Top 20 Packing Tips
Recently we asked readers to submit travel tips, and boy did you respond! Below we’ve summarized (in no particular order) the top 20 packing tips, offered by you, AARP members! Got a tip of your own? Submit it here.
1. Linda Sayles suggests using “seven-day pill holders” to separate earrings and necklaces.
2. Many readers offered the idea of packing additional plastic bags. They can be used for packing souvenirs, dirty clothes or even as a small “washer.”
3. Bring a stain-cleaning pen and a small container of laundry detergent, or just use shampoo for simple laundering.
4.Consider shipping your luggage ahead of time, or ahead of you before you return.
5. Take extra hangers, as hotels and cruise ships rarely have enough. Readers also advise that taking your clothes already on hangers will limit wrinkles.
6. A couple dryer sheets will keep your suitcase smelling fresh.
7. Don’t forget a charger or extra batteries for your digital camera. Also, have the photo cards put on CD right away if you can as a backup (and don’t erase the cards until you’re sure!)
8. For ladies, it’s easy to base your wardrobe around one color, such as blue or black, then coordinate your purse, shoes, blouses, etc. to go with the color.
9. Take older underwear and t-shirts, then throw them away after wearing them. This will give you more room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
10. Says Edgar, "On your next three trips, write down what you wear each day. On your forth trip you will have an accurate list of what you really need, not what you think you need."
11. Carry on your bathing suit, a change or two of clothing and basic toilietries. If your luggage is lost, you’ll still have a way to freshen up, something to change into and can go to the pool. And as airport delays are so common, bring snacks, bottled water, your meds, and reading material with you on the plane.
12. Pre-address stick-on labels for postcards to the folks back home and you won't have to carry along a bulky address book. Don't forget to bring along email addresses.
13. Pack half of your spouse’s clothing in your suitcase and vice versa. That way if one bag is lost, you’ll both have some of your luggage.
14. John Kiernan advises, “Bring along a poncho from the dollar store. They are compact…and great for sudden showers.”
15. Create a “master packing list” on your computer. Each time you travel, print a copy of that list. As you put things into your suitcase, check it off the list. Before you go out the door, look at your list and see if everything you need has been checked-off. It reduces the stress of packing, and you’re less likely to forget something.
16. Carry your cell phone charger with you.
17. Print business cards with your vacation on one side (cruise, etc.) and your names and email addresses on the other. That way, people you meet will remember you and be able to contact you with letters and photos.
18. Reduce the risk of having expensive jewelry by wearing something simple that will go with everything like a gold chain, gold bracelet and small hoop earrings.
19. Linda says, “Once my husband and I took a 10 day driving trip. I was so tired of lugging suitcases around from other trips that I had the most wonderful idea. Worked like a charm. I packed 10 paper sacks with each days change: shirt, pants, underclothes, etc. Each day we would each take a bag with us into the motel. We put our dirty clothes into another sack.It was so easy and fun.”
20. Connie writes, “I always carry lightweight cheap flip-flops to wear around my hotel room or out to the pool. And I never leave home without a travel alarm clock.”
Happy packing!
