How to Travel Smart: A Must-Read Guide

Knowing how to travel smart during your vacation time can multiply your experience. You have already made the arrangements, and now it's time to start packing. But confused about what to pack and what to leave. Don't worry! We have got you covered. From a weekend getaway to a long-term journey, this guide will teach you how to pack smart for travel. So, let's get started.  
 

15 Travel Tips to Help Get You Organize Smartly 

The first step to travel smartly is to pack efficiently. By using the right tips and a little planning, you can save your time, money, and space while traveling. So, here are some of the travel tips to help you stay organized.  
 

Check the Weather 

Check the weather of your vacation destination. Use Google Maps to locate the nearby tourist destinations that fit the weather forecast.  

Do you need to pack an umbrella? Hiking shoes? Swimsuit? Knowing the weather expected for the duration of your trip will help you pack more efficiently and be well-prepared for your trip. 

Review Your Airline Baggage Policy 

Each airline has its own policies related to luggage size, weight, and fees. Double-check your airline’s baggage policy in advance to know if/what fees may be charged, as well as size and weight limitations. 

This will help you to prevent last-minute hassles and save money at the airport. Neglecting to review these details will end up paying extra for overweight bags. These details vary and may be found under the airline’s baggage policy on their website. 

Prepare a Packing Checklist 

Create a customized packing checklist so you don’t forget any of the essentials and can purchase any necessary items before you go. Savvy travelers know how to travel smart and so organize their packing in a way that makes sure that nothing important is left behind. 

Go for Carry-On Luggage 

If possible, take carry-on luggage instead of checking it. This will help you travel light, keep you from having to wait for your baggage, reduce the chances of losing your bags, and may save you from paying checked bag fees. 

Moreover, using carry-on luggage means less baggage, which makes navigating public transportation and taking free walking tours or taxis in foreign countries much easier. 

Charge Your Devices 

Be sure that your electronic devices are fully charged prior to leaving home. If your electronic devices are charged, you won't find it difficult to access your itinerary or entertainment during a flight. 

Consider carrying a power bank for emergencies so that your phones and other devices remain functional. Also, carry international adapters with you with different plug systems when traveling to a foreign country. If there is a delay, you won’t be scrambling searching for an available outlet.  

Pack Liquids Smartly 

Pack toiletries and liquids in clear, sealable bags. Liquid bottles carried on the plane must be 3.4 ounces or less. You can also consider using small, travel-sized containers for shampoo, lotion, and sunscreen. Packing smartly also leaves more room in your suitcase for clothes and other essentials. 

So, save your time during airport checks by following packing smart in advance. These will help you to avoid buying costly replacements at the airport. 

Pack Extra Daily Medications 

If you take daily medications, then missing them can ruin your entire trip. So, carry extra doses with a doctor's prescription in your carry-on luggage to avoid any unexpected delays for luggage. 

Consider keeping medicines in labeled containers to avoid confusion during airport security checks. Having sufficient medications on hand makes your journey easy, especially in countries where access to specific drugs might be limited. 

Avoid Packing Valuables 

Don’t pack expensive jewelry, watches, or other high-value items, as there’s no sense in risking costly pieces to be lost or stolen. If you pack light and leave valuables at home, it will reduce the risk of theft or loss. If you must carry valuable items, use secure compartments in your bag or wear them discreetly. 

Prefer Wearing Layers 

Wear layers for the course of the journey is a smart way to adjust to fluctuating temperatures during your flight or at your destination. Layers also reduce the need to pack more clothes and save space in your luggage bag. 

Pack Versatile Outfits 

Pack color-coordinated separates that can be pulled together with various pieces for multiple outfits to maximize your wardrobe options. In addition, accessories such as scarves, ties, and less expensive jewelry can easily help change an entire look to go from day to night without having to pack multiple outfits. 

Carry a Comfort Kit 

Bring a goody bag stocked with items to make the journey to your destination comfortable. Suggested items include earbuds, lotion, snacks, pain reliever, lip balm, travel pillow, something to read, and/or a tablet with downloaded entertainment ready to view. Bring extra plastic bags for wet clothes and/or dirty laundry. A comfort kit or go-to kit makes sure that you are prepared for anything. 

Keep a Photocopy of Important Documents 

Photocopy your passport and be sure it is packed separately from the original. It is much easier to obtain a replacement at the local US embassy in the event your original passport is lost. It is also a good idea to leave a copy back home with a loved one. Also, consider keeping scanned versions online for easy access. 

Share Your Travel Itinerary With Your Loved Ones 

Provide family/loved ones with your itinerary and hotel information in case of emergency. Consider sharing your real-time location using apps like Google Maps for extra safety. This is a small, however, major step that can make a huge difference if something unexpected happens during your trip. 

Do Not Overshare on Social Media 

Sharing is not caring. Do not post information on social media sites that you are away from home before or during your trip. Doing so may be an invitation to a home invasion.  

Besides, you must enjoy your vacation and share updates after returning home. This will help you save your privacy and make sure that your house or belongings are not targeted while you are not at your home. 

Buy Travel Insurance 

For a smooth travel experience, expert travelers consider getting a travel insurance plan to protect yourself against unforeseen situations like flight cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies, etc. In foreign countries, the cost of healthcare can be high. So, make sure that you have travel insurance that is suitable to your needs to get you covered under certain circumstances without affecting your budget. 
 

Now, Let's Know The Tips to Pack Your Suitcase! 

As you understand how to travel smart, now consider how you can pack smart. Follow our easy tips to reduce wrinkled clothes and maximize space.  

• Plastic Bags: These help reduce wrinkles by lining the bottom of your suitcase with a plastic bag and adding a layer of clothes and another bag above them. You can use the bags to take your dirty clothes after the trip. Tip: Dry cleaning bags are great!  

• Socks and Shoes: Roll your socks and stuff them into your shoes. Place your shoes and any other heavy items along the wheelbase with the soles facing upward. If you’re checking your bag, you can put your toiletry kit on above your shoes. If it’s a carry-on bag, place toiletries in a clear, plastic bag at the uppermost layer of your suitcase, as it may need to be removed during the security check-in.  

• Roll It Up and Pack It In: Build a foundation down of tightly rolled clothing. This minimizes wrinkling and creates a base for more gentle garments.  

• Second Layer: Place folding dresses, pants, and skirts over the rolled clothing. To make sure the stack is balanced, alternate the sides that the waistbands are on.  

• Build a Third Layer: Add any jackets, heavy sweaters, and folded shirts.  

• Upper Section of the Suitcase: Place any crushable items in the upper section.  

• Corner Stuffing: Tuck hosiery, undergarments, scarves, and swimsuits into the corners of the suitcase.  

• Lid Compartment: Pack any loose essentials, small miscellaneous items, and costume jewelry in the lids. Store delicate necklaces and bracelets in drinking straws with the clasp taped to one end to help them from tangling and breaking.  

• Soft-Sided Bag: Pack flat shoes with the soles pressed back-to-back along the bottom of the bag. Tightly pack any rolled clothing to prevent shifts that may cause wrinkling. Place heels and boots near the upper area, followed by your toiletry kit. 
   

Final Note 

We hope that now you are clear on how to travel smart. With AXA travel insurance, you can get the right coverage for your trip, whether it is a road trip, adventure, or leisure. At AXA, you will get assistance for any unforeseen circumstances, such as flight delays, trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and more. So, get your AXA travel insurance plan today.