Top Travel Packing Tips

All these packing tips help you when packing your luggage before setting off on a trip

• Airline baggage does get lost and, unfortunately, not all baggage handlers are as honest, as they should be. So our next one of useful travel packing tips is to always keep valuable items with you, as well as essential documents and, of course, money and credit cards

• Gels, creams, pastes and other liquids in your hand luggage must still be in containers of no more than 100ml and placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 20cmx20cm.

• Keep the number of your bags to a minimum by making use of all the space that you have. Socks, for example, can be stuffed inside of shoes and there’s nearly always some room for small items in the corners of a suitcase.

•  When deciding what to take in carry-on luggage, consider the possibility of delays, as well as what you might need for the flight. Something to read and some toiletries to freshen up are always a good idea to have on hand when you are flying.

•  . Some of the upmarket hotel groups offer a similar service. The Luxury Collection Hotels  has a Luggage Liaison service that collects your case from your house, delivers it to your hotel, and will even unpack for you, too. 

•  Some women bring one or two skirts because they're as cool and breathable as shorts, but dressier. A lightweight skirt made with a blended fabric will pack compactly. Make sure it has a comfy waistband. Skirts go with everything and can easily be dressed up with a pair of flats and hose or warm tights if it's cold.

•   Hard- or soft-sided? A hard shell can add 10lb in dead weight but does offer contents more protection from damage, thieves and sudden downpours. But a soft-sided case will look smarter for longer and is less unwieldy when storage space is limited. 

•  Pack your bag only two-thirds full to leave room for souvenirs, or bring along an empty, featherweight nylon bag to use as a carry-on for your return flight, and check your main bag through. Sturdy stitching, front and side pouches, padded shoulder straps (for backpacks), and a low-profile color are virtues. I’m not wild about the zip-off day bags that come with some backpacks

•  If you are travelling to America, you must use cases fitted with TSA-approved locks (those that the Transportation Security Administration has the tools to open) or a TSA-approved padlock or luggage strap

• Limit your purchases to essentials. If your bag turns up, you may not be able to claim the full amount of compensation, even if you have already spent it.  

• Another option is to throw everything in dirty and use your hotel’s laundry service. But never send anything delicate or liable to shrink to a Third-World laundry and always expect jeans to be returned with creases ironed down the front.