Packing before overseas travel can be a frenetic affair. Many of us pack too much, end up forgetting to bring along essentials, or both.
Packing smart is about bringing only what you need, and organizing your belongings in a way that makes it easy to find and transport.
Here are some tips that will help you pack smart the next time you leave Singapore to travel abroad.
Have a capsule travel wardrobe
The main culprit of overpacking is fashion. If you are packing a whole new outfit for every day of your trip, you are doing it wrong.
Aim to bring along a capsule travel wardrobe with a few key pieces that are interchangeable with one another. That usually means wearing neutral colors and basic items which are more flexible, as well as one pair of shoes that go with everything.
Keep accessories to a minimum. If you must, wear one set that goes with everything, such as a watch and pendant.
Use packing cubes
Packing cubes work wonders in helping you keep your belongings organized. You will be glad you used them when you’re rummaging for something in your bag, or if your bag gets picked for a random security check.
That does not mean you need to purchase a full set of packing cubes and use every single cube on every trip. If you’re backpacking, one or two packing cubes (eg. one for clothes, another for toiletries and other miscellaneous items) can be enough to keep your bag organized.
Looking for a cheap alternative to packing cubes? Big ziplock bags or vacuum bags can do the trick just as well.
Roll, don’t fold
Rolling your clothes into a compact tube is not only a lot quicker than painstakingly folding them, but it’s also more practical as it instantly reduces the amount of space clothing items take up in your bag. Rolling also protects your clothes from creases.
If you use packing cubes, you’ll be able to see very easily how rolling your clothes increases the number of items you can fit into each cube.
Pack essentials and valuables into your hand carry bag
However slim the risk, there is always the chance that your checked luggage might go missing or at least be delayed.
When packing your hand carry bag, it is best to go with a larger rather than a smaller bag. All valuables and essentials such as cash, credit cards, ID, travel insurance information, electronics, and jewelry should go into your hand carry bag.
It’s also smart to bring along a toothbrush and some basic toiletries like facial wash as well as your phone charger, any medication you regularly take, a change of underwear and something to entertain yourself with such as a book. Should your baggage or flight be delayed, you won’t regret having these things with you.
If you’re wondering whether you need it, you don’t
One of the most tedious aspects of packing is deciding what to bring along and what to leave behind.
If you’re even asking yourself that question about a particular item, it means you probably don’t need it. When in doubt, leave it behind.
The truth is, you’re going to be so busy holidaying and having fun that it won’t matter if you’re wearing the same pair of shoes every day or can’t curl your hair.
Buy travel insurance
No matter how well you pack, luggage does sometimes get delayed or lost. That’s why you need a good travel insurance policy from HL Assurance to protect you from such mishaps. If you travel often, consider an annual travel insurance policy that protects you all year round.
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