When it comes to packing there are things to have in mind, but the most important one?
To have fun – this is exciting, after all!
You’re ready to leave for a new chapter in your life, or at least a memorable vacation, and that suitcase must be smartly packed for you to really enjoy every single moment of your trip.
So, come along, and let us share a step-by-step article on How to Prepare for a Trip: Packing Tricks and Tips!
The Digital Nomad’s Packing Tips and Tricks To Prepare For a Trip
First things first: you’re preparing for an upcoming trip and you need to sort everything out.
Are you stressed at the mere thought of being stopped at the security check?
Don’t worry.
Packing is supposed to be fun.
The organization comes with it doesn’t have to be flawless and each person creates and adjusts their own method to pack a suitcase.
The goal is to make your luggage easier to search through, in case your bags need to be opened at Security check at the airport, or even outside.
With that said, let’s get into my genuine 101 on how to prepare for a trip, whether you’re a study abroad student, a digital nomad, or traveling with friends and family!
How to Prepare for a Trip: Organisation
Preparing for a trip starts with a list!
Yes, I love lists, and I love to make them early on and start thinking about what to bring so it doesn’t overwhelm me at the last minute.
That’s when I’d usually end up overpacking or forgetting essential items.
I recommend starting to think of what to pack in your suitcase up to two weeks ahead if you’re thinking of outfits and all.
Sometimes I even make a spreadsheet list on Canva with color patterns of selected clothes that go well with anything.
I match several different outfits with a few pairs of clothing, to save me some time and space.
I basically make a fashion moodboard, and this makes packing my suitcase so much more enjoyable.
Let’s start with the list, shall we?
There are a few important things to bear in mind whenever you’re planning a trip: how many days will you stay?
Does the trip require comfortable shoes?
Will you attend an important celebration or anything that requires formal wear?
Will you need adapters?
Which electronics shall you bring?
Do I want to leave extra space in my bag for souvenirs or some extra shopping?
For all of these questions, you will answer with a checkbox list divided by categories divided by: Clothes & Shoes, Electronics, Beauty, Toiletries, Accessories, Miscellaneous and things to have with you on the flight.
You can add more categories, and honestly, this was shaped by my own list.
However, you get an idea of how to do your own organisation checklist.
Read: The Most Unusual Places to Visit in London
How to Prepare for a Trip: Trolley & Bags
If you’re flying to your destination instead of a road trip, I say it’s overall better to use a trolley around the airport.
Why?
You want to be as comfortable as possible – that’s simply it.
No pain in your back, no extra weight, no anything!
You just simply roll that luggage of yours through the airport!
Hassle-free – and extra points if you happen to have a 4-wheel trolley bag.
My personal favorites are the hard shell ones with four 360º Wheel bags and TSA locks.
Even your small bag – that you take on the flight (the one that contains all your essentials like your phone, etc.) sometimes has a strap that allows you to place the bag on top of your trolley making you waltz around the airport without any extras weighing on you.
Comfort is the key here.
I’ve often traveled on a budget with a backpack before and for me personally, it was the opposite of comfort.
You have less options for organization, and having to walk around with a heavy backpack until I finally got to the airplane wasn’t always the best thing.
Not to mention when I was asked to open my backpack at security check. It was a mess and I had to empty the bag, no matter how organized it was.
Let’s say it; most of us prefer to just get over security as soon as possible.
However – it does give you the advantage of mobility, in a way. Not having to worry about trolleys can be a blessing too.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Rome
How to Prepare for a Trip: Packing Cubes
The absolute gem of organization – packing cubes!
Yes, between normal and compression packing cubes, there are a lot of fun ways now to organize your bag, making it not only practical to find your stuff but also for security checks.
My personal favorites are the normal packing cubes.
I have always had an interest in compressed ones, but they tend to wrinkle your clothes, so I prefer to use them for road trips instead of flying.
Nothing that can’t be solved, but I prefer having a set of different-sized packing cubes in my bag with everything I need in a certain order.
That order is set by you.
For some people it’s by color, for others it’s by outfit – for me?
It’s by category.
A smaller cube for underwear and t-shirts, medium for pants and larger shirts (wool jumpers, etc.) and larger (if there’s any space) for any extra coat.
TIP: If you bring a long heavy coat, wear it at the airport instead of packing it in your luggage to save some space!
Some people don’t like cubes because they do take up space in the bag, so it can turn out better at times to fold your clothes and place them directly in the bag.
If you’re looking for brands, there are tons of places that sell packing cubes, from your friendly local general vendor to Amazon and famous suitcase brands.
However, if you would like some good ones I would recommend either Nordace compression cubes or Forclaz packing cubes (you can spot them at any Decathlon).
