How To Pack Like a Pro

Airline rules and restrictions regarding on-flight baggage are becoming harder and harder to navigate, and that can add unneeded stress to your travel plans. But here are some tips from your friendly neighborhood Brooklyn travel agents at DoAllTravel.com on how to pack your luggage like a pro.

• Use shoe bags and packing organizers. Shoe bags keep clothes clean and shoes in order. Put smaller items like socks and underwear in packing cubes or bags so they are easy to find.
• Pack larger items first and put heavy items at the bottom. Shoes, jeans, and corduroys should go at the bottom so that lighter items don’t get squished.
• Roll casual items. The rolling method works well for casual clothes, such as jeans and t-shirts, without wrinkling said clothing. Belts can also be rolled for easy storage.
• Limit quantities and wear what you can. Limit yourself to three pairs of shoes—pack two and wear one—and wear your heaviest shoes, as well as blazer or big sweaters on board. A puffer coat, which can be squished, packs better than others. If your coat is bulkier, wear it on board and store in the overhead compartment.
• Pack accessories, lighter clothes, and smaller items last. This strategy will fill in spaces and make liquids and lotions easily accessible in 3-ounce containers in a zip-top bag to take out at security. Button-down shirts and lighter items can also go on top.

But don't be fooled into thinking you need to bring everything onto the plane. Here are some items you don't really need on your trip.

• Don’t feel tempted to pack your entire wardrobe when traveling . While it’s good to have a change of clothes for each day, do you really need a heavy parka when traveling to Florida in July? It seems most people, when faced with a suitcase, lose all common sense regarding clothing. Remember to pack as light as possible, as this can save money on airline bills.
• Skip packing all the things you can get when you arrive at your destination. Leave behind nail polish, deodorant, toothbrushes and similar items. You can easily buy the smallest, cheapest sizes of those items at your destination. Besides, you might not be allowed to bring them on the plane anyway.
• Don’t feel tempted to cram your luggage with all of your technical gadgets. These take up a lot of suitcase space and rarely end up getting used once the vacation starts. And expensive MP3 players, handheld games consoles, smartphones and tablets all represent a good pickpocket or bag snatch opportunity.

So if it looks like you will be booking business class tickets abroad, you know the Brooklyn travel agents at DoAllTravel.com are trusted experts who have you in mind.