My Top Tip for Efficient Packing - Packing Cubes!

There are all kinds of tips out there for becoming an efficient packer - maybe I'll recap some of those next week - but today, I wanted to talk about my absolute favorite packing tip: PACKING CUBES! If you haven't heard of them, they are exactly what they sound like. They are little mini suitcases to go inside of your big suitcase.

I know some people like to bring a trash bag for dirty clothes (which totally works) but I personally like to have a packing cube or two designated for dirty clothes. And honestly, if you're like me and are too cheap to buy real packing cubes, you can use 2 gallon ziplock bags. I used those for YEARS until I recently found some real packing cubes on sale at TJ Maxx. By putting dirty clothes in a cube or bag, it keep the rest of your clothes fresh and keeps the dirty clothes nice and compact.

Being able to compartmentalize your clothes is a game changer, especially if you are hotel hopping on your trip. Digging around in the same bag for two weeks can lead to a chaos of clothes, cords and dirty socks - definitely not ideal. By keeping everything separated, you'll be able to keep your clothes and electronics folded, compact and easily-found. This is especially true if you are living out of a backpack. 

Additionally, needing to fit your outfits into a specific cube will help keep you from throwing crumpled clothes back into the main compartment of your suitcase. I've found that loose, unfolded clothes can lead to straining zippers and an epic struggle to close your suitcase. The last thing you want is to bust a seam because your clothes weren't quite compact enough for the flight home. 

I absolutely love my new cubes, but I think I will probably still throw in a few giant zip locks as well. Find what works for you!

If you'd like some help getting organized for your next trip, visit MilesIntoMemoriesTravel.com. 

Last Minute Travel Necessities

Once you've got those big ticket items booked (flights, hotels, attractions etc.), it's time to round up those last-minute to do's that are just as important! As someone who has organized countless trips for hundreds of people, I can tell you there are definitely a few things that are often forgotten.

Insurance
Don't forget to buy travel insurance!! I can't stress this enough, particularly if you are traveling internationally. God forbid, something were to happen to you while abroad, it can be incredibly expensive and confusing to navigate international medical facilities. Travel insurance can make your life much easier in a very stressful situation. Some travel insurances will even help compensate lost money from delayed flights or lost baggage - it all depends on which package you purchase. Side note - if you are doing adventurous things (skydiving, rappelling, skiing etc.) be sure you are covered! Be thorough and careful when selecting your package. I personally choose to use WorldNomads. 

Travel Documents
Double and triple check those travel documents! I'm talking passport, visas, vaccination requirements, international driver's license - things like that! Think through where you are traveling and do some seriously thorough research. Also, I recommend bringing a copy of your important documents. This will make replacing them much, much easier if need be.

Adapters/ Converters

The last thing you want to do when you arrive in a foreign country is blow up your electronics - a real possibility if you don't bring a converter. If you don't bring an adapter, you won't even be able to plug your electronics in the outlet! Nowadays, electronics are an essential part of travel. You wouldn't want to have to put your fun, exciting plans on hold to go hunt down an adapter or converter. Plan ahead! Also, I highly recommend bringing a portable battery pack. You'll thank me later when your phone dies right before you snap that pic.

I hope some of these tips help you on your next big adventure. If you'd like some more planning help, check out my website at MilesIntoMemoriesTravel.com.