Packing Your Bags

Here are some tips and tricks for “packing smart” followed by some things to smartly pack:

Pack tightly:
Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle. Shoes or sandals should be packed in shoe mittens, an old pair of socks, or plastic newspaper bags to protect other clothes from being soiled. You may also want to stuff your shoes with underwear and socks so that they won’t be crushed during your flight.

Packing specific items:
Evening wear, long pants, dresses, shirts and blouses should be packed in plastic dry cleaner bags to limit wrinkling. Roll pajamas, nightgowns, t-shirts and other casual wear to fit into small spaces where possible, but don’t cram your suitcase full. Clear, zippered plastic cases that bedsheets sets are packaged in make good containers for socks and underwear, keeping them together and visible. If you have to force your luggage to close, remove a few items to prevent broken hinges or zippers along the way.

“Interweaving Method” of packing:
You may want to consider the “interweaving method” of packing for your trip. Drape longer garments such as dresses and pants across the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides. Then fold shorter items such as shirts and blouses around the longer garments so that the clothes cushion each other. Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will also help prevent wrinkling.

What to carry-on:
Always carry your travel documents, medication (in pre-printed prescription containers), jewelry, traveler’s checks, keys, undeveloped film, cameras, laptops (tape your business card to the underside) and other valuables in your carry-on luggage. Items such as these should NEVER be packed in luggage that you intend to check. Also carry pajamas and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your checked baggage doesn’t arrive with you.

What must go in checked-in baggage:
Declare firearms or ammunition to your airline and place in checked baggage. Do NOT carry hazardous material. For a complete guide on what can be carried on the plane go to: https://asi.faa.gov and refer to “What Can Fly” and “Hazardous Materials Carried by Passengers and Crewmembers.”

If you plan to fly with bicycles, surfboards, golf clubs or other special luggage, check with the airline to see whether special containers for these items are available. Some airlines provide this service free of charge. The following sporting goods must be in checked baggage ONLY: baseball and cricket bats, bows and arrows, golf clubs, hockey sticks, hunting and scuba knives, pool cues, and spear guns.

Check with your airline for checked baggage weight and size restrictions.

Sources: American Society of Travel Agents and Transportation Security Administration

If you don’t want to pack it…buy it in Hawaii (but be prepared to buy an extra bag to take back your Hawaii purchases).
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And now for some items to smartly pack:
Swimsuit
No Tan Lines Clothing
Sandals
Shoes
Travel Supplies
And don’t forget the baggage, too:
Bags, Luggage, and Backpacks

Explore more Hints & Tips…

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Packing Your Bags

Packing Your Bags

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