Every traveler faces the challenge -- what shall I take and just how will I pack it? The experts at Travelpro USA, the world's largest supplier of professional luggage for Airline crews, offer the following tips:
- Pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle.
- Use a divider shelf to separate accessories, irregularly shaped items, and shoes from your garments.
- Stuff your shoes with underwear or socks so they won't be crushed during your travels.
- Suits, dresses, shirts, and blouses should be packed in plastic dry cleaner bags to limit wrinkling.
- Roll pajamas, nightgowns, sweaters, and other casual wear to fill small spaces, when possible, but don't cram your suitcase full. If you have to force your luggage to close, remove a few items to prevent broken hinges or zippers along the way.
- Try the "interweaving method" of packing for your next trip. Drape longer garments such as dresses and pants across the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides. Then fold shorter items such as jackets, shirts and blouses around the longer garments so that the clothes cushion each other. Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will help prevent wrinkling.
- Pack each item one at a time in a clockwise direction. When you have filled the bottom of the suitcase, begin the next layer packing each item in a counter clockwise direction. In this way, you will form one complete package of your clothes, eliminating wrinkles and securing all of your contents.
- Always carry your travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other valuables in your hand luggage. These items should NEVER be packed in luggage you plan to check.
Pack Light!
Pack light. You'll be glad you did. Airlines have strict rules on the amount and size of both carry-on and checked luggage. A good rule of thumb is two bags per person. The flight attendant has the final say concerning carry-on luggage and baggage that must be checked as cargo. Check with the airline or your ASTA travel agent for detailed information on baggage regulations.
Planning Your Wardrobe
- Choosing a wardrobe of basics will help you deal with space limitations. Select clothes that will coordinate with each other.
- Make a list of things you intend to take with you. Your list will prove invaluable in the unfortunate event of lost or stolen luggage, while you are away.
- Think of travel activities ahead of time. Plan your clothes for business, sports and leisure activities.
- Check seasonal weather conditions of the area to which you will be travelling and be prepared. Pack a raincoat or warm/cool clothing as appropriate.
- To save space and weight, prepare a kit of miniature toiletries in small plastic bottles. When flying don't fill the bottles to the top, because the pressure may cause contents to expand. Pack bottles in plastic bags in case of leakage.
Security Tips
- Lock your luggage to avoid accidental opening due to rough handling or cabin pressure, and carry the keys in your hand luggage.
- Remove old claim checks to avoid confusing baggage handlers about your current destination.
- Identify your luggage both inside and outside with your name, address and telephone number, and make sure the outside tag is securely fastened to your luggage.
- Include a copy of your itinerary in your luggage with your home address and your destination in the event you and your bags get temporarily separated.
- Travel insurance is important if you are traveling with valuables not covered under the normal luggage allowance provided by the airlines.
Source: ARA
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