Packing Tips

This is one of the easiest ways to stop yourself from overpacking.

Instead of tossing random shirts, pants, dresses, and shoes into your suitcase because you "might wear them," think about what you'll actually be doing each day.

A good starting point is roughly one outfit per day, then adjust based on your particular trip.

Think about:

This is especially important for cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

Some specialty restaurants, dining rooms, resorts, or venues may have dress requirements.

Depending on the property or cruise line, that could mean things such as:

Some things should NEVER go into a checked suitcase.

Keep important or difficult-to-replace items with you, including:

When you board a cruise ship, your larger luggage may be delivered to your cabin later in the day.

That means you could be onboard for several hours without access to your suitcase.

Pack a small carry-on or personal bag with the things you might want during those first few hours.

Consider including:

Shoes are suitcase-space thieves. 😂

Try to choose shoes that can work with multiple outfits.

Depending on the trip, you might need:

Mix-and-match pieces can save a surprising amount of suitcase space.

Choose clothing that works with more than one outfit.

A simple top might work for sightseeing during the day and dinner that evening with different accessories.

A lightweight layer can work on the airplane, in an overly air-conditioned restaurant, or during a cooler evening.

The more ways you can wear something, the harder it works for the space it's taking up.

One of my favorite little packing helpers is wrinkle-release spray.

Clothes get squished in luggage. It happens.

A travel-size wrinkle-release spray can save you from looking like your outfit spent eight hours balled up in the bottom of a suitcase — because it probably did. 😂

This can be especially useful on cruises, where irons and steamers may be restricted or prohibited depending on the cruise line.

Always check the current prohibited-items policy for your specific cruise line before packing appliances or other questionable items.

This is especially important for cruises and air travel.

Cruise lines, airlines, destinations, and resorts may have restrictions on certain items.

Before packing, check the current rules that apply to YOUR trip rather than relying on an old social media post or assuming the rules are the same everywhere.

Cruise lines in particular may restrict items such as certain electrical appliances, heating devices, or other items they consider safety hazards.

When in doubt, check before it goes in the suitcase.

I know.

You're going to tell yourself you aren't buying anything on vacation.

And then you're going to see something you absolutely NEED. 😂

Leave a little extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs, gifts, or anything you pick up along the way.

A foldable tote or lightweight extra bag can also come in handy for the trip home, as long as it works with your airline's baggage allowance.

Don't wait until you're standing at the airport check-in counter to discover your suitcase is overweight or your fare doesn't include the bag you thought it did.

Airline baggage rules, fees, size limits, and weight limits vary by airline and fare type and can change.

Check the current baggage allowance for your specific ticket before you pack.

If you're flying home with souvenirs, remember that your suitcase may weigh more on the return trip than it did when you left.

They're usually the things you miss the most when you forget them.

Before you zip the suitcase, think through things such as:

This may be the most important packing tip of all.

You are packing for a vacation — not relocating. 😂

Yes, prepare for the weather and the activities you have planned.

But you probably don't need three backup outfits for every day, seven pairs of shoes, and enough toiletries to open your own pharmacy.

Pack what makes sense for YOUR trip.

And then zip the suitcase and walk away before you add twelve more things.