How To Pack Well For Your Upcoming Holiday

Packing luggage can be a challenge at the best of times! But, with our extensive experience in packing and unpacking, The Departure Desk has put together a handy guide to make your packing experience easier so you can focus on your upcoming trip. Here are 5 helpful tips to help you pack well for your upcoming holiday. 

Backpacker overlooking a mountainous landscape

Tip #1: Think Minimalistic-ally - Less Is More! 

There’s nothing worse than having to lug around a very heavy bag. Although it may be tempting to pack your entire wardrobe, when it comes to packing your bags, thinking minimalistic-ally is going to save space and potentially money (not today airport extra baggage charge!).

There’s a rule called the 5,4,3,2,1 method that seasoned travellers swear by. It essentially translates to:

• five tops

• four bottoms

• three shoes

• two fancy outfits

• one accessory.

Start here when packing. Using this rule will help you save space and still have an outfit suitable for every occasion. Don’t forget a fresh pair of underwear and socks for each day of your trip as well. You can find a laundromat in most places around the world, and if you can't, there's nothing a bar of soap and some hot water can't fix!

Tip #2: Packing Cubes Are Your New Best Friend 

If you don't have some already, go out and get yourself some packing cubes. Then, love and cherish them. Packing cubes have saved my baggage space on plenty of occasions and I swear by them! Don't be fooled by the roll method or think that you can squeeze everything in, luggage spillage can happen to the best of us! Packing cubes can help separate items and keep them nice and confined to maximise space usage. Think of it like tetris for your luggage! 

Tip #3: Be Intentional About Your Luggage

Think about what kind of holiday you will be going on and then if your luggage will be suitable for your trip. On most holidays, a roller suitcase will cut it. But, if you’re going to be on the move a lot in places that don’t have state-of-the-art infrastructure, a roller suitcase is probably going to become more of a nuisance than a convenience. There’s nothing worse than having to lug a giant and heavy suitcase up and down the narrow staircases of Santorini just like you probably don't want a heavy backpack on your shoulders all day long if its not necessary.

As it goes for carry on luggage, think about how you can also maximise use in the cabin. Is a backpack, duffle bag or traditional cabin bag more suitable for your needs? What will be convenient to grab out of the overhead locker or to place under your seat?

Tip #4: Research Your Destination and It's Climate

Think about where you're headed and then pack accordingly. There’s no use packing layers when you're headed somewhere warm and tropical. And it's no fun being freezing cold when an unexpected weather system rolls through. Research your destination and the time of year you're travelling to determine the climate.

In some cases, what you wear can be directly tied to your health and wellbeing! For example, you don’t want to be wearing cotton in an environment where you’ll be sweating a lot as it traps moisture! Hot tip from The Departure Desk - remember the saying cotton kills.

Tip #5: Bring Travel-Friendly Clothing

Following on from tip #4... It’s a good idea to pack travel-friendly clothing that's quick drying, light in weight, suitable for physical activity etc.

Materials like wool and fleece are good to travel with as they keep you warm in the right conditions and wick away moisture so they are fast drying. Polyester can also be a reasonable and more cost effective alternative for quick drying options but natural materials are best! 

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to packing luggage for a holiday, from underwear to fancy dress. We hope this guide clarifies your options when it comes to luggage so you can spend less time packing and more time exploring. For more travel blogs, guides and itineraries visit thedeparturedesk.com.