If you’re looking for big brands, I would say Béis Travel sells a lot of good quality items, including packing cubes!
Read: How To Become a Full-Time Blogger With Mediavine
How to Prepare for a Trip: Beauty Products/ Makeup
There is a reason why I decided to place Makeup entirely separated from Toiletries.
If you’re flying to your destination, it is better to keep the essentials that you may need on the airplane at hand. Things such as toiletries, a change of clothes, your chargers, etc.
Makeup and beauty products can easily be packed as toiletries but don’t require to be in your small backpack.
Instead, they can go to your carry-on bag, well packed and organized.
Don’t forget all the necessary TSA-approved zip-lock clear bags with your liquids. A frozen plastic clear bag we use for the kitchen with a zipper will do!
Because I’m afraid it will ruin my bags (even though my makeup is always sealed and clean), I always bring a set of extra clear bags with my makeup inside and then place it all inside the beauty bag.
Is it extra? Perhaps.
Do I mind?
No – it means making sure everything is clean and safe to be transported around the chaos of the airport.
This goes with anything extra such as beauty products.
You can bring the original bottle/package following the TSA liquid rule of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less per item, inside the zipper clear bag that goes to your carry-on bag.
Please note that at security check, you will most likely have to take this one out.
So, prepare in advance and then you’re free to organize your bags again at the table/counters after the security check! It’s just the process.
Read: How to Use Flipboard To Attract Viral Blog Traffic
How to Prepare for a Trip: Toiletries
Now on to toiletries!
As much as I would like to keep toiletries in my carry-on bag to save some space on my personal handbag, I prefer to have at least a toothbrush and paste, baby wipes, my intimate hygiene items, deodorant, a small hairbrush, a lip balm, two to three band-aids and disinfectant wipes and gel with me.
The key rule to preparing your toiletries is to mark down on your list all that you are going to need, make sure they respect the TSA liquid rule of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less per item and be placed inside a zipper clear bag.
I always like to bring with me those toiletry bags with a hook so you can hang them somewhere in your hotel room or bathroom.
After security, I place my zip bag inside these and quickly back into my small handbag or backpack.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Paris
How to Prepare for a Trip: Accessories
So you want to bring jewelry and belts? Maybe watches, or maybe your suit/shirt cuffs?
Well, there are some tricks.
I would say if you’re traveling with a carry-on and checked luggage: always – bring your valuable items in your carry-on.
It is also advised by the airport staff to do so, better safe than sorry.
For jewelry, you can either bring it inside an old sunglasses box or have a small travel-size jewelry box. I barely travel with jewelry but when I do, this is what I usually do.
A pair of earrings, a ring or two and sometimes a necklace that takes little to no space all go in those boxes with other small items, like shirt cuffs and watches.
Just make sure your jewelry is protected so it doesn’t scratch or anything.
As for your belts, I would say for you to place them inside your shoes, as I also do with socks to save some more space in my suitcase.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in NYC
How to Prepare for a Trip: Electronics
This is a very important topic on our list, and honestly an essential one nowadays.
I really like to pack and organize all my cables in one of those hook toiletry bags.
They have so many compartments with zippers that allow me to place my cables, chargers, adapter(s), SD Cards, Camera(s), lenses, and Computer, iPad, disk, cleaning kit, amongst many other things.
It is asked at Security check to place your computer, camera and any other item of sorts on a separate tray, which is why I usually grab two trays.
One is for my trolley, handbag and long coat folded.
The other one is for my wallet, shoes, passport, ticket, and electronics or any jewelry that I have on me (which I almost never bring, because I always travel very comfortably. Usually gym pants, a shirt, a sports waterproof coat, sneakers and my hair up tied in a ponytail).
As soon as this is ready and safe with security, I walk through the metal detector so I can wait for my tray without leaving it alone for too long.
If your clothes have some metal parts, like buttons, don’t be scared if the metal detector – well – detects.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in London
How to Prepare for a Trip: Extras
The extras go for in the Miscellaneous category for me.
Is there anything else extra that you may need to bring with you? Maybe a laundry bag?
A second wallet that you keep especially for different currencies?
I also bring extra zipper bags, comfy socks instead of slippers or flip-flops,…
Sometimes I even pack a tiny lint remover which allows me to make the clothes and tote bags look less wrinkled and with no fur from my dog, etc. The adhesive roller ones work too!
The point is to keep in mind that you want comfort and you want practical items in your suitcase to make the most of your trip.
Read: The Most Beautiful Churches and Temples in London
How to Prepare for a Trip: Change of clothes
This one might seem strange, but trust me, it is always good to carry a change of clothes with you in your backpack.
You never know if your bags are going to get lost, or your current outfit is going to get dirty before the flight. Spilling coffee over your shirt can happen to anyone, right?
