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First things first, what luggage are you taking? You will need to decide whether you're choosing rolling luggage or a backpack. Of course, if your plan is to go backpacking the latter is the best choice for you. Otherwise, rolling luggage is a great plan as it's easy to get around with. You can choose one small enough to take as hand luggage or opt for something larger for longer trips. For the shorter trips, though, you may want to consider a traditional backpack as it will help you limit your packing.
Packing
With a bit of planning and organisation, the sky really is the limit when it comes to packing smart.
This is a time to be ruthless because not everything can come. Think about what items you can easily buy when you arrive at your destination, what items will likely be available where you are staying, and what you can't possibly live without for your time away. This should make the decision process a bit simpler.
Socks can be slipped into shoes; you can roll clothes within clothes. There are plenty of innovative ways to get everything in there. You should be able to balance your needs with your wants between your checked luggage and hand luggage. Remember to keep any valuables with you on the plane, though you should avoid traveling with anything too valuable.
Clothing
Before you can pack a single item of clothing (well, beyond undergarments and socks) you need to check the weather for your chosen destination. If you will be traveling to multiple places then you'll need to check the weather for each place to be sure you are covered for every eventuality. It's a good idea to invest in rain clothing so that you can throw it over your clothes and not worry about getting saturated while out and about.
Chinos are a great option because they wear well, are easy to mix and match with outfits, and are lighter in comparison to jeans. So, consider a few pairs of chinos and bring extra tops so you can easily mix and match as required. Another important thing to consider is outerwear like sweaters. Rather than packing lots of heavy items, layering up is easier so bring lighter items and wear multiples if the weather dictates.
When it comes to shoes try to limit this as they get heavy. You'll want comfortable shoes for walking, a nicer pair of shoes for any dinners you have planned, and a spare pair for any other eventuality (for sunny destinations this is likely flip flops or sandals).
Don't forget gloves, scarf, and umbrella if it's going to be cold on your travels. You may also want to consider thicker socks for this type of trick.
Gear
The most important thing for anyone these days - chargers! Whether it's laptops, phones or tablets – you need to make sure those (and their chargers) are packed handy so you can easily grab them when you need them. Ideally, those are for your hand luggage and most airports now offer ports in the lounges.
Now, don't forget your toiletries. If you aren't checking any luggage you will need to keep your liquids separate from the rest as they have to be produced at security. So, bear that in mind as you are packing. Luckily, you are now allowed to take a razor on the aeroplane, so you don't need to worry about that. You should also pack a spare, empty bag to keep your dirty laundry in. You may have access to laundry facilities and you may not, so you should be prepared for that. Don't be afraid to hand wash some items in the hotel sink, though.
If you're going backpacking then there are other things to consider, such as maps, guides, long-life snacks, and water bottles. This is a real test of your creative packing skills as you are working with much less space, but will likely be on a longer trip. Think about what you will really need to get through your trip and strip everything back to the basics. You can hand wash clothing as you travel and re-wear many items multiple times.
There's a great wide world out there and it's just waiting for you to explore it, so what are you waiting for? Make sure you check out the incredible Holiday deals @ Booking.com, why not get your next trip at a bargain-basement price?
