Pack Light, Travel Smart (10 Tips to Help You Pack like a Pro)

Just a few more days till your trip to Phuket. You can’t stop yourself from thinking of the island’s white sandy beaches and breathtaking sights. You wish you could just hop on that plane and go now.

But before heading to Phuket luxury resorts and enjoying your vacation, there is one task you need to accomplish – packing. Many travelers dread this part but you shouldn’t have to. There are smart ways to pack your things for a convenient trip and we’ve compiled them here.

 Read on below and save yourself from baggage fees.

 #1. Gather all the items you want to take with you.

 Spread out your travel items on the floor or on your bed so you can see everything in one glance. This can help you determine whether your backpack/suitcase can contain all of them or not. Knowing your travel needs, prioritize your items and pick the ones you need the most. Keep your items minimal.

 BONUS TIP:

 Make your own list of travel must-haves. Think of some items you can’t leave home without. These should be at the top of your packing list.

 #2. Pack only the right amount of clothing you need.

 Whether you’ll be on vacation for a few days or a week, make sure to pack enough clothes and avoid the urge to bring extras. You may have one shirt for each day, swimming attire and one outfit for partying. Do laundry on the road if possible. Most vacation rentals have laundry facilities. Find out if your accommodations have laundry facilities or if laundry service is available.

 #3. Roll clothes.

Gone are the days when you fold clothes when packing. If you still haven’t heard, rolling your clothes is more effective. It saves space and prevents wrinkling. Moreover, your rolled clothes can create a lining or layer in your suitcase and serve as cushion for your other items. 

 #4. Put your shoes to good use.

 When it comes to packing, your shoes can double as containers. Use your footwear to contain items like socks, underwear and small gadgets. When packing shoes, pick your most comfortable pair.

 #5. Keep items you frequently use within reach.

 Toiletries, medicines and chargers should be on top of other things so you can easily grab them when needed. It can be very time-consuming to dig your backpack or suitcase just to get some tissue.

 #6. Pack a sarong.

 A sarong is always handy during vacations as it can be used in many ways. It can serve as a towel, shower wrap, a skirt, a sheet, a makeshift bag and even a beach dress. It’s super light, doesn’t take a lot of space and dries quickly. If you don’t have one, you can use a scarf instead.

 * A sarong is a long piece of cloth that is traditionally worn in Southeast Asia and now in the west. The cloth is wrapped around the body and usually tucked at the waist.

 #7. Bundle cords neatly.

 Tangled cords can be such a headache. Avoid the mess by bundling your cords together using rubber bands, twist ties or toilet paper tubes. This way, you can grab and use your cords with ease.

#8. Use a nice-looking pouch to keep small items.

 A stylish pouch makes a smart storage for your jewelries, cosmetics, accessories and medicines. This can also serve as a purse when you head to the beach or go around town.

 #9. Have plastic bags of different sizes.

 Plastic bags are useful if you’re the type who likes to compartmentalize. Use plastic bags to separate dirty clothes from unused ones. Prevent staining your clothes by keeping creams, gels, and shampoos in ziplocs. Keep a huge garbage bag handy to waterproof your backpack when you go out.

 #10. Distribute weight properly.

 As a general rule, heavier items should be placed at the bottom. If you’re using a suitcase, place heavy items near the wheels to prevent your suitcase from topping over. In the case of a backpack, you may place heavier items on top to prevent putting too much weight on your lower back.

One thing you have to remember when packing is to leave some space. You’ll surely need some after you go shopping for souvenirs and whatnots during your vacation.

Do you have more packing tips? Feel free to share them here.