One thing that I dread whenever I go on holiday or coming back from holiday is packing – I usually leave everything till the last minute and fling everything in a case. However having read up on this hot topic I have found some tips that can make the process a whole lot less stressful.
- If you are bringing fragile gifts home with you, wrap them in a tshirt first then in something heavier like a jumper and make sure that they are in the middle of your suitcase to minimise any impact if your case is treated roughly.
- If you are bringing alcohol back with you the same rule applies wrap the bottle in clothes and put it in the middle of your case, if the bottle is small you could consider putting it in a shoe which will act as a good buffer to any impact your case endures.
- Believe it or not there is an art to packing, take time and fold clothes properly making sure the arm of your clothes folds into the clothes – don’t be tempted to fling clothes in your case or roll them up they take up so much more space than properly folded clothes.
- If you are planning on bringing back more than you take on holiday it maybe worth packing another nylon bag in your case before you go remember you can take put more than one item of luggage on the hold.
- Security is important and most airlines will want to physically check inside your luggage before it goes into the hold. Don’t be tempted to take a fancy suitcase with built in locks. If customs don’t have a key to open your suitcase they will simply force the locks off (I know it has happened to me). Consider taking a suitcase where you can simply use a small padlock to secure the zips.
- Finally consider what you are taking before you go, it is easy to over pack and if you are going somewhere hot you will usually end up wearing the same few clothes all week and leave the rest untouched in your case. Most resorts have dry cleaners and laundrettes if the worst came to the worst but from personal experience I have always taken more clothes than I need.
