9 Packing Tips the Worst Mistakes you Need to Avoid Gathering Dreams
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I didn’t mean you should bring a swiss knife in your carry on! Sorry if that wasn’t clear I meant it’s useful to pack if you go on a longer holiday but it needs to be put in your hold baggage! Reply Ben Hender says September 20, 2019 Amazing post! Loved the packing list. I am going on a trip soon, so this post just saved my day. Thank you for sharing. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says September 20, 2019 Thanks Ben Reply DavidPaul says June 27, 2019 Before you pack that vacation suitcase, lay everything out on a blanket and take a picture. Also take close-up shots of clothing labels. That way if your luggage is lost, you at least have hard evidence of what you lost. The airline will ask you to fill out a form for lost luggage. It will ask for items lost and estimated value. Those pictures will provide evidence for a cash reimbursement claim from the airline. The photos will also come in handy should you need to make a claim for lost luggage with your travel insurance agent. That will apply whether you need to make a temporary or permanent claim. Finally, don’t forget to take a picture of your luggage as you check in. The picture acts as more evidence to make a claim should you need to do so. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says June 29, 2019 Hey David,
That’s a great tip Reply Brian Hastings says May 7, 2019 Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says May 9, 2019 Thank you, Brian Reply Alexis Galamay says March 2, 2018 Totally love your packing list!! And I totally agree with all these points. The laundry bag is KEY – do you have the Away suitcase (awaytravel.com)? It has a built-in laundry bag, and I’m OBSESSED. It also has a feature that compresses it! <3, Alexis (www.steadyblooming.com) Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says March 2, 2018 Thank you Alexis! Wow, that Away suitcase is pretty amazing! I LOVE it! Reply Viv Digs says January 11, 2018 Awesome Sara!! I also love the packing check list, I might need to make one of these as well, I think it would be a neat idea to add to my Etsy shop! xoxoxoxo love your blog!!!! Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says January 11, 2018 Thank you Viv! A packing check-list for your Etsy shop is a great idea! I am sure people will love it! Your latest designs are beautiful! Love them xxx Reply fin$avvy panda says December 12, 2017 Nice post! I usually prepare like 5 days in advance. I’m just crazy as per my friends haha! I like your tip about not just packing lighter colour clothes Btw love your freebie list. It’s super cute!! So useful for my next trip hehe Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says December 12, 2017 Thank you Glad you like my packing check-list!! Reply
9 Packing Tips the Worst Mistakes you Need to Avoid
Updated: February 12, 2020 This article may contain links from our partners. We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link. Please read our disclosure and how we make money.THE ONLY PACKING TIPS YOU WILL EVER NEED FOR A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY
We all look forward to our relaxing holiday, but how about what comes before that? Packing used to be one of my worst nightmares. There is never enough time, and you always end up throwing things together the night before your flight. Let me tell you what I learned: Preparation is key! Once you master that, everything becomes easier, and packing won't be so stressful anymore. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure you are packing to perfection for your next vacation! Here they are:1 Overpacking
This is by far the most common mistake everyone makes (yes, myself included, but I am learning…). You need to think about what you are really going to use and wear. If you only wear that pair of jeans at home, why would you bring another 10 pairs of trousers you haven't used for the last 3 years?2 You need a list
Making a list has completely changed the way I pack for my holidays. I used to think I could remember everything, but there are so many little things to keep in mind: chargers, toothbrush, underwear, socks… Make a packing list and start writing it a few weeks before your trip. You can then save it and re-use it for future holidays. I have a list for summer vacations, one for short weekends and one for winter breaks. It's one of the best travel tips to remember. DOWNLOAD MY WEEKEND PACKING CHECK-LIST BELOW!3 Not checking the weather
There is nothing worse than having a bag full of the wrong clothes! You see, the weather can be quite unpredictable at times. Remember to check the forecast before you start packing. It also helps to always pack a rain jacket with a mix of clothes that can be layered if necessary.4 Fold don t roll
Rolling your clothes has been the suggested way to go for a while. But by rolling, you get lots more wrinkles, and you are not actually saving any space. You need to fold your clothes, the Marie Kondo way. I swear you will save space! I also love using packing cubes to organize and separate all my stuff into categories. You can easily identify which cube contains what and keep everything in order. Packing cubes also help to compress your clothes, and when you remove them from your bag, you don't make a complete mess while trying to find the right t-shirt!5 About your shoes&hellip
Make sure you put your shoes (and any heavy item) at the bottom of your luggage. Also make sure you always put shoes in shoe bags, to avoid any dirt getting on your clean clothes. If you don't have shoe bags, a plastic bag will be fine. And please, do not bring more than three pairs of shoes! You won't use them anyway! You'll just need some walking shoes, a more elegant pair, such as sandals and high-heels, for special evenings and some flip-flops if you are going to a beach location.6 Not bringing a swimsuit
Swimming suits don't take much space, and it's always a good idea to bring one. You never know, you might find a jacuzzi or a pool you weren't expecting.7 Waiting until the last minute
Guess what? When you leave packing to a few hours before your trip, all you are going to achieve is a lot of stress. You are much more likely to forget something essential as you won't have much time for planning. Make sure you start thinking in advance about what you'll need, what clothes you'll be wearing and what shoes you'll need to pack. This will help you to start your vacation more relaxed.8 Only packing light colors
As much as light colors are nice, especially if you are going for a summer holiday, they show dirt and wear much more than darker colored items. Make sure you pack some darker clothes, in case of a last minute laundry emergency.9 Forgetting a laundry bag
We always fill our luggage with dirty clothes on the way back, but inevitably some pieces will still be clean. A laundry bag or even a grocery bag will help to keep dirty and clean clothes separate and make unpacking easier at home.Ready to pack
Avoid these packing mistakes, and you will be ready for your next holiday in no time!3 Surprising Travel Essentials
And while you are packing for your holidays, you need to check out these travel essentials I can't live without!#1 ZIPPER FILE BAGS
I love zip-lock bags! Since I started using them, I can't live without. They help you to keep all those little bits that don't have a place organized, you can use them for dividing your beauty essentials or to safely store your travel documents. This kind of zip offers more security than simple freezer bags and is more re-usable.You can find them here.
