TIPS: Packing & Other Stuff

Packing Tips for Grownups 

You don’t need me to tell you how many pairs of underwear you should take on a trip. And if you are one of those people who can travel only with a carryon, that’s awesome. But here are some things that you should consider when you travel now that you’re a grownup, regardless of how many bags (or underwear) you travel with:

BAGGAGE TIPS

WHEELS: If you have to bring it with you and it’s bigger than your purse or camera, make sure it has wheels. I suffered from the overweight, overstuffed, carryon shoulder cramp for many years. Now, unless it’s a small pack that I use to carry my computer (which doubles as a daypack for hiking), my carryon has wheels. Just like the rest of my luggage. 

WARNING: SIZE MATTERS!
Carryon sizes seem to be changing with many airlines, so be sure to check the dimensions that are allowed by your specific airline. Some airlines are measuring bags at the gate and charging for oversized carry-ons.

LOST LUGGAGE: With the frequency of lost luggage these days, it never hurts to insert a tracker chip into your luggage. That way you will at least know if you luggage has made it onto the plane or arrived at your destination. (we found our bags at a different carousel in one airport thanks to these trackers!) You can buy these online or anywhere electronics are sold.

BAGGAGE FEES: If you are paying to check a bag, do so either when you purchase your ticket or well before your 24-hour online check in. Prices for bags go up when you do it close to departure or at check in.

DOCUMENTS

One of the best tips I’ve ever heard was to use your digital camera or smart phone to take pictures of your important documents, whether it is your passport, itinerary, drivers licence, etc. That way, if you lose the documents, you have a record of them. If you’re worried about losing your phone, email the photos to yourself, so if you ever need them, you can access them via your email account. 

CELL PHONES

International charges can be exhorbitant, whether you are phoning home, texting or emailing, and especially if you are surfing. Yes, there are international phone and data plans that you can buy from your home carrier, but they are pricey.

Instead, if you are willing to do a little research, there are many other service providers that offer international SIM or e-SIM cards that give you talk, text and data packages in foreign countries (even the US). Some of these include Airalo, TravelSim and SimOptions but these are just a few.

If none of these options appeal to you, my best advice is to be a WiFi bloodhound, and only connect when you’re doing it on someone else’s dime. Many hotels offer free WiFi, and although it may not be blazing fast, it’s a much better alternative to getting sticker shock from your cellphone bill when you get home. Plus there are always internet cafes that still cost a fraction compared to full plans.

NOTE: Free WiFi often comes with slower speed and less security (this is where having 2-factor authentication gives you added protection.). If you are at all concerned about security on your device, you might want to avoid this option or at the very least avoid accessing your banking/financial sites. And always remember to log off when you are done.

CAMERAS & BATTERIES 

Carry lots of memory cards and batteries, ideally rechargeable ones, and if you are an avid photographer, consider carrying two battery chargers, so you’ll always have one ready to go while the other is charging your depleted batteries. It’s also a good idea to bring along your connector cables for your cameras, so in the worst case scenario, you can download images to a usb key (you will either need to do this on a computer or using a portable flash drive that connects directly to your camera.) Many cameras now have built-in wi-fi capability that allows you to upload your photos directly to the cloud as well but this can take time if you have a lot of images. In any case, the most important thing is to back up your images so that if something happens to your camera, you will still have your photos stored elsewhere.

WARNING: Lithium batteries CANNOT be placed in checked luggage. They must be in your carryon (just like computers). Also, note that many backup storage drives LOOK LIKE CHARGERS and may be mistakenly confiscated by the airports. This has happened to us and we lost expensive backup drives. Keep those in your carryon, too.

VOLTAGE AND ADAPTOR PLUGS 

If you’re planning on bringing any of your own devices, you’re going to want adaptors so that you can replug whatever it is you are bringing. If you’re wondering what travel adaptors are required for the country that you are in, you might want to check out a comprehensive travel adaptor guide online. There are plenty of adaptor kits and even universal adaptors that will make sure all your prongs fit – just check to see which ones are needed for your destination. 

Oh, and those hair appliances you can’t do without? Consider buying ones with dual voltage, or ones that are more compact. You can use them at home, and when it’s time to travel, just flick the voltage switch, attach the appropriate country adapter for the plug, and you’re good to go. 

Better yet, fly without the extra weight (weight = surcharges) and use the devices at your accommodation instead. Even most private vacation rentals have at least a blow dryer.

MEDS

Wasn’t it nice when we travelled only with an aspirin to help with a hangover? Well, being a grownup means that has probably changed. So if you are on prescription medications for whatever reason, take a digital photograph of all your prescription medications, doctor’s information, etc, just in case something gets lost. And obviously, carry your meds with you in your carryon, and have more than what you need for the time you are away, just in case you are delayed coming back (volcanoes erupting in Iceland, that sort of thing!) 

TRAVEL MEDICAL AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE 

Get some. The last thing you want is to find yourself with a huge medical bill because you slipped on some skree on your descent from the SunGate at Machu Picchu. Even less adventurous cobblestones can turn an ankle and cause a sprain, so make sure you’re covered. Getting the right travel insurance plan is crucial in making sure that you are safe and secure on your travels. To read more travel insurance tips, visit our Insurance Tips page, or read the article ‘Living on My Edge’. 

TIP: If you pay for a premium credit card, the medical coverage included in your card’s benefits can be comparable to a separately-purchased plan – read the coverage to see if you are already insured, but be careful to check that you are not going to be away longer than the terms of the insurance (some have limits of 21 days at a time after which you are not covered).    

If you enjoyed this, you might like to read more articles on general travel tips and trip planning.

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