It is always good to keep an extra with you that doesn’t occupy too much space at the bottom of your carry-on.
Folding your clothes in rolls always helps to save some space, and choosing thin fabrics where possible!
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Oxford Street
How to Prepare for a Trip: Airplane essentials
As I mentioned before, I like to bring a small backpack on the plane, which contains a change of clothes and some essential items I might need during the flight.
From a toothbrush and paste to baby wipes, hygiene items, deodorant, a small hairbrush, a lip balm, and sanitizing gel, I like having that kind of emergency kit.
I also like to bring a pack of tissues, my earbuds, my phone and charger, mint gum and a snack (usually bought after security check).
For longer flights, I like to have my console, like a Nintendo Switch, too, and/or a good book.
Will I require all of these items in my handbag/backpack?
Possibly not, however, it is a way to keep myself entertained, safe and comfortable before, during and after the flight.
Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
How to Prepare for a Trip: What goes into the Carry-on Bag?
Most of the time, and if you’re going on a short vacation, my advice is to stick to one carry-on bag + your personal bag that goes with you.
This means all your items will be with you in the place, and in the compartment above in case on your carry-on.
It gives you space for your legs, which means more comfort for you to enjoy and relax without any stress during the flight.
However, if you have a carry-on and hold luggage bag, you should really keep your valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, in your carry-on bag.
Don’t risk losing important items – even if you have any sort of travel insurance.
Read: The Best Places to See Autumn Colors in London
How to Prepare for a Trip: What goes into the Hold Luggage Bag?
If you have a hold luggage, well, make sure that everything from toiletries to clothes and shoes (so nothing that is valuable) goes inside.
Remember to always bring a change of clothes with you if this is the case.
You really never know if the bag will get lost or take a long time to arrive (in case of connecting flights).
To prevent any extra jump scares, I recommend the famous Apple airtag, that way you can track your bag wherever it is.
Essentially, your AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network.
These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud — then, you can go to the Find My app and track your luggage on a map.
If you’re not an Apple customer, there are several alternatives for Android too, and they can be lifesavers!
Read: How to Become a Makeup Artist – Make Up For Ever Academy Review
The Digital Nomad’s Packing Tips and Tricks To Prepare For a Trip
Travel is fun and not supposed to be a tiresome experience, especially the quite stressful airport process.
And it all starts with packing.
This is an example of how things are generally done, and how I prepare for a trip and pack my suitcase myself.
A plan shaped for me, now give it a try, and adjust these tips for yourself so you’re as comfortable as possible!
Until next time!
Other Travel Posts
- The Cutest Pink Places in the World
- The Most Colorful Cities in the World
- The Most Colorful Cities in Europe
- The Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Rome
- The Most Instagrammable Places in NYC
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon
- The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome
- The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Edinburgh
- The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Istanbul
- The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Dubai
- The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris
- The Prettiest Neighborhoods in Paris
- The Prettiest Neighborhoods in Rome
Other London Posts
- The Best Hidden Gems in London
- The Most Secret Beaches in London
- Why Are There Colorful Streets in London?
- The Most Colorful Streets in Camden
- The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill
- The Most Colorful Places in London
- The Best Things to Do in Camden Town
- The Cutest Pink Places in London
- The Most Gorgeous Palaces in London
- The Best Free Rooftops in London
- The Most Secret Gardens in London
- The Most Secret Places to Visit in London
- The Best Free Views in London
Other London Shopping Posts
- The Best Candle Shops in London
- The Best Budget Shops in London
- The Best Makeup Stores in London
- The Best TK Maxx in London
- The Best Shops for Cheap Clothes in London
- The Best Shopping Centers in London
- The Best Shops for Cheap Makeup in London
- The Best Charity Shops in London
- The Best Charity Shops in Bethnal Green
- The Best Charity Shops in Camden Town
- The Best Charity Shops in Chelsea
- The Best Charity Shops in Kentish Town
- The Best Charity Shops in Muswell Hill
- The Best Charity Shops in North Finchley
- Where To Buy Cheap Yankee Candles
Other London Food Posts
- The Best Vegan Doughnuts in London
- The Best Coffee Shops in Shoreditch
- The Best Coffee Shops in Brixton
- The Best Halal Thai Food in London
- The Best Halal Chinese Food in London
- The Best Halal Italian Food in London
- The Best Halal Indian Food in London
- The Best Halal Steak in London
- The Best Halal Burgers in London
- The Best Halal Pho in London
- The Best Pho in London
- The Best Halal Restaurants in Mayfair
- The Best Halal Restaurants in Covent Garden
- The Best Halal Breakfast in London
- The Best Halal Brunch in London
- The Best Halal Cafes in London
- The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London