Packing smart for every trip

Can you ever get enough advice about packing for a trip? Unfortunately most of us don’t follow it – the trip I actually followed the packing list was the best I had ever done – so getting it right can make a WEIGHT of difference. Jessica writes about Packing Smart:

Packing can be overwhelming and is probably the least enjoyable thing to do when you are preparing to go on a big adventure. There are lots of things to consider when deciding what to bring – the weather, the places you are visiting and how long you will be away from home.

Creating a list and classifying them will help you determine the things you need and the ones you can leave at home. After that, you should look into getting the right kind of bag depending on your trip – this is where websites like In Luggage come in handy. With a wide selection of luggage, suitcases, backpacks and other travel accessories, planning this stuff in advance can make packing much less stressful!

Getting the right bag is essential – not too big, not too small, enough pockets, room to expand, carry on or not…. These are the decisions you need to make.

Here are some tips to help every woman pack for different kinds of travel without compromising style or comfort:

Packing for a backpacking trek

Packing your backpack for a trekking adventure should be done efficiently to give you more comfort and stability. Choosing the right pack is critical because it needs to suit your build perfectly and fit all the gear you need. Check the pack to make sure it has padded straps on the shoulders, across the chest and around the hips.

After narrowing down the size, decide what kind of backpack will suit your trip. If you are going for a single-day hike, opt for a daypack—they are lightweight and can carry loads up to 7kgs. If you are going for a longer hike, get a pack with an internal frame. They can carry a load of more than 7kgs and are closer fitting, making them the best choice for vigorous activities. If you’re planning a trail walk, choose an external frame. Aside from being able to carry heavy load like the internal pack, it will allow you to walk with an upright posture.

When loading your backpack, put the items that you won’t need until the end of the day at the bottom. Then load in heavy items but remember to keep them close to the spine to help maintain balance. Load the lighter things on top or put them in the pockets for easier access. For more tips, you can check out this comprehensive backpacking list to help you with all the planning and packing.

Here is another article on how to back for a backpacking trip

Packing for a weekend getaway

Packing light is the most important thing when packing for a weekend getaway. The key to achieving this is strategic packing – choose key pieces that you can mix and match to suit both day and night. Choose clothing in neutral colours to maximize your options. You can spice up any outfit by adding accessories. A pair of jeans, a dressy blouse, a couple of shirts, a dress and you are good to go.

For toiletries, bring travel-friendly sizes of your essentials. Shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided in hotels, but take a small sample of your favourite if you have specific needs. If you wear make-up, bring only the basic stuff you actually wear.

It is best to bring a carry-on or a weekender bag for this kind of trip. Choose those that have several inside pockets to keep your items organised.

Packing for a business trip

Packing efficiently for a business trip should be a skill for all business travellers. Suitcases are the best bags to use as they have more room for your clothes and gadgets. A rolling suitcase is the most convenient, and make sure that you choose a colour that will stand out at baggage collection.

Go for the minimalist approach when choosing your travel business attire. Pick a crisp white button-down shirt and a basic black bottom for a classic look. Don’t forget to bring a blazer, little black dress, two pairs of shoes and minimal but sophisticated accessories.