Packing Your Suitcase

Packing Your Suitcase: today would appear more problematic than ever. Why? Quite simply, because of custom regulations and security. I think the ideal situation would be to have the maximum size and weight of hand luggage that does not leave your side and buy everything else once you reach your destination.

Security when packing your suitcase: more than once I have heard the comment that when traveling abroad my friends are insisting on having their luggage weighed at check-in and having a receipt issued. If necessary they are also insisting on having their luggage weighed again upon reclaiming it, as they have no trust left in the security systems in place. The Schapelle Corby case in Bali has only heightened fears.

Bear in mind custom regulations when packing your suitcase: so many people fall foul of these and get charged huge on the spot fines. The most common crime is bringing fruit or seeds into a country. The seemingly innocent rosy apple that was not eaten on the plane, or disposed of on board the aeroplane, is a major threat to the agriculture of some countries. Similarly innocent medication, which is not accompanied by a medical note, can be seized. Please read up on the regulations pertaining to the country you are traveling to.

So, what should you be packing in your suitcase?

This all depends upon how disciplined you are. If you just have to take “everything but the kitchen sink”, or are a “fashion victim”, then be prepared to pay excess luggage charges. If traveling in peak season times, check-in’s are more stringent in their application of baggage allowances when the plane is full to capacity.

If you know your destination you will pack according to the climate and activities planned. If your honeymoon is a surprise then at least ask for an indication as to whether to pack for a hot or cold climate. Your luggage inventory will broadly follow these lines:

Hand Luggage:
- change of underwear
- personal hygiene items
- travel documents (passport, tickets, itinerary)
- money (visa/master cards, cash, travelers cheques, foreign currency)
- accommodation (confirmation of booking details and payment)
- reading material for in-flight
- bottle of water
- prescription medicines with doctors note and/or spare prescription(s)
- spare glasses and/or contact lenses, sunglasses
- jewelry
- camera

When packing your hand luggage ensure you do not pack things, which are not allowed, for example, nail scissors, any sharp implements, etc.

Suitcase:
- toilet bag
- cosmetics bag
- headwear (sun hat, visor, appropriate head cover e.g. for Muslim countries)
- footwear (day/comfortable walking shoes and a pair of evening shoes)
- sportswear (dependent on the activities you intend to carry out)
- beachwear (thongs, sarong, swimming costume, beach towel – if not provided)
- electrical (hair, shaving, etc. appliances and a universal travelers plug
- first aid (tea tree oil, band aids, compression bandage – if playing sport)
- clothes (casual wear and at least one formal/smarter evening wear ensemble)
- laundry bag

When packing your suitcase there is always the dilemma of how to avoid creases. The debate - to “roll” your clothes or not to roll them continues. Some will continue to separate each layer and folds with tissue paper. Others will suggest stuffing shoes with socks, a space saver and they help maintain the shoes shape.

Finally, I would suggest you have an inventory of your entire hand and suitcase luggage. If your luggage does get lost in transit, the chances are that you will never remember everything that you have packed when making an insurance claim.




Packing Your Suitcase