TRAVEL HACKS
BEFORE
TOP PACKING HACKS TO HELP YOU MASTER THE ART OF A PERFECTLY PACKED SUITCASE BY TRAVEL BLOGGER AND PHOTOGRAPHER EDWINA HART
INVEST IN A GOOD SUITCASE
Nothing will make the task of packing easier than finding a suitcase with all the right features. Pick something:
• Lightweight, as a case weighing a few extra kilos might mean that you won’t be able to pack your favourite shoes or even result in an expensive ‘oversized baggage’ fine.
• With wheels. It’s so effortless to zip around without having to locate an airport trolley.
• That has a protective casing made from polycarbonate, a must as there is nothing worse than finding your toiletries have exploded all over your clothes and electronics.
• With useful zip compartments to separate items and keep your suitcase neat throughout the journey.
• That’s brightly coloured so you can identify it immediately on the carousel among the ubiquitous black luggage.
• With an in-built lock to keep your items safe and secure.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE TIME
Everyone knows packing last minute is the surest way to over-pack. By writing a list in advance you will cut back on unnecessary items.
TAKE A SMALL BAG FOR IMPORTANT ITEMS
You need one safe place to keep your phone, passport, credit cards, cash and boarding passes on your person, a secure over-the-shoulder bag that is easy for you to access and keeps your arms free to focus on other tasks.
ROLL WITH IT
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them makes your clothing items more compact and will save room in your case. Plus, it prevents them from creasing. Also, try rolling precious items inside your clothes as a great way of keeping them safe.
CHOOSE YOUR SHOES WISELY
No more than three pairs, please. One pair for comfortable walking (i.e. your trusty Converse), one for everyday chic and one pair for looking your best. A simple trick is to wear the heaviest pair on the plane to save luggage weight.
