Traveling 101: Packing for a Flight

For all you unorganized, stinky feet, over-packing procrastinators… This is for you! Let’s try packing smart for once, shall we?

We can start by not waiting until the very last minute to do it. Yes, this seems very obvious to some, but for the rest of us including me, this is insanity! But by packing a few days in advance, you are most likely to remember something you forgot, and still be able to shove it in that oversized suitcase of yours before you leave!

Anyone who travels with me knows my suitcase is as obnoxious as they come; teal, blue and yellow flower print. Did I buy this suitcase because I love flowers? No! I bought it because I could easily spot it while traveling, and it is anything but easy to mistake as the standard red Samsonite bag. So if you aren’t as daring as me… Do yourself a favor; tie a bandana or scarf around your suitcase, it just might save you some time at the airport! And instead of examining every bag you see down the conveyor belt like every other traveler, you’ll be the first out the door and in line to reach your destination. Woo hoo!

Now, let’s try to downsize your luggage. Apparently rolling your clothes instead of folding them is a total space saver! Who knew?! It also seems to keep my bag a lot more organized; things unroll a lot less easily than they unfold! If you are traveling by air, try to remember that most airlines have a weight limit, usually about 50 lbs. And here’s a tip: If you think you might end up going above and beyond the airline’s weight limit, pack a small bag within your suitcase that you can easily remove just in case and bring as a carry on.

Let’s talk contamination… Have you ever arrived at the hotel to find that your liquids leaked all over your stuff? Well, I have, and let me be the first to tell you, it’s not fun! Place your shampoos, conditioners, lotions and hairspray in plastic bags. Also, pack some plastic bags to contain all your dirty clothes and stinky shoes in for your flight home. Stinky feet = Stinky shoes! If you’ve got a little odor on your toes, no problem! This may sound a little backwards, but put your shoes in your socks! This will keep them from contaminating your clothes that are fresh and clean before your trip.

Think you can do it? I hope so. Now that we have learned a few things, go have fun on your trip, and enjoy having clean, organized, lightweight luggage safely at your hotel! Fly safely!