Making Memories

So now you have reserved everything, and the itinerary has been already carefully planned out. What’s left is the fun but also frustrating step: packing! This article is not sharing with you how to pack – as of how to fold your clothes so you can benefit most from the suitcase, or the like. My tips include the gadgets that would help to ease your packing process and better prepare you for your trip, regardless of if it’s a city trip or a hiking trip. I have personally used these items and will share what works and what doesn’t work.

1. Compression Packing Cubes or Travel Space Bags
   
   The usage of packing cubes or bags helps to keep your clothes organized and clean (I mean, how often do you clean your suitcase?!) They help to separate everyone’s things and keep them organized, so you don’t to dig through someone else’s stuff to find yours, for example. Or if you have to adjust luggage weight at the airport, then you don’t have to worry about little things falling out or clothes being messed up when opening the suitcase. Everything would be neatly packed. With the compression functionality, they also help to save space in your suitcase so you can fit more. Most airlines do not have free baggage allowance anymore, so the usage of these gadgets is not only useful but also economical. I personally have used both of these packing cubes and bags on different trips.
   
   • Compression Packing Cubes
     • Pros:
       • Privacy (If by chance you have to open your suitcase at the airport for any reason – baggage overweight and needs to transfer items, for example – then the cubes would help conceal undergarment or anything you do not wish to expose.)
       • Washable – these can be used to store clean clothes at the beginning of the trip and then dirty clothes during and at the end of your trip. Therefore, it’s important that they are washable.
       • Nice looking – coming in assorted colors and prints, they definitely look nicer than the plastic space bags.
     • Cons:
       • Not waterproof so your clothes can get wet if there are leakage of products.
         
   • Travel Space Bags
     • Pros:
       • Waterproof (I’m not referring to the situation where the suitcase is drenched in water. But if you happen to have any leakage from things like shampoo, lotion, or make-up, then this bag may save your clothes!)
     • Cons:
       • Lack of privacy (the same reason as noted above as the pro for the Compression Packing Cubes since the bags are transparent).
       • Not washable – you can clean with a rag or wipes only.
         
   • Tip: Besides the compression packing cubes/bags, to keep your suitcase and everything in it clean, store your shoes in bags. High-end shoes typically come with a dust bag, or you can repurpose any disposable bag (or a shower cap) or purchase a shoe bag.
     
2. Electronic chargers and cables
   
   Instead of placing your chargers/cables, extra battery pack, etc. in random places in your backpack or suitcase, invest in a pouch to hold everything. It reduces clutter in your bag and helps to prevent items from being misplaced. Being frugal, I use one of the free pouches that were given as part the cosmetic gift promotions!
   
3. Portable luggage scale
   
   If you’re like me, you typically stuff your suitcase to the max so you wouldn’t have to check-in so many bags, then you sometimes will run into the situation where your bag may be overweight on the return trip (since there’s typically no scale at the hotels). To avoid the hassle at the airport, bring along a compact portable luggage scale would resolve this issue. This is especially helpful if you’re tight on time, or there’s a long line at the baggage drop, and you’re having to hold up the line due to the overweight baggage.
   
4. Foldable bag/backpack
   
   I always bring along an extra foldable bag or backpack with me. Sometimes the scale at home and the scale at the airport differ a bit, or if you buy more gifts and souvenirs on your trip than your baggage can hold. What to do when your luggage is overweight? The foldable bag comes to the rescue! Just transfer some items from your overweight luggage into this foldable bag and bring it as an extra carry-on. Usually, airlines allow a carry-on and a personal bag. For ladies, if you just put your purse into this extra bag as well, then you wouldn’t be charged for extra carry-on.
   
5. Travel toiletries
   
   Have a separate set of toiletries for travel, it would save you time when packing and reduce the chance of forgetting things at home. Plus, toiletries for travel are usually more compact. Leave your electronic toothbrush at home – it’s bulky and adds the hassle of having to bring the charger as well; I personally think just an old-fashion manual toothbrush would be ideal for travel. My toiletries bag is always ready to-go; I typically just refill Q-tips and replace toothpaste. Even though shampoo and conditioner are usually provided at the hotel, I usually bring one set just in case. Most budget hotels only provide shampoo but no conditioner, only provide one-for-all product only (hair, face, body). So, at the very least, I bring my own conditioner. Save extra shampoo/conditioner/bath gel from previous trips (provided by the hotel) so you can bring along on your next trip, saving you time and money to get your own.
   
6. Travel first-aid and medicine bag
   
   My travel first-aid kit is always ready. There’s no need to pack too much, just a little bit of the necessities just so you’ll have something for your needs before you can find a store. This is especially helpful if there’s a need in the middle of the night when it’s not convenient or when everything is closed. First-aid stuff such as band-aid, alcohol wipes, Neosporin are always in the bag. Then I bring a little bit of medicine for pain/fever/cold, stomach upset/diarrhea. If you have small kids, then also bring a thermometer. And being Asian, I also bring ointment or Eucalyptus oil. If there’s room, I also bring a few packs of Vitamin C.
   
   Having the medicine bag can easily save your holidays in case of misfortunes.
   
7. Gadgets for late-night snacks
   
   I’m always prepared for situations when the flight may arrive too late (due to delay or just late flight), and then it would be too late to find dinner by the time we arrive at the hotel. Or there are situations where it’s just not convenient to find food right away. Therefore, I think it’s a good idea to pack a few instant ramen noodle bags or cups. If you have kids, bring a few individual cereal boxes would also be ideal. If you have room in the suitcase, then also bring single milk boxes for the cereal as well. If not due to late flights, I sometimes would also buy instant noodles or cereal at the market when I arrive just to have some food on hand in case we’re hungry at night, or have something ready for breakfast the next day. It is convenient and cost-effective. So to be prepared, I often bring these gadgets with me:
   
   • Collapsible kettle
     If your hotel does not provide a microwave nor have the old-fashion coffee maker, or if you go on a camping trip, then this kettle would be a life-saver. These compact collapsible kettles work very well when you need to cook instant noodles or make your own tea.
     
   • Collapsible bowls
     These bowls come with a lid and a foldable fork, compact but expandable to be a large bowl. They can be used for cold or hot food.
     
   • Disposable utensils
     It’s always good to have some disposable utensils ready in case you have food take-out or from left-over. If you bring the collapsible bowl set mentioned above, then it comes with a fork already. But if you don’t, then bringing a few sets of disposable utensils would be handy.
     
8. Laundry detergent and dryer sheets
   
   If the trip is more than 2-3 days, I often do laundry during the trip. Reason being I don’t have to bring a lot of clothes, and also it prevents my suitcase from being too smelly with soiled clothes. Detergent pods can leak, opt for detergent sheets instead; they are dry and weight nothing at all, and environmentally friendly. There are types that are suitable for babies, so they are safe for the entire family.
   
9. Water bottle with filter
   
   At most of the places we have visited, tap water is safe to drink. But if you want to be extra careful and better water taste, then instead of bring just a regular water bottle, opt for one with a filter capability. The filter can reduce chlorine (taste and odor), making tap water tastier. This is convenient and cost-effective.
   
   If you go on a hiking trip, then buying a separate water filter that can remove harmful bacteria and sediments is recommended. It can be used to filter larger amount of water so you can store in your water bladder for longer hiking trips; the water bottle with filter alone will not be enough.
   
10. Extra set of clothes/personal care in carry-on
    
    Parents with little kids always pack an extra set of clothes for them; this is not a new tip. However, adults rarely do this for themselves because we never anticipated having our luggage lost. The extra set of clothes for our kids was intended for the flight only. If your carry-on has limited space, then an extra set of under-garment would suffice. If you have personal care products that you cannot live without, then they should be in your carry-on instead of the checked baggage.

Oftentimes we don’t know what we need until the occasion arises. However, we can try to be as prepared as can be so the situations would not worsen. Some people dread traveling because they don’t like to be out of their comfort-zone and dislike living out of the suitcase. Smart packing will make your trip more comfortable. If these tips are new to you, then I’m glad I can share a few of my personal packing tips to help your trip more enjoyable. If they are not new to you, then I hope they’ll serve as a reminder as you pack for your next trip.

*Note: Images above are copied from Amazon for convenience. By no means I’m recommending that you should purchase these items from them.