Packing for travel out of the United States
can be a daunting task if one is not prepared. The process of gathering
personal items and then packing them into appropriate luggage can be simplified
by following these basic guidelines for packing checked and carry-on bags.
1
Check with the Transportation Security
Administration for an up-to-date list of items allowed in checked and carry-on
luggage.
2
Consult with the tour agency for a list of
suggested items and luggage regulations if traveling with a tour group. Some
tour agencies limit the number of bags allowed per person.
3
Clear a large area such as a spare room or
bed to place all the items you will be taking with you.
4
Begin gathering the items for the trip at
least a month before your trip. Place them in the designated packing area.
Refer to the "Overall Items You'll Need" list for a suggested list of
items to take.
Gathering Clothing
1
Decide how many changes of clothes are
needed per day based on the nature of your trip. For most trips, you will need
two changes of clothes each day, especially if you are planning to put on fresh
or more formal clothes for an evening meal.
2
Determine if it is appropriate to wear the
same evening clothes two days in a row. This will let you pack fewer pieces of
clothing. Put each outfit in the designated packing area.
3
Gather accessories, such as socks, shoes,
nylons, undergarments and jewelry that match each outfit and put them in the
designated packing area.
Gathering Toiletries
1
Write down a list of all things you use in
the morning and in the evening. Do this at least a month before traveling.
2
Purchase travel size quantities of all
possible items. Select travel size empty bottles and containers for the items
that you cannot purchase in already prepared travel sizes.
3
Pack extra tissues, toilet seat covers and
sanitizing hand gel if you are concerned about hygiene away from your hotel.
These are usually available in travel sizes.
Choosing and Packing Luggage
1
Find out how many pieces of luggage you are
permitted to bring. It is easier to travel with one large rolling bag and one
carry-on. Try to pick a carry-on bag that can be strapped to the large bag. This
will free your hands to fetch documents and money.
2
Choose a small folder or wallet to place
important documents such as your driver's license, passport, tickets and money.
Keep this on your person or in your carry-on.
3
Use gallon sized zip top bags to pack
everything. Rolling a set of clothes tightly often helps prevent wrinkles
better than folding them square. Place one rolled set of clothes and matching
undergarments in the zip top bag, pressing out the extra air before sealing.
4
Set out one change of clothes and necessary
toiletries, especially medicines, to place in your carry-on bag in case your
luggage is lost by the airport. Place these items along with important
documents in your carry-on.
5
After all your items are in zip top bags,
place the heaviest items in first at the bottom of the luggage to be checked.
6
Gather remaining items and place them in
the designated packing area. The most common items are cameras (still and
video), batteries, film, memory card and electrical power adapters.
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