Top packing hacks for travelling

Packing is almost important as your trip, and there is a lot to consider – length of your trip and the weather, size of your luggage and any weight restrictions, your mode of transport when you arrive and so on.

An essential item left behind could mean panicked time and extra expense to replace it once you reach your destination.

Here are a few packing hacks from Chubb Travel Insurance to keep you on track and your essential travel items in the bag:

Bag checklist

To avoid the last-minute stash and dash, start planning your luggage contents at least a week before your departure to make sure you have everything packed. Even seemingly mundane items should be listed to avoid overlooking them.

Baggage policy

Check your airline’s baggage policy before you start packing. Pay special attention to the weight allowance of your luggage and check the policy on hand luggage, specifically around the quantity of liquid, gel or aerosol items allowed on-board the plane.

Toiletries

Smaller travel versions of your favourite toiletries and a few zip-lock bags are travel essentials to save space and protect your luggage from any spillage. You might even want to leave toiletries out completely and purchase them at your final destination, making for less hassle and more packing space.

First aid

Pack a small medical kit with essentials like plasters, pain and fever relievers, cold/flu remedy, medicine for stomach troubles, allergy tablets, ointment for bites and stings and an antiseptic. It will save you from having to visit a foreign pharmacy for a minor ailment, and if you don’t need it, even better.

Roll with it

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them minimises creasing and takes up less space in your bag. Fill every nook and cranny – even your shoes are a handy vessel for socks, underwear and small items. And remember to pack a disposable laundry bag to keep your dirty laundry and shoes separate from your clean items.

Balance the weight

Pack heavier items closest to the wheels of your suitcase so that the weight is properly balanced and your suitcase is easier to roll.

Tag your bag

Make sure that your luggage is clearly marked with your contact details in a tear proof housing. Never store your keys in your bag, especially if it has your address on it. Consider a coloured ribbon on the handle, stickers or even neon shoelaces so you can easily identify your bag on the luggage carousel.

Keep your valuables with you

Keep your valuable items with you, such as your wallet, travel documents, smart phone and any jewellery. Pack a change of clothes and essential, travel-size toiletries such as toothpaste and a toothbrush in the event that your luggage goes AWOL – this will ensure that you can get by for a day or so while tracking down your luggage.

Get travel insurance

Besides providing an essential lifeline should you face a medical or health crisis while travelling, Chubb Travel Insurance also comes to the rescue in the event of replacing a lost or stolen passport, assistance in finding delayed luggage, and financial relief if your baggage is lost.

//

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.