12 suitcase packing mistakes that could ruin your holiday
There is a lot to consider when packing for the perfect holiday such as the weather and daily activities, but even more so now with the added burden of covid. Knowing that, it’s important to reach out to places at your destination for any coronavirus-related information. We spoke to travel experts who offered some tips on eliminating common mistakes when travelling, even in a post-pandemic world.
Mistake: when you have a "when in doubt" mindset
“We don’t need to take our entire wardrobe with us nor do we need to take our entire shoe collection,” says Suzanne of Philatravelgirlcom. “The key is to pack around a colour scheme and pack layers for day and night. As hard as it is, three pair of shoes is generally good – everyday, sandals, and dress shoes.” It’s also likely you will be able to wear your bottoms more than once, so pack more tops that you can match with the same pair of jeans.
Mistake: you wait until the last minute
“Then you’re stressed and can’t think clearly, so you end up packing too many options and don’t have what you need,” says personal stylist, Dacy Gillespie. Start packing a few days in advance. Make a list of the activities on your itinerary to determine what you need: comfy shoes vs sandals, dressy clothes vs casual, etc.
Mistake: you forget to check your destination's weather
Put your weather app to good use. “This way you won’t be stuck with all pants if it’s hot or no jacket if it’s cool,” explains digital marketing executive, Yasir Shamim.
Mistake: you fold instead of roll
“The biggest suitcase mistake I was guilty of before my husband finally (lovingly) harassed me out of it was folding instead of rolling,” says Jennifer Walden, director of operations at WikiLawn. “Folding just made more sense to me, and I assumed it wouldn’t make that big of a difference. But I actually had more problems with wrinkles when folding, and certainly less space overall. ” Tightly rolling your clothes will actually allow you to fit a lot more in your suitcase than if you were to fold.
Mistake: you don't make the most of your shoes
“I love to stuff small items like jewellery, underwear, or socks in my shoes. This saves a lot of space,” says Gillespie. Slip each pair in a Ziploc or plastic grocery bag to avoid spreading dirt.
Mistake: you don't factor in souvenirs
Overdo it on shopping and your suitcase might not zip up on your way home, possibly adding an extra bag on the way home. “If people tend to buy many souvenirs, the best practice is to carry a separate bag,” claims marketing expert, Jeremy Owens. “However, you need to make sure that you can handle your possessions after buying the souvenirs. Before going on the trip, fill the souvenir bag with mock items, and carry it with other belongings. You need to let go of some items if the total weight is more than you can handle.”
Mistake: you buy a whole new wardrobe specifically for your trip
“Don’t try a new look on vacation!” says Gillespie. New clothes you’re not used to wearing may not fit as well or look as good as they did in the dressing room when you bought them. Instead, “stick with trusted outfits you know you look good in,” she says. Pay attention to fabrics – knits and denim travel well; silk and linen wrinkle easily.
Mistake: you want one whole suitcase all to yourself
If you’re travelling with a partner, it seems logical to each pack your own suitcase. But if a piece of luggage gets lost, one of you is left with nothing. “If you are travelling with your partner, it would be best to put half of your things in their suitcase and vice versa,” explains Jeremy Harrison, founder of Hustle Life. “In case you lose your luggage, you still have half of your stuff to use!”
Mistake: you don't keep your toiletries well contained
If it is capable of leaking, assume it will. Place all non-solids like hair gel, shampoo, or mouthwash in a zip-top bag to keep your stuff safe from any potential spillage. “Don’t just put your shampoo into your suitcase and expect things to turn out fine,” explains Walden. “Even if you’ve never opened it. Put toiletries in a zip-top bag! If you don’t want certain products mixing, use several different bags. Press the air out of them before sealing. Sometimes I’ll even put them inside a plastic grocery bag, too, just to be extra safe.”
Mistake: you throw our your packing list
A packing list can help make sure you don’t forget anything important, but don’t chuck it in the bin when you’re finished. “Make a list a week in advance,” says etiquette expert, April Masini. “Go over it several times throughout the week. Put your packable items out the night before. Go through them the next day. And then, when you’re sure you have everything you need, pack your suitcase.”
Mistake: you don't bring enough masks
Even if masks aren’t required in your hometown, they may be required elsewhere, especially if you are travelling by plane or taking public transportation. “Even if you’re using cloth masks, you should pack several,” explains Walden. “You can’t rely on being able to wash them where you’re staying, and no one really wants to do laundry on a vacation anyway.”
Mistake: you don't bring your own cleaning products
You may not want to rely on others to keep spaces clean for you so it’s best to pack extra hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes to ensure clean surfaces, especially in a hotel room. “Post-coronavirus I am including a pillowcase as well as a fabric sanitiser for bedding,” says lifestyle influencer, Amra Beganovich. “Even though many places have imposed a stricter cleaning regiment during the pandemic, taking additional safety measures can help you feel at ease.”
Image credits: Getty Images
This article originally appeared on Reader's Digest.