If you’re big into organizing while packing, these packing cubes are amazing.
3. Separate jewelry with snack-size bags. Even if you have the fanciest of jewelry travel cases, chances are your necklaces will still end up somewhat tangled. To prevent this from happening, buy 'snack size' plastic bags for packing necklaces. Give each necklace its own bag and fasten the clasp.
4. Always have a change of clothes handy. I’m not just talking for kids, for adults too! On our last trip to Jackson Hole, Boone threw up all over our row. Covered in vomit with a 3 hour lay-over and a 3 hour flight home, we wandered around the SLC airport and ended up spending several hundred dollars on new clothes we’ll probably never wear again. We had all the regrets for not having a change of clothes in our carry-on bags. Lesson learned the hard way!
5. Use a luggage scale. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten to the airport and ended up having to rummage through suitcases because mine exceeded the weight limit. I finally caved and bought one of these luggage scales a couple years ago, and it’s been a lifesaver. There’s nothing worse than flying with kids and already having your hands so full, then having to swap around luggage. Better to sort it all out at home beforehand.
6. Place heavy items at the base of your bag. If you’re using a wheeled suitcase, keep weightier things like shoes and books by the wheeled end of your suitcase (or the bottom of a duffel). This placement helps your bag stay stable when upright, and stops other items from getting smushed.
7. Bring an extra bag for souvenirs. I have a large Vera Bradley duffel bag that I always fold up (empty) and take on trips. It serves as my “souvenir bag” normally, or a “dirty clothes bag” if we’re going somewhere we don’t buy souvenirs. Either way, it always gets used and I’m always thankful to have an extra bag. Why is it that we always come home with way more than we left with?! The great mystery of travel.
8. Carry a scarf. No matter where I’m traveling to or how I’m getting there (car, plane, etc.), I always carry a scarf with me. If it’s July and I’m traveling from Houston, I’ll just put the scarf in my tote or tie it around the handle. The beauty of blanket scarves is that they act as just that, a blanket. You can also fold it up and use it as a pillow. Planes are often chilly and you’ll be glad you came prepared. Side note: When Boone threw up on that flight from Jackson, I used my scarf as a clean-up tool. Kind of gross, but it was a cheap one I was able to toss after and one less thing we had to bug the flight crew about.
9. Use your “personal item” wisely. If you’re flying, you’re almost always allowed a “personal item” for free. Instead of carrying your small cross body bag and paying for carry-on, opt for a tote that holds everything and can still be considered your personal item. Pack your cross body in your checked suitcase and you’ll end up saving some money and the hassle of finding an overhead bin that fits your carry-on luggage. I always take a large tote on flights and find a way to shove it under the seat in front of me. I also love having magazines, snacks, diapers, etc. handy during the flight.
10. Use bags for kids’ clothing. When packing for the boys, I use reusable storage bags or Ziplocs to pack each outfit. When we get to the destination, it makes it so much easier to have outfits already put together and not be digging around their suitcase to find one little pair of shorts.
I hope you’ve found this post helpful if you have any travel plans coming soon! If so, care to take me with you? Preferably if it’s somewhere tropical with a beach, pina coladas, and lots of sunshine.
xo, Britt