How to pack your travel bag to perfection

Low- and mid-budget trips come with restrictions on how much you can spend, but the first ones start with luggage . The question then arises: How to prepare a travel suitcase that has what is necessary to live the experience to the fullest and still respect the luggage restrictions so as not to have to pay fines or surpluses ? The key is to optimize the space and know what to bring. Here we present a list of useful ideas for you to put together your perfect suitcase and not be an inconvenience or unforeseen from the beginning of your trip , especially if you will take a flight .

Recommendations to put together a perfect travel suitcase

• Be well informed about the restrictions imposed by the transport company according to the purchase you have made, especially in the following aspects: maximum units, dimensions and weight allowed for luggage , special items and objects prohibited or allowed under certain conditions. The biggest differences are between means of transport, not between companies.

• Do not assume that your suitcase (if you will deposit it in a warehouse ) will be well treated; use one in the best condition possible. If it's old or weak and you can afford it, swap it out or it'll be left to pick up for parts, whereupon some companies might actually take responsibility and give you a new one.

• In the case of airplanes , there are limits for the transport of liquids and creams . In the cabin , in general, you cannot carry containers of more than 100 mL each and all must go in a hermetically sealed bag with a maximum capacity of no more than 1 L. It seems little, but if you require more, you can still buy them at your destination. Larger packages are accepted in checked baggage . In any case, most flammable liquids are prohibited.

• Choose the clothes you will wear considering the time of year and its climatic characteristics in your destination, whether or not you will be able to wash and the activities that you will carry out during your stay.

• When packing your belongings in your suitcase, start with your shoes . Place it towards the ends and towards the bottom (the part that will be lower when you move with the luggage ). If you wear tights or socks, you can store them inside your shoes to save space .

• Your clothes will take up less space if you fold them individually and roll them up tightly. Try to bring what does not need to be ironed; what does need it, fold it normally and carefully.

• Locate delicate items where they will be protected by other clothing or in the personal item you are allowed to bring into aircraft cabins . Never place them at the ends of your suitcases. An extended towel, if you need to carry one (ask your accommodation information), works well as the outermost buffer for the entire contents of your suitcase.

• As for small accessories , take only the necessary ones. The decision can be difficult for women, but it is possible to travel light . Store accessories or small technological devices last, such as cell phone chargers and power banks.

• Do not keep identity documents in your suitcase(s).

• Leave in easily accessible places what you will be able to use during the trip and what it is likely that you will be required to take out and show the authorities that carry out security controls .

• Since unforeseen events and incidents may occur (such as losing your luggage), keep toiletries, small and expensive objects, important papers and, if possible, a set of clothes in a bag, small briefcase or briefcase ( personal item in the cabin ). clean.

• Tip: If it's not necessary or safe to use, leave it.

• If it is your intention to return home with souvenirs , it is best that you do not exhaust the capacity of your suitcase(s) on the outward journey, as you will need space on the return. In the worst case, if you travel by plane , you will have to restrict yourself to buy souvenirs or leave some at the airport .

• Weigh your suitcase(s) when you finish it(s) and check that you do not exceed the limit , especially if they will go in a warehouse . It is very cumbersome and distressing to have to remove weight from the terminal .

• Put a lock (s) on your suitcase(s) and take pictures of their condition in order to support claims in case of incidents .

Optimally preparing the suitcase for travel is a skill that is perfected with time and practice , reaching surprising levels.

One last piece of advice : Do not leave everything for the night before or a few hours before the trip if you want it to be very good. You are more likely to succeed if you spend enough time on it well in advance.