Almost everyone enjoys traveling internationally, which is why it is so easy to get caught up in the romance and excitement of it all.
Until you need to start packing, then that picture shatters into a million pieces, and you are left wondering if you should maybe cancel. Well, maybe the reaction isn’t quite that strong, but unless your packing game is strong, you will definitely be left questioning some of your life choices.
Everyone knows that only people with control issues or OCD (pretty much the same thing) actually enjoy packing for an overseas trip. Okay, again – maybe not 100% true, but its close enough.
To keep you from pulling your hair out, this article will kindly offer up the top eight packing hacks to make international travel easier.
- Don’t Fold, Roll
There are some important dos and don’ts to help you start your packing experience on the right foot.
One of the most helpful ones is to roll your clothing and not fold it. Rolling gets things way more compact and allows you to fit more things into the same compact space.
That doesn’t mean you should pack your entire wardrobe, but it will give you wiggle room when you need it the most.
- Travel Adapters
If you have ever arrived in a foreign country on a family trip, only to be met with a plug that looks like it has seen some terrible things, you will know how important it is to pack your trusty travel adapter.
If you haven’t, you will learn soon enough.
For whatever reason, as humans, we have not yet collectively decided on things that should be universal. Such as plugs, temperatures, and which side of the road makes more sense to drive on.
Until such time, pack a universal adapter, so no matter where you are, you can recharge with ease.
- Avoid Liquids
Liquids and planes don’t mix well.
Not necessarily because they pose an inherent risk. Liquids aren’t restricted or disallowed simply because they are liquids.
The backstory for this goes back to the early 2000s, when officials foiled a plot to use liquid explosives that had been disguised as drinks for nefarious reasons. That incident changed global airport security forever.
As a general rule of thumb, you cannot take more than 100ml of anything on board unless you have prior clearance. To keep things simple, avoid packaging liquids as far as possible.
You can get solid soaps, shampoos, and conditioners – so no need to fuss with those.
- Lock Tips
Modern suitcases often come with fingerprint locks, which let you open your bag with ease.
If your suitcase is more well-seasoned than technologically advanced, don’t fret. Combination locks work fine, as long as your combination isn’t something like 0000 or 4321.
Loop both zippers through the same lock or use cable ties to secure several compartments. That way, if your luggage gets left behind, you have a better chance of receiving a suitcase that isn’t empty once the airlines sort out their issues.
Be sure to buy comprehensive international trip insurance – that way, if your luggage isn’t found, you won’t need to panic. This is a blanket term for insurance that protects your travel expenses, health, belongings, or all of the above.
- Ziplock Layers
This tip sounds simple, but it is a genius travel hack.
Ziplocking your clothes when packing saves space by creating an almost vacuum-like seal. You don’t need any special machines either – once everything is packed and just sit on the bags to squish the air out.
This trick doesn’t just save space; it also protects your clothes from leaking products so you won’t end up smelling like Pepto-Bismol.
- Crease-Proof Items
Pack as much wrinkle and crease-proof clothing as you can.
No one likes having to find a steamer or iron as soon as they arrive just to prevent them from looking like they were dragged through a bush backwards.
Denim and knitted fabrics are far easier to manage than linen or cotton when traveling overseas. If you have to, pack one or two items and take them out as soon as you arrive at your hotel or accommodation.
- First Aid
There is an almost 100% chance you will have a headache during your trip.
That isn’t meant to jinx you; it’s just part of what happens when traveling. Long-haul flights are dehydrating, and cabin air is cold and dry. Those things typically don’t combine into anything good.
Pack a small first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic ointment, and painkillers, for just in case.
- Pack Light
There is absolutely no chance you will need to pack six ball gowns or fifteen pairs of shoes.
Travelling light will keep the airline happy, as well as your neck, shoulders, and back. Pack the minimum as far as possible.
Pack for outfits, not items. Choose neutral colored, practical items with a few extras thrown in for good measure.
To End
The most important tip for international travel is to prepare early and stay flexible.
Follow these tips above for the trip of your life. The world is a weird and wonderful place, and there is no better way to experience that than through a passport full of stamps.
