I’ve traveled around the world a handful of times, and had all sorts of travel surprises. But, one thing I have learned is that (assuming your luggage arrives with you) a well-packed suitcase is the key to a smooth journey. And, another plus, a well-packed suitcase doesn’t need checking.
I have a few key philosophies to packing that I learned as a flight attendant years ago, and then adjusted as my work demands in a new career became more complicated.
1. The airport is a war zone. Don’t dress for style, dress for function – with nice pieces that you can use if you have a bag-tastrophe.
2. Only pack what you, yourself, can carry – up and down stairs, through security, and all through the town … you never know when something unexpected will happen.
3. Pack a wardrobe, not outfits, but make sure the wardrobe will make up a few outfits that work for lounging, business, and going out on the town. As long as those three activities covered, you can make your options work many different ways and your gear won’t limit your adventure.
4. When you get home, edit and evaluate. Pull out the list of things you packed and cross off anything you didn’t need. Next time you’re packing evaluate if you still want the item just in case or if you’ll be just fine without it.
That said, click on the first picture below for a few more tips and travel hacks I’ve figured out.
How many hangers do you take? Don’t they add extra weight?
I actually prefer a smart phone app called “Packing” – it has little check boxes for each item you take. You can clear and re-use it every trip.
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I tend to use the really light weight metal hangars from the dry cleaners or that come free when you buy clothes so weight hasn’t really been a problem. I tend to fit an entire outfit on one hangar, so 5-6 hangars is the max.
I’ve played with some of the packing apps but never found one quite as user friendly as my pen and paper, but I’ll check out the one you suggested. Thanks!
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