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A 5-Minute Packing Trick That Can Save Your Vacation
Here’s one packing tip that has saved my husband and me more than once.
Most couples pack the obvious way. One suitcase is mine, one is his. Makes sense... until the airline decides one of those suitcases would like to extend its vacation somewhere else.
Now we cross-pack.
My checked suitcase always has at least two outfits for my husband, and his has at least two for me. That way, if one bag is delayed, neither of us is stuck wearing the same clothes for three days while the other person has their entire wardrobe.
We do the same thing when we travel with our daughters. I try to make sure every suitcase has at least one outfit for everyone. It takes about five extra minutes when we're packing and can make a BIG difference if a suitcase doesn't arrive when we do.
A few other packing rules I've picked up over the years:
Put a complete change of clothes in your carry-on. This is especially important when you're boarding a cruise or starting a tour shortly after arrival. Your checked luggage may eventually find you, but you don't want to start your vacation with nothing to wear.
Medications always go in your carry-on. Never pack anything in checked luggage that would be difficult or stressful to replace.
Keep chargers and the basics with you. I want my phone charger, travel documents and anything I'll need during my first 24 hours where I can reach them.
Take a quick photo of your suitcase before you check it. If the airline loses it, having a photo can make describing the bag a whole lot easier than trying to remember whether yours was the medium black suitcase or the slightly larger black suitcase.
Don't pack your suitcase completely full on the way there. Leave yourself some room. Somehow everything takes up more space on the way home, even before the shopping starts.
And one thing I never put in checked luggage? Anything I can't easily replace. Medications, electronics, jewelry, passports, important travel documents and anything valuable stay with me.
Most of the time, your suitcase will arrive exactly where it's supposed to. But after years of traveling, I've learned that spending a few minutes planning for the "what if" can save you a lot of stress later.
So if you're traveling with someone on your next trip, swap a couple of outfits before you zip up those suitcases.
Hopefully you'll never need them.
But if your suitcase is enjoying Paris while you're standing at baggage claim in Rome, you'll be very glad you did!
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