Packing Tips for Long-Term Travels

Packing for a long trip can be stressful, and keeping your luggage organized for weeks on the road is another challenge again. Overthinking what to bring until your bag overflows leaves you disorganized, or worse, stuck with a suitcase that will not close. Here are a few tips that make long-term packing easier.

Choose the right luggage

Decide what kind of bag is most comfortable for you over the long term: a suitcase, a travel backpack, or a wheeled backpack that does both. Size is the priority. It has to be easy to carry and still roomy enough for what you need.

Roll everything

Rolling clothes tightly saves a lot of space compared with folding, and it reduces creases in most fabrics. Try it once and you will not go back.

Separate your shoes

Shoes take up a lot of room and do not belong next to clean clothes. Put them in a shoe bag or a separate compartment. Stuff socks inside them to save space.

Keep small items together

Socks and underwear get lost easily and bulk up your bag when they are loose. A dedicated pouch or packing cube keeps them together and saves space.

A toiletry bag is a must

Toiletries and cosmetics can make a mess. Keep them in a separate toiletry bag so a leaking bottle does not ruin your clothes.

Final tips

• Use different colored cubes or pouches so you know what is in each one.
• Weigh your bag before you leave, and check your airline's limits.
• Leave out anything you are not sure you will use. Most places sell what you forgot.
• For bulky items like jackets, consider vacuum bags.

More travel advice: how to avoid extra baggage fees.