Many travelers have their travel plans ruined by making these 25 common mistakes. Learn what they are, the steps you can take to ensure you’re not making them, and what to do instead. Here are the pitfalls to avoid.
25. Folding Instead of Rolling
Folding your clothes takes up more room than rolling them. To maximize space in your suitcase, make sure you roll your clothes. You probably want to pack a lot of stuff and this is the most efficient way to do so.
24. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Waiting until the last minute to pack will make the packing experience extremely stressful. It will not only limit the amount of time you have to pack but will also cause you to make more packing mistakes than normal. It is best to pack a few days before and not the night before.
23. Not Packing Layers
The weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for it. This means you should have layers of clothing that you can wear and take off during the day when it is warmer. This means packing a sweater, sweatshirt, or cardigan.
22. Not Being Prepared for Rain
The worst thing you can do is forget about the possibility of rain! It is important to check the weather before you go, but sometimes rain comes out of nowhere. You should be prepared for the rain by packing a raincoat or a small umbrella.
21. Packing the Wrong Shoes
When it comes to packing shoes, less is more. You want shoes that will be comfortable to walk in and that will be perfect for whatever reason you are traveling. It’s probably best to skip the high heels unless you are going to a wedding and opt for something more sensible like sneakers or flats. Wearing the wrong shoe can impact your trip.
20. Not Packing a Day Bag
A day bag is a bag that is to be used during the day during your travels. It can be a small bag or a larger one. The most important thing is that it is big enough to hold all the things you will need during the day.
19. Not Packing a Snack
Packing a snack might take up too much room, but if you have extra space, go for it! It is a good idea if you know you are going to get to your destination late at night when most of the restaurants are closed. Just make sure you follow TSA guidelines when it comes to packing food.
18. Packing Unessential Items
If you pack things you might need on your trip, then your suitcase will be full in no time. Think about if you really need the things you are packing or if they are nonessential items. If it is nonessential, leave it at home.
17. Not Using Packing Cubes
Packing cubes can help compartmentalize your suitcase and make it easier to organize things. They also can help reduce space in your bag, because things will be packed within the parameters of the cube. If you need help with organization, these are the best!
16. Not Knowing Where Your Essentials Are
Not knowing where you packed your essentials is a recipe for disaster. They are essential for a reason – because you will need them during your trip. It is always a good idea to remember what you packed and where you packed it.
15. Not Packing a Pen
This one might seem silly, but you never know when you are going to need a pen. And if you are going out of the country, you will need a pen to fill out customs papers. You might not use a pen on your trip, but it is better to have it and not need it than to not have it at all.
14. Not Making a List
Making a list for your trip will help you decide what to pack. It will also help guide you so you don’t pack anything you don’t need. This simple and easy thing will make your packing more enjoyable and keep you organized.
13. Not Packing a Laundry Bag
A laundry bag is a good thing to have because it can help keep your clean clothes away from your dirty ones. It will also make unpacking when you arrive home easier.
12. Packing Clothes You Won’t Wear
Everyone wants to look their best on a trip. However, it is a bad idea to pack extra clothes that you won’t wear. This just takes up space in your suitcase and adds to the weight of it too.
11. Packing Excessive Toiletries
Packing too many toiletries or packing full-sized ones can be a bit excessive. You just need basic toiletries and most of the time you can pick up anything you run out of or forget. Don’t make the mistake of having too many toiletries taking up space in your bag.
10. Over-Packing
Three words lead to over-packing: “Just in case.” However, it’s important to determine exactly what you’ll need (and what you won’t) and leave it at that. More airlines are imposing weight restrictions and penalties. Challenge yourself to eliminate two or three items to lighten your load. Leave some space to bring something back.
9. Assuming Your Accommodations Have Everything You Need
While it’s not unreasonable to expect that your accommodations will be stocked with everything you may need, budget hotels and other vacation rentals may fall short. It’s important to check what amenities are provided beforehand so you’ll know what you need to bring (and can leave behind) before you pack.
8. Not Following the TSA 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids
The TSA 3-1-1 rule limits carry-on liquids to 3.4-ounce containers stored inside a single 1-quart-size plastic bag. Travelers who don’t adhere to this rule watch security screeners toss out their full-size bottles. Even if you do adhere to bringing along only 3.4-ounce containers of liquids, if they are not in a single bag, you’ll have trouble getting through security.
7. Counting on Carry-Ons
More and more frequently, overhead space fills up and passengers who haven’t boarded yet are forced to check their carry-on luggage. This can be a huge problem if you need essentials like medication. Plan to store your necessities, in-flight items, and valuables, as a separate personal item that will fit underneath your seat.
6. Focusing on Carry-On Space and Not Weight
When people think about their carry-on bags, they mostly focus on the allowable dimensions for the overhead compartment. However, what many people don’t focus on – or may not be aware of – is that most airlines also have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. Many airlines weigh carry-on bags and if they are over the weight allowance, they get loaded as cargo.
5. Packing the Wrong Type of Bag
It’s important to think about what you’ll have to do with your bag during travel. Will you have to walk extended distances? Navigate multiple airports? A suitcase with spinner wheels is the best fit here. Will you traverse cobblestoned sidewalks? Climb numerous flights of stairs? A backpack allows the best mobility here.
4. Not Leaving Extra Space
Many travelers try to use every available inch of space in their luggage and pack them to the brim. The downside of this is it allows no space for bringing souvenirs from your trip back home. And if you wore bulky clothing on your journey, you may not have the space to wear something different on the way home.
3. Not Bringing Extra Essentials
More and more often these days, flights are being delayed. Therefore, it can be a mistake to pack only the exact essentials (such as medication or contact lenses) you’ll need for the number of days you’re on your trip. If you get delayed for a day or two, you could be stranded without these necessities. Pack a little extra.
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2. Not Checking the Complete Weather Forecast
Some travelers only check the forecast highs for their trip and forget to check the lows. It’s an easy mistake to make. They wind up seriously regretting not packing a jacket, underestimating how the temperatures plummet after sundown. Be sure to check the entire extended forecast for your trip – day and night – so you’ll have what you need.
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1. Not Using a Luggage Tracker
In general, the airline industry loses luggage a lot. The best way to ensure your lost luggage can be tracked down is by using a luggage tracker, such as an Apple Air Tag. Place this inexpensive device inside each of your suitcases every time you travel. This helps you track down your bag yourself without relying solely on the airline.
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