Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Are you ready to take that long-awaited trip you’ve had to postpone for a few years? With travel increasing around the world, many people are doing just that. But if it has been a while since you’ve flown, you might be a little rusty on what to take and what to leave behind. If it’s an international trip, you might not even know how to prepare.
Don’t worry because we have compiled some important tips on how to effectively pack for air travel. These include some that seem obvious yet few actually accomplish, such as packing the proper amount of clothes. Others are newer strategies to maximize your time at your destination, such as Paris luggage storage. Let’s dive in and help you pack for your upcoming flight.
One of the most common mistakes people make when preparing for a long trip is overpacking. It’s a natural tendency to worry you’ll run out of something when you desperately need it. Even worse, people envision a situation where they have no possible way to replace the needed item. However, the potential for this is extremely low, especially when it comes to clothes.
Even if it costs a few extra dollars, you can likely find a laundromat if you need one. Additionally, people tend to buy shirts or other clothes while on a trip, whether it’s as a souvenir or because they see something they really like.
For all of these reasons, you’ll be safe packing enough clothes for exactly the number of days you’re traveling. If you truly need to pack extra for your own peace of mind, limit it to one outfit more than the number of days on your trip. Not only will it be impossible to wear all of them, they’ll also take up valuable space you may need to bring back some cool mementos.
This is similar to the number of clothes, but it falls into a separate category because many people pack the proper number of outfits but proceed to overdo it on toiletries. Think about where you are traveling and what will be accessible. Will you be staying at a hotel with free soap and shampoo? If so, you probably don’t need to pack your own.
If you have a special brand or formula for your hair, go ahead and pack it. However, you should pour it into a much smaller container instead of bringing the entire big bottle. You can also consider if your brand of toiletries will be sold at a reasonable retail price where you are traveling. If so, save the space and buy what you need when you arrive.
When you arrive at your destination, do you want to lug around your suitcases or explore the city? Especially if you are flying internationally, plan ahead to utilize local options like Paris luggage storage near the Louvre to drop off your bags and start your vacation instantly. After sitting on a plane for hours, you’ve earned the right to walk around and take in the sights immediately rather than be hindered by your luggage.
The best way to take advantage of this option is to have your essentials in an easy-to-carry personal item, either a handbag or backpack. Everything else can be kept in a Paris luggage storage unit or wherever your destination city is. These low-cost units give you the freedom to enjoy a full day of attractions before going to your hotel once the sun sets. For example, Paris luggage storage is available near Notre Dame and Montparnasse as well.
Research the baggage size restrictions for your airline carrier. Most airlines have similar size restrictions for carry-ons and personal items, but slight variances can make the difference between bringing yours onto the plane or having to pay an unwanted checked bag fee.
Be aware of how many bags you can check before you start incurring fees. Airlines have different policies and membership programs that affect this number. Your number of free checked bags could range anywhere from zero to multiple suitcases.
Packing effectively requires advanced thought. You need to know how much to take. Once you determine that, hold true to your calculation and fight the temptation to overpack. You can also benefit from advanced thought of what you will do when you arrive, such as keeping your personal item and placing everything else in luggage storage. Don’t procrastinate and pack at the last minute. You’ll regret it. Think ahead, both in terms of how much you need for your trip’s duration and how your packing will impact the start of your trip.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence