Beneficial Packing Tips That Will Make Travel More Enjoyable

In the past I have been to many countries around the world and the one issue I usually have is not being able to pack a lot of stuff in my bag or my luggage being overweight and hope overage charges are not too much. Luckily, on my last trip I used some beneficial packing tips that helped me overcome this issue and made my trip more enjoyable and happy to share the tips with you!

Checking the Airline's Website 

 Checking the airline’s website to see the weight limit on the luggage and see what the dimensions of the bags should be limited to. It's important to check ALL airline’s websites you will be using during your trip. The weight and dimension requirements will vary from airline to airline. For example, in 2019 I went on a trip to Australia using Qatar Airways and then Sri Lanka using Thai Airways. Qatar Airways had the opportunity to bring 2 checked baggage each weighing 25KG for a total of 50KG. BUT, Thai Airways had only the option to bring maximum 30KG as checked baggage spread amongst any number of bags. So, this meant my family and I had bought 2 bags each weighing 15 KG so that they would meet the requirements for Thai Airways and not have to pay for overweight baggage fees. The dimensions were the same from both airlines which was about 158 cm. Also, the carry-on bag had the same weight and dimensions for both airlines which was 7KG. To prevent overweight baggage, you can use a travel scale which allows you to see the weight of the bag after its been packed.

Furthermore, it's crucial to check the airlines website to see any COVID-19 rules and travel restrictions they may have posted due to weather or any other issues.

Hard-Sided Versus Soft-Sided Luggage 

There are many different types of luggage in the market. Two common types are hard sided and soft sided luggage. Hard sided luggage is made from ABS or polycarbonate material which is very durable but lightweight. ABS is less durable but more lightweight because it's a blend of plastics. Polycarbonate luggage is made from amorphous polymer which is what makes it very hard and durable and if there are any dents it goes back to normal form since it's more flexible. On the other hand, soft sided luggage is made from cloth material which varies from manufacturer but usually durable and flexible material.

Advantages of Hard-sided Luggage:

-   Offers more security than soft sided luggage since it won’t tear with a knife

-   More water repellent since the plastic won’t absorb any water

-   It can easily be cleaned or washed

-   It's more lightweight

-  It comes in unique designs so when it comes down the carousel you would immediately see it

Disadvantages of Hard-Sided Luggage:

 -  Plastic can crack or break depending on quality

-  Can be scratched or dented easily

-  Plastic mould won’t allow it to flex

-  There is no slot to put an identification tag.

Advantages of Soft-Sided Luggage:

-   More flexible since its cloth

-   Has more pockets and compartments 

-   Has allocated slot to put identification tags 

Disadvantages of Soft-Sided Luggage: 

-   Thieves could rip it open

-   Not water repellent so water could absorb and smell bad

-   Weaker structure since cloth material 

Similarities Between Hard-Sided and Soft-Sided Luggage:

-   4-wheels spin 360 degrees

-   Integrated lock feature

-   Big and strong zippers

-   Upper and side handles

-   Handles to roll the luggage 

Effective packing techniques

 Effective packing tips should be used in trips so that you will have plenty of room to more stuff and bring down the weight of the luggage. The first thing to check is what clothing you will absolutely need there and what you can leave at home as bringing unnecessary clothing can waste precious space and weight. You can make a list of must-have clothing such as formal wear if you are travelling for a special event or swimsuits if you are planning to spend time near the water. It is also important to check the weather forecast at the destination(s) you are going to so you can see what to bring and be comfortable there. If you are going to the destination for a long period of time, it is best to ask someone there or research online what the average temperature and weather conditions are for the time of year you are travelling. Furthermore, it's best to roll clothes and put socks or something small in shoes so that you can save space. Also, bringing travel size toiletries are better than bringing big household sized toiletries since it would not take up a lot of space.

Using Packing Cubes

 Packing in packing cubes is a cleaner way to store clothing instead of just putting them in the bag. The packing cubes will allow you to store t-shirts in one cube, jeans in another cube, under garments in another cube. There are also different colours for packing cubes so your family members can each take a separate colour. 

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this blog post. If you have any further questions, comments or future blog post ideas, please don’t hesitate to leave a message with you name and email address in the contact tab.

 Do you have another packing or travel tips, let us know in the contact section as well!