Before you begin to put items into your suitcase, make a list of what you need to pack. As you write down what you need to pack, be thinking about what you will wear for the different activities you plan to do. It is also a good idea to check the weather to make sure you pack the correct attire.
As for packing your suitcase, here are a few suggestions to fit everything you need in your suitcase:
Creating Space
Keep your heaviest, space consuming out of your suitcase to wear on the day of travel.
To create the most space possible in your suitcase, roll your clothing. Put your least important articles of clothing at the bottom of your suitcase; under layers, pajamas, etc. place your formal clothing such as dresses, skirts, and dress tops or pants on the top of your suitcase.
Layer, layer, layer!
Don’t be afraid to wear pants or shorts more than once and take clothing outfits that you can layer and items you can mix and match with other outfits. This allows you to limit clothing items you bring and fit more in your suitcase. Also pack light layers of clothing. Try not to bring outfits that weight a lot. Depending on the location of your destination this might not be an issue, but if you need some warmer clothes bring tank tops and shirts that you can layer under long sleeves and sweaters.
Storage within your suitcase
Use our shoes as extra storage space. Shoes can take up more room in your suitcase so use them to your advantage and store other smaller items inside of them. Also use the sides of your suitcase and any small space to stuff your socks and underwear.
If you are traveling with fragile items wrap them in some of your clothing and place them in the middle of your suitcase. This way they will be safer in case our suitcase is handled roughly with airport personal.
Items to keep on you
Always keep your most valuable items on or near you when traveling! It doesn’t happen too often, but we all know that when traveling (by plane) there is the chance of luggage getting lost or misplaced in transit. To ensure that you don’t lose any valuable items such as computers, cameras, jewelry, etc. keep them in your carry-on bag where you can keep track of it.
Be sure to keep your ID, passport, and money on you where no one can steal it. It is also advisable to pack an outfit or two in your carry-on bag to have extra clothing in case your luggage were to be misplaced.
