WORDS OF WISDOM: 10 TOP PACKING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT

Once again I find myself in the situation where I am expected to fit my whole life into bags. This is the not so glamorous reality of a traveller, never staying in one place for too long. Truth be told, I began packing in my head about a week before christmas! It is something that I love to do and it gets me excited to have a big sort out of everything I own and evaluate my clothing situation.

In this post I will share with you my top tips and tricks for how to pack effectively no matter the destination.

Plan Your Travel Outfit

The first thing I think about when packing for a trip is the outfit that I plan to wear on the day that I go. It is usually something comfortable and practical as more often than not I will be carrying my stuff, and quite possibly sitting for a long period of time. Once I have put this outfit to one side, including everything from undies to shoes, I no longer have to worry about rummaging to find things once the packing has begun.

Roll, Don't Fold

The best packing advice my mum ever gave me was to roll rather than fold your clothes. You save on so much space, and your clothes don't end up all wrinkled and creased.

Carry On Only

If you are going on a weekend, or even a week long trip, I strongly recommend only taking carry on (I managed a whole months travel in Europe with only my carry on bag!). Not only is it easier having less to carry, but you don't have to spend as much time at the airport checking in bags and waiting for them to come through at the other end.

Bring Stuff You Actually Wear

And things you like, not the things you think you should wear, because trust me, if you don't wear them now, you never will. Remember there are shops there if you do decide that you really do need something.

Make Lists

Before any trip I always write out lists weeks in advance to get me to start thinking about what I will and won't be taking.

I separate my stuff into three lists...

1. Things you love and wear all the time and have to take

2. Things you want to take, but only if you have enough room

3. Things you hate and/or don't wear and don't want to take

Once I have written down everything I can think of off the top of my head into one of three lists, I can then start to go through everything else I own and add to the lists as I need. This makes the process of actually packing a lot easier because you have already decided what you have to take and what you plan to leave behind.

Pack A Multi Point Plug

This little device is the thing I am most happy I brought with me from home. It means that I have only needed one travel adaptor during my whole two years abroad, and I can still straighten my hair and charge my phone at the same time!

Bag It Up

I always bring a Lingerie Delicates Wash Bag for all of my dirties. It makes washing once I get home so much easier!

Lock It Up

Bring a padlock for your bag, especially when staying in hostels. Leaving your bag in a room full of people you don't know very well is always risky business, but if you lock your bag up it gives you peace of mind to get out there and enjoy your adventure.

Don't Bring The Biggest Bag You Can Find

You want something that you can actually lift, trust me on this one!

Think About Your First Night

Think about how you will be feeling once you reach your destination. Chances are you will be pretty tired and ready at least to have a shower and put your PJ's on. I always pack my PJ's on the top so you are not having to rummage and destroy your lovely packed bag the first time you open it.

Bring Jandals

You don't want to shower in a hostel without them!

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." - Susan Heller

I hope this has inspired you.

LARISSAJODEE x

#advice