There are two kinds of travelers in the world: those who packed light and those who wish they had. To include everything needed in as little space as possible, follow these helpful guidelines.
When planning your wardrobe, consider the events you will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit for each activity. Crosscheck this list to determine if one piece can cover multiple occasions. Pick clothes that coordinate well together, based around complimentary colors.
Check the weather forecast of the destination and plan accordingly.
Jewelery — don’t take what you don’t want to lose, and leave behind the flashy pieces that could attract thieves.
Keep makeup to a minimum to save space.
When it comes to incidentals, a few items will go a long way. Important items to bring include a first-aid kit, a tin of aspirin, sunscreen and a small bottle of Woolite for emergency, in-room laundering if needed.
Now you know what to bring, so let the packing begin. Iron everything before placing it in the suitcase. If it goes in crisp and clean, odds are more in its favor of coming out the same. Button all buttons and zip all zippers.
Always carry travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler’s checks, keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage. Items such as these should never be packed in checked luggage.
Unpack as completely as possible as soon as you get to the hotel to prevent further wrinkles. When repacking, remember that balled-up, dirty laundry takes more space than carefully folded clothes, so repack your used clothing identically to your original packing method.
Make several copies of your passport, traveler’s checks, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets and other travel documents. Leave one copy with a relative or friend back home and carry one copy with you.
Take most of your money in traveler’s checks and record the serial numbers, denominations and date and location of the issuing agency. Remove all unnecessary credit cards from your wallet. Be sure to carry your credit card company’s telephone number in case your card is lost or stolen. Always report losses immediately.
Carry medications in your carry-on since it will be less likely to be lost than your checked luggage. Your carry-on will also do less harm to temperature-sensitive medication.
Carry your medications in their original bottles to help avoid security questions.
Bring along the generic names of your medications since brand names can vary.
PACK RIGHT …ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT
(Tips for Traveller from Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)
1. Avoid the rush, arrive early!
2. Pack carefully! Certain items are not permitted in your carry-on baggage, such as toy weapons or sharp and penetrating objects, like scissors and knives
3. Ensure your medication is properly labled and placed in you carry-on baggage
4. Alcoholic beverages must be in their original container with commercial seal intact. Alcoholic beverages in non-retail packaging (such as homemade wine) ar not permitted in carry-on baggage
5. Pack all camera film in your carry-on baggage. Camera film under 800 ASA/ISO will not be damaged by equipment at the pre-board screening checkpoint.
6. Dress appropriately for travel and avoid wearing metal objects that could trigger the alarm.
7. Flammable items (ie. lighter fluid) and most aerosols are considered dangerous goods and are not permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.
8. It is recommended you pack all food products in your carry-on baggage.
9. Electronic devices such as portable computers may be screened using special screening equipment. This procedure will not harm your electronic devices.
10. Please advise screening officers of any special needs you may have.