Travel Packing

65. One of the most commonly made mistakes made by travelers is packing too much of everything.

Except for the inconvenience, there are also charges and fees for overages. You have to deal with having to ship personal belongings home, leaving some items at the airport, packing and unpacking bags, removing items and more! All these actions are responsive and costly options.

Pack and travel light. Think minimalism when packing. Pick items that will suit and serve you well, multi-purpose, functional, mix and match well, are durable and easy-care.

Essentials rather than outfit and accessory, fashion and color-coded planning dictating the bulging suitcase.

See annex for a complete packing checklist

66. Checklists are helpful travel-enablers anywhere in the world at any phase of your trip.

Some people write them out and a good tip to remember is that as you pack your bags, make a list of what you are taking. Expand the list if you buy anything while on your trip that will be going home with you.

On the way home, having this checklist with you will help you avoid leaving or forgetting something along the way, in a bathroom or hotel drawer!

67. To avoid having to pay more, incurring unplanned, additional costs and penalties for luggage overages pack S-M-A-R-T!

In preparing for your trip, after packing your luggage, lift it up, carry it around a block or two or down the stairs and see how it feels.

Remember, you will have to handle these eventually! This is a useful technique to re-evaluate and re-pack the amount you are taking with you. You will not be sorry.

Also, leave some room for purchases while on your trip, as you would not like to have to buy additional pieces of luggage you do not really need, want, or incur costly shipping charges and or duties or other fees!