Packing your bags
Packing:
Make sure you start packing at least a week before your trip because you are sure to think of last minute things you need to pack.
Depending on where you are going:
• Check the baggage allowance from the airline. Don't assume.... some airlines vary by up to 5kg, particularly budget carriers. If you will be travelling within another country make sure you check their baggage allowances. Excess baggage can really blow your budget.
• The biggest mistake most people make is they “over pack” Once you have packed your suitcase, repack it and eliminate some of the things that you don’t really need. Avoid taking multiples of the same thing “just in case”
• A great packing tip I got from a dear friend who is an avid traveller is when packing your case roll your clothes rather than lying flat. They will not crease as much and you will find they fit into your suitcase a lot better.
• Remember you will probably want to buy things when you are away, therefore you need to have room and weight in your case.
• If you are going to any of the Asian countries, do yourself a favour and pack very light.....you will spend heaps and you will need lots of room in your suitcase.
• Check the climate of the countries you will be visiting and the average temperatures for the months you will be there. All this information is readily available on the internet.
• Make sure you have comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. If you intend to go out at night you will need something that is a little smarter, however one or two suitable pieces is generally enough.
• If you are going to hot destinations make sure you have hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Moderate to cool destinations allow a jacket, warm clothing & suitable footwear, possibly beanie, scarf & gloves if very cold.
• Hand & carry on luggage – all medication, valuables, money, breakables, cameras, proof of identity, passports and itinerary. New regulations state you cannot carry any liquid that is more than 100ml in your carry on luggage. Check this carefully because if you have medicine over 100ml you will lose this at check in. You are also not allowed any sharp objects. Many times I have lost my comb with the metal end, nail scissors or tweezers. Photocopy your itinerary, your passports and your credit cards and keep a 2nd copy in your main suitcase, just in case you lose your carry on or your bag is stolen.
• Avoid taking hair dryers if possible. Most hotels supply these.
• Check airline requirements and country requirements. It is your responsibility to know what is forbidden to take into a country and what is forbidden to bring back into your own country. If you get this wrong it could be a jail sentence...
• There is a list of items that is forbidden to take onto an airline or into another country.....it’s your responsibility to check these BEFORE you get to the airport.
NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO PACK YOUR BAGS FOR YOU AND NEVER CARRY PARCELS FOR SOMEONE ELSE........
• Avoid taking hair dryers if possible. Most hotels supply these.
• Check airline requirements and country requirements. It is your responsibility to know what is forbidden to take into a country and what is forbidden to bring back into your own country. If you get this wrong it could be a jail sentence...
• There is a list of items that is forbidden to take onto an airline or into another country.....it’s your responsibility to check these BEFORE you get to the airport.
NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO PACK YOUR BAGS FOR YOU AND NEVER CARRY PARCELS FOR SOMEONE ELSE........