Pack like a pro for your next get away

From vacuum packing to remembering essential documents, learn to pack like a pro for your next vacation with this simple guide—and you'll never have to do an emergency airport shop again! 

Pack essentials first

While you can pick up a toothbrush at the airport, forgetting your passport won’t get you very far! Make a list of your most essential items, and pack them in a separate pouch first so you won’t forget them. This should include photocopies of key documents such as passports, a first aid kit, your travel insurance information and some spare cash in local currency.

With three million bags a year lost in the EU alone, one million of which are never returned to their owners, it might be worth packing a few emergency items and a change of clothes in your hand luggage too if you’re travelling with checked baggage. 

Max out on packing hacks

Save space and avoid buying pricey miniatures by emptying your favourite products into reusable travel-sized plastic bottles, which can be bought in most large pharmacies. Rolling your clothes or using vacuum compression bags is another top tip for getting the most out of a small suitcase—all you need to do is put your clothes inside, squeeze (or vacuum) the air out, and seal shut, and you’ll find there’s much more space to spare.

Meanwhile, if you're planning an epic, multi-location trip in somewhere such as Europe, make sure to leave additional room in your bag for souvenirs, or travel with expandable luggage. Another option would be to pack an extra foldable travel bag that you can fill with all those stylish clothes from Paris and foodie favourites from Florence! Don't forget to bring an universal travel adaptor too, so you can charge your electronics wherever you are.

Pack realistically

With many airlines adding steep fees onto checked luggage, why not try to limit your packing list and take just hand luggage? Studies show people only wear 1/3 of the items in their holiday suitcase, so try to be ruthless about your choices—you probably won’t need heels or a dinner jacket on a camping holiday, for instance!

Aim for layers and outfits that can be mixed and matched, and find out if your accommodation will have washing facilities you can use if you’ll be there for a while. If you're travelling to multiple countries, take a quick look at the weather forecasts before you leave to make sure you have the right clothing for any hot or cold spells.