Packing My Bags
Personal Experience Story “Packing My Bags”-From Robin:
I