There’s very little in life that’s quite as exciting as travelling. After a year’s worth of lockdowns and travel restrictions, people are finally allowed to head overseas and explore the world again. One of the most exciting parts of travelling is packing, because it is the final step before one’s adventure begins. Because excitement is usually running high when one is packing, it’s easy for mistakes to be made. A packing mistake can have serious consequences when one finally arrives abroad.

This article will offer a few tips you can implement to make sure that you don’t forget anything while packing, as well as other general tips for packing and travelling:

Create a List

Before you begin packing, you need to create a list of items that you are going to take with you. Make sure that you work this list out according to the length of time that you will be travelling, and where you will be staying. If you are going to be staying in a remote villa, then you will need your toiletries, whereas if you are taking a city break and will be in a hotel, you can get these when you arrive. Make sure you diligently create your list, to ensure that everything you need is included. Some experts recommend removing a third of items from your list once you have added them, but that’s entirely up to you.

Under-seat Bag

If you are travelling overseas and won’t be returning for a while, then you may just want to take an under-seat bag instead. These personal item backpacks are very handy, and if you are a clever packer, you can fit a lot of important items into them. For backpackers and long-term travellers, small bags are much more convenient and are easier to carry. You can’t climb a mountain carrying a suitcase. There is usually a weight limit to under-seat bags, so make sure to find out what that is and weigh your bag before you arrive at the airport lest you be turned away.

Packing Cubes

If you are going to travel with a suitcase, then you should invest in packing cubes. These handy zip-up bags allow you to separate your items of clothing. You can have a bag for your underwear, and a bag for your T-shirts, and another for your trousers. Packing cubes make packing a large suitcase much easier. If you are going to order packing cubes, then make sure to measure your suitcase before you do, so that you can get the right amount of packing cubes for your bag. You would be surprised at how much you can fit into a packing cube.

Toiletry Decanter

If you are taking your toothpaste, shower gel, or aftershave, then you should decant them. Decanters are containers that can be secured and locked. Everybody knows somebody who has had their shower gel or shampoo burst in their bag, soaking their clothes. When you arrive in a new country, the last thing you want to be doing is cleaning shower gel off of your favourite jumper. Decanters are secure and virtually impenetrable, which means that they won’t leak and they won’t burst. Make sure to buy metal ones, as glass ones can break. There may also be restrictions on taking glass items abroad in your bag.

Washing Line

Travel experts unanimously agree that a washing line and detergent are great things to pack. You can never predict when you are going to need to wash your clothes. The minute you arrive, you could spill red wine all over your clothes. While unlikely it’s not impossible. A washing line and detergent will ensure that if the worst does happen, you will be able to clean your clothes and get them dry in time for you to go out and enjoy your holiday. It will be far easier to wash your clothes than to take them to a laundromat and have them washed there, especially if you do not speak the language of the country that you are visiting. Laundromats are hard enough to deal with at home, let alone when abroad!

Lightweight Clothing

Whenever you’re travelling, you should take lightweight, simple clothing. There’s no need to take extravagant, heavy clothing unless you’re going somewhere like Monaco or Paris. Lightweight clothing ensures that you won’t be weighed down by your bag, and it also dries much easier. Many experts recommend going out a few days before your flight and buying lots of cheap, disposable clothing. If you take expensive clothes and an accident happens, you will be devastated and it may ruin your holiday. In addition, there have been many cases where airline bag staff have mislaid suitcases. If your suitcase is lost and it’s filled with expensive clothes, you will never forgive yourself, and you may struggle to get compensation!

Pill Organiser

If you take regular medication, then make sure to bring a monthly pill organizer with you. You should clearly label each pill. This is so that when you arrive, customs don’t interrogate you and accuse you of importing drugs. It may also be worthwhile bringing a prescription form with you [if you have one], to confirm that the drugs are what you say they are and that you have been prescribed them. This is especially important for medication that can be used to produce a high, like codeine, tramadol, or any opiate for that matter. Pill organisers are cheap and easy to find online, so don’t forget to get yours.

Concierge Service

If you are taking a lot of luggage with you abroad, then you may want to hire a concierge for when you arrive. A concierge will take all of your luggage back to your hotel for you and arrange things like dinner reservations. Most hotels offer complimentary concierge services, although you can hire your own to collect you from the airport. This simplifies the complex process of navigating through the airport in a foreign country with lots of luggage and finding your way to your hotel or accommodation.

If you have travelled abroad before, then you will already know how much of a nightmare packing can be. If you implement the tips listed here, the packing process will become considerably easier, and you will be able to focus on the more important things, like your upcoming vacation.