Choose a wheeled suitcase and a small backpack. The wheeled bag saves you from hauling the weight of a large backpack or traditional suitcase. The small backpack lets you keep important items close.
Prepare your luggage. Patch any rips, clean out debris from past trips and oil zippers and wheels. Bring a travel sewing kit to make repairs on the road. Reinforce soft-sided suitcases by tucking a piece of cardboard beneath your clothes.
Put your essential travel items in the backpack. Include medications, toothbrush, contacts or glasses, clean underwear and a clean shirt. If you have room, add some extras as well: a book, a snack and sunglasses.
Disperse travel documents, money, and credit cards throughout your belongings. Stash your passport and driver’s license separately, and make several photocopies of both.
Bring less. You’ll need to carry your bags through airports, train stations and city streets, so you don’t want to pack more weight than necessary. Leave home any items that you won’t wear regularly, and pack multipurpose clothes that can easily be dressed up or down.
Roll small clothing items like underwear and T-shirts, and tuck them throughout your suitcase. Wrap shoes in plastic bags, and put them at the bottom (near the wheels). Lay bulky sweaters and jackets flat at the top of suitcase.
Pare down your toiletries, taking just what you need for the duration of your trip. Pour liquids like lotion and shampoo into travel-size containers, pack a few adhesive bandages rather than the whole box, and grab just the makeup that you wear every day.
Don’t fill your suitcase to capacity. You are sure to pick up at least a few souvenirs during your journey, and leaving room for them in your suitcase will alleviate that traveling stress.
