How to Pack Luggage

Shorter vacations, busy airports and endless airline restrictions have made smart packing important. Make your upcoming trips as hassle-free as possible by considering a few important things before heading out on your next trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Always check airlines for the latest travel rules and restrictions regarding what may and may not accompany you and your luggage on your travels. The worst part of traveling stress is when you've gotten yourself all the way to security, only to find that some of your belonging will be thrown away. You won't be able to repack with checked bags already in the hands of the airport personnel.
2. Plan ahead. Know where you'll be going, what activities you'll be doing and what the weather forecast is so that you can pack the essentials you'll need.
3. Pack less than you think you'll need. Plan to wear certain clothing items more than once, and plan items that are versatile and can be paired with different outfits.
4. Pack a wardrobe suitable for going just about anywhere. Take clothes that blend in with the local population and atmosphere to provide safety from those who target tourists. Examples include modest necklines for women, long pants or skirts, shirts with a collar and sleeves and comfortable walking shoes.
5. Include mainly maintenance-free items. Unpack-and-go items are key. Items that wrinkle at home will be even worse after being tightly-bound and tossed around in a piece of luggage. When possible, avoid items that require ironing and forego any items demanding dry-cleaning.
6. Bring comfortable shoes. Limit the shoes you bring, but bring a variety in terms of the shoe's purpose. A good rule is to wear one pair and pack two -- including a casual shoe or sandal, a tennis shoe and a more formal shoe for dinner.
7. Pack shoes and heavier items such as bottles, toiletries and electronics on the bottom and sides of the luggage. Tuck undergarments and socks inside shoes to save space. Roll up clothing to use space more efficiently and find post-travel clothing less wrinkled.