Packing may seem simple, but it is a science with rules that travellers often learn the hard way over thousands of kilometres/miles on the road. Doing it strategically can be the difference between a horrid vacation with countless detours to local drugstores and a streamlined one with everything you need at your fingertips. Here’s our shortcut to packing the right way: minimise your load, pack what you need on a beach trip or a business trip and cut down on wrinkles.

1. The bigger your suitcase, the more you will put into it:

The simplest way to avoid bringing too many things is to buy a hard-sided suitcase, no more than 22 inches/55 cm tall (so it can work as a carry-on) with a structured shell so you can’t squeeze in any extras.

2. Do the clothing countdown:

If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat (if you use one). The list should be adjusted to suit your needs. Throw in a swimwear and exercise gear or a suit jacket if you’ll need them.

3. Lay out what you think you’ll need, then edit ruthlessly:

Think twice about everything you want to put in your bag. Fully get rid of the ‘just in case I need it’ category. In the and if there’s something  you need extra, you can buy it on the spot as well.

4. Think Tetris: The best way to fit everything into one bag:

Fill every inch of space. For example, footwear should be stuffed with socks. Then lay your shoes together heel to toe at the bottom of your suitcase in a plastic shopping bag to protect clothes from dirt.How exactly you arrange everything in your suitcase is a matter of personal preference. Here are some popular strategies:

• • Roll your clothes. This helps to maximise space and minimise wrinkles.
  • Use packing cubes. These smaller bags help you keep your clothes compact and your outfits ordered.
  • Try the bundle technique. Carefully wrap each article of clothing around a central core, with underwear and T-shirts at the center, and large tailored items like top and pants as the outer layer.

5. Keep liquids in easy reach.

Toiletries should always be placed on top of your suitcase in a clear bag since you never know when the Customs officers might be interested in looking what you got there.

6. Never unpack your toiletries.

We recommend keeping a separate toiletry kit for traveling. Keeping a set of bathroom products already packed also ensures that you don’t forget a toothbrush or contact lenses case that you might use in the morning of the takeoff. Keep these items in a small pouch or a box in the corner of a cabinet or a drawer for easy access when packing for a trip. To streamline what you need, consider all-in-one options like BB creams, which combine foundation, moisturiser and sunblock. To prevent leakage, double up that plastic bag.

Don’t forget to check our 11 tips if your flight is longer than 4h… how to arrive looking good!

Also we recommend you to drink more water while traveling and on the plane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Next Gay Thing (@nextgaything) on Nov 3, 2018 at 3:10pm PDT

We recommend you this water bottle designed by BENNKAI. This bottle will also save your space in suitcase and your money which you don’t have to spend on buying a new bottle of water. Plus it is good for the environment! PS! You can get this water bottle in your November Out’n’Proud Pack! In our Instagram page you can find video how to use it.