One of the most frustrating parts of travel, whether it’s to see family for the holidays or backpack across Europe, is mastering the art of packing. Despite how many trips you’ve been on in your life, packing is a special skill.
Knowing how and what to pack isn’t always an obvious answer. It’s easy to make mistakes regardless of how many times you’ve stuffed your belongings into a suitcase.
The problem with baggage mistakes is that they aren’t just annoying, but they can be downright disastrous. You may find yourself with outrageous extra baggage fees, losing valuable belongings, and break your back hauling around things you should have left at home. Here are some of the biggest mistakes for you to avoid next time you pack your bag to go abroad.
Packing Too Many Beauty Products
Even though you may have plenty of room at home for all of your favorite beauty items from your favorite shaving cream to your best under eye cream, you don’t need to take them with you all over the world.
Traveling means simplifying your life for a little while. Bring the basics when it comes to your beauty routine. Stick to face wash, cream, and basic cosmetics. No need to bring your 50 shade eyeshadow palette, or your set of hot rollers. You’ll only get frustrated in the long run! Plus, you can always buy something abroad if you forget anything!
Too Many Shoes
Shoes are one of the biggest culprits of overweight luggage. The key to smart packing is going light! Overpacking shoes will make things harder to find in your bag and frustrating when you’re trying to stay within your baggage weight limit.
Do yourself a favor and pack two pairs of shoes. Wear the heaviest pair on your feet, and make sure the ones in your bag are a reasonable size.
Packing Valuables
If you’re planning on bringing cash or expensive jewelry, you should carry it with you on the plane. Packing it in your checked baggage will only risk it getting stolen.
Luggage gets lost or stolen more often than you think. Save yourself the worry and stress, and don’t pack anything in your bag that you couldn’t live without if it were to get lost.
Packing Books
Even if you can’t wait to read the latest novel alongside the pool, it’s an extra two or three pounds that you don’t need. Instead, bring digital books either on your kindle, iPhone app, or even on your laptop.
Books are heavy and awkward to pack. Leave them at home!
Not Checking The Weather
There’s nothing more frustrating than packing your whole bag full of clothes that aren’t weather-appropriate for your destination. Do some research ahead of time and determine what the weather will be like!
Planning a Wonderfully Unique Date Night