#2 NUMERICAL PADLOCK
Padlocks are very helpful to keep your belongings safe, but we think the best option is a solid numerical one. It will avoid having to carry extra keys, that can get easily lost while moving around. I recommend something like this, in solid strong steel.#3 SWISS ARMY KNIFE
Ok, this is not very surprising BUT some of its uses might be. I am sure you will not find yourself on a desert island surviving adventure, but you might need a bottle opener on the beach or a pair of scissors to save the day. This one here is my favorite. But remember, don't bring a Swiss army knife in your carry-on bag or it might end up being confiscated! You should only bring it, if you have checked bags.READ MORE ABOUT THE BEST TRAVEL TIPS
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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Jill says August 23, 2021 I pack my packing cubes well in advance. Before I pack each one, I take a picture of the contents. Four fit in my suitcase, 1,2,3,4. Job done. (On arrival at the hotel), I just put the cubes in the drawers. Takes seconds. Then I put the sandals I want in their drawstring bag, just the right size – I’m a keen needlewoman, so I have various sizes. The smallest possible is best. They go in the front of the case. Hot brush (in it’s own drawstring bag) goes down the middle between the packing cubes. Then I zip up the case and weigh it. If it’s a bit too heavy, I can take one thing out of each cube. I always travel with a small Kipling Alvar cross body bag. I only take it off to go through security, otherwise it’s under my cardigan or jacket. It’s taken some practice, but it now holds my holiday cash, camera, tiny notebook, and packet of tissues. Plus passport and boarding card. Always useful in case there’s no loo paper! I always take a rucksack in my suitcase, as I do lots of walking. The Alvar bag fits in there nicely, so when I’m having lunch in a taverna, my valuables are on me, not in the bag. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says September 1, 2021 Thanks for sharing your amazing tips, Jill! I found them extremely useful and I am sure other readers will do too! Reply Jean Tate says August 10, 2021 When I travel I note what I don’t wear then I don’t pacing next time. Eg I pack 6 tee shirts, wear 3. Don’t need 6. And shoes! I don’t need six pair of shoes for a 2 week trip. Who cares if your sandals are a different colour to your dress. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says August 12, 2021 Yes, that’s a great tip, Jean. Keep note of what you use and what you don’t use, and next time pack lighter! Reply Angie says June 10, 2020 Love your packing check-list!!!!! Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says June 16, 2020 Thanks so much Angie!!! Reply Graeme says January 3, 2020 I doubt you will get a Swiss Army knife on a carry on in the US. They took a cork screw off me that had a 1 inch blade to remove the foil on wine bottles. Wasn’t a big deal but I don’t want them confiscating a $40 Swiss Army knife which I know they would. Its a bit of a pain really as I am going to The Grand Canyon in a week and this would be useful for that trip. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says January 5, 2020 Hey Graeme,I didn’t mean you should bring a swiss knife in your carry on! Sorry if that wasn’t clear I meant it’s useful to pack if you go on a longer holiday but it needs to be put in your hold baggage! Reply Ben Hender says September 20, 2019 Amazing post! Loved the packing list. I am going on a trip soon, so this post just saved my day. Thank you for sharing. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says September 20, 2019 Thanks Ben Reply DavidPaul says June 27, 2019 Before you pack that vacation suitcase, lay everything out on a blanket and take a picture. Also take close-up shots of clothing labels. That way if your luggage is lost, you at least have hard evidence of what you lost. The airline will ask you to fill out a form for lost luggage. It will ask for items lost and estimated value. Those pictures will provide evidence for a cash reimbursement claim from the airline. The photos will also come in handy should you need to make a claim for lost luggage with your travel insurance agent. That will apply whether you need to make a temporary or permanent claim. Finally, don’t forget to take a picture of your luggage as you check in. The picture acts as more evidence to make a claim should you need to do so. Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says June 29, 2019 Hey David,
That’s a great tip Reply Brian Hastings says May 7, 2019 Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says May 9, 2019 Thank you, Brian Reply Alexis Galamay says March 2, 2018 Totally love your packing list!! And I totally agree with all these points. The laundry bag is KEY – do you have the Away suitcase (awaytravel.com)? It has a built-in laundry bag, and I’m OBSESSED. It also has a feature that compresses it! <3, Alexis (www.steadyblooming.com) Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says March 2, 2018 Thank you Alexis! Wow, that Away suitcase is pretty amazing! I LOVE it! Reply Viv Digs says January 11, 2018 Awesome Sara!! I also love the packing check list, I might need to make one of these as well, I think it would be a neat idea to add to my Etsy shop! xoxoxoxo love your blog!!!! Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says January 11, 2018 Thank you Viv! A packing check-list for your Etsy shop is a great idea! I am sure people will love it! Your latest designs are beautiful! Love them xxx Reply fin$avvy panda says December 12, 2017 Nice post! I usually prepare like 5 days in advance. I’m just crazy as per my friends haha! I like your tip about not just packing lighter colour clothes Btw love your freebie list. It’s super cute!! So useful for my next trip hehe Reply Sara @ Gathering Dreams says December 12, 2017 Thank you Glad you like my packing check-list!! Reply