How to efficiently pack for vacation in just one bag, with everything you'll need
Now that most airlines are charging anywhere from $20-50 for check-in bags, travelers are being more prudent about what goes into their luggage. Most people throw everything into their luggage, 'just in case' it might be needed. Seasoned travelers have long been advocates of the single bag policy, simply for the sake of convenience. When you pack for vacation using only a carry-on, all you need to do is grab that bag and disembark. No traipsing all over the airport and then waiting at the baggage carousels. No lost baggage either. Here we show you how to pack for vacation, so efficiently that you'll arrive with everything you need, with no hassles.
The number one rule is to use a single carry-on. There used to be a standard size, acceptable with all airlines. However, recently I've noticed that there are one or two airlines that specify very slight differences in the acceptable dimensions. Check with your air carrier for the exact dimensions, in the unlikely case your air line varies from the standard.
If you'll be purchasing a carry-on for your trip, look for a bag with telescoping handles and rollers, as well as sturdy outside zipper compartments. A bag with one small and one larger outside, zippered compartment provides convenient storage for documents you may need to present while boarding and again at your destination. Extra compartments also make a natural organizing system, making it easier to pack for vacation.
Most travelers pack way too much. Believe it or not, you can pack all the clothes you'll need for a month in one carry-on! While you wouldn't dream of wearing the same dress for two events in the neighborhood in a single week, when you're on vacation, this works just fine.
For dresses, choose one or two that are lightweight, one color and of a classic design, allows you to dress them up or down with accessories. As for jewelry, a few pieces of costume jewelry will suffice. It's best not to bring valuable jewelry, which might be stolen. Two pairs of shoes are all you need; one comfortable pair of pumps and one other casual pair for serious walking. If you plan to go out to a fine restaurant or two, slip a small clutch in your baggage and carry a larger hand bag, which doesn't count as luggage. When you pack for vacation, three pair of underwear and socks is plenty. A couple of nighties or PJ's is enough. You can spend five minutes washing them in your hotel room every few days. As for outerwear, if you'll need an overcoat, wear it on board. You can take it off while in flight, even using it as a blanket during a nap remember, some air lines are now charging for blankets! Pack one pair of jeans and a couple of pair of shorts (depending on weather and time of year) and two tee shirts. After all, you can and probably will, buy souvenir tee shirts. When you pack for vacation time, a lightweight nylon jacket is essential. It takes up little space, is warm enough for cool morning sightseeing and can be tied around your waist when it warms up.
Lay all the clothes you intend to pack for vacation on your bed. Give a quick glance to see that you've got versatile garments that coordinate. With plastic dry cleaner bags, carefully fold in sleeves and hems to form a basically rectangular shape. Roll each garment up tightly and pack them. This pack-for-vacation trick is most important in maximizing your luggage space.
If you have OTC or prescription medicines you need to pack for vacation, check with the airlines for any specifics on how these must be packed. Requirements can be quite nitpicky! Toiletries? You'll save yourself a lot of hassles by just buying toothpaste, shampoo and the like at your destination, so you don't need to deal with requirements of so many differing allotments in ounces allowed and packaging.
When you pack for vacation adventures, a money belt is essential to safeguarding your cash, credit cards and copies of passport and/or visa. Before boarding, it's easiest to keep your airline ticket, passport and/or visa in that handy outside zipper compartment for quick access. Keep cash and credit cards in your money belt. Once you arrive, all of these documents, or copies, should be stored in your money belt.
Wrap your camera in bubble wrap and tuck it in between clothing. Using this pack for vacation strategy should leave you with room to spare and no time wasted collecting extra baggage. Bon Voyage!
Now that most airlines are charging anywhere from $20-50 for check-in bags, travelers are being more prudent about what goes into their luggage. Most people throw everything into their luggage, 'just in case' it might be needed. Seasoned travelers have long been advocates of the single bag policy, simply for the sake of convenience. When you pack for vacation using only a carry-on, all you need to do is grab that bag and disembark. No traipsing all over the airport and then waiting at the baggage carousels. No lost baggage either. Here we show you how to pack for vacation, so efficiently that you'll arrive with everything you need, with no hassles.
The number one rule is to use a single carry-on. There used to be a standard size, acceptable with all airlines. However, recently I've noticed that there are one or two airlines that specify very slight differences in the acceptable dimensions. Check with your air carrier for the exact dimensions, in the unlikely case your air line varies from the standard.
If you'll be purchasing a carry-on for your trip, look for a bag with telescoping handles and rollers, as well as sturdy outside zipper compartments. A bag with one small and one larger outside, zippered compartment provides convenient storage for documents you may need to present while boarding and again at your destination. Extra compartments also make a natural organizing system, making it easier to pack for vacation.
Most travelers pack way too much. Believe it or not, you can pack all the clothes you'll need for a month in one carry-on! While you wouldn't dream of wearing the same dress for two events in the neighborhood in a single week, when you're on vacation, this works just fine.
For dresses, choose one or two that are lightweight, one color and of a classic design, allows you to dress them up or down with accessories. As for jewelry, a few pieces of costume jewelry will suffice. It's best not to bring valuable jewelry, which might be stolen. Two pairs of shoes are all you need; one comfortable pair of pumps and one other casual pair for serious walking. If you plan to go out to a fine restaurant or two, slip a small clutch in your baggage and carry a larger hand bag, which doesn't count as luggage. When you pack for vacation, three pair of underwear and socks is plenty. A couple of nighties or PJ's is enough. You can spend five minutes washing them in your hotel room every few days. As for outerwear, if you'll need an overcoat, wear it on board. You can take it off while in flight, even using it as a blanket during a nap remember, some air lines are now charging for blankets! Pack one pair of jeans and a couple of pair of shorts (depending on weather and time of year) and two tee shirts. After all, you can and probably will, buy souvenir tee shirts. When you pack for vacation time, a lightweight nylon jacket is essential. It takes up little space, is warm enough for cool morning sightseeing and can be tied around your waist when it warms up.
Lay all the clothes you intend to pack for vacation on your bed. Give a quick glance to see that you've got versatile garments that coordinate. With plastic dry cleaner bags, carefully fold in sleeves and hems to form a basically rectangular shape. Roll each garment up tightly and pack them. This pack-for-vacation trick is most important in maximizing your luggage space.
If you have OTC or prescription medicines you need to pack for vacation, check with the airlines for any specifics on how these must be packed. Requirements can be quite nitpicky! Toiletries? You'll save yourself a lot of hassles by just buying toothpaste, shampoo and the like at your destination, so you don't need to deal with requirements of so many differing allotments in ounces allowed and packaging.
When you pack for vacation adventures, a money belt is essential to safeguarding your cash, credit cards and copies of passport and/or visa. Before boarding, it's easiest to keep your airline ticket, passport and/or visa in that handy outside zipper compartment for quick access. Keep cash and credit cards in your money belt. Once you arrive, all of these documents, or copies, should be stored in your money belt.
Wrap your camera in bubble wrap and tuck it in between clothing. Using this pack for vacation strategy should leave you with room to spare and no time wasted collecting extra baggage. Bon Voyage!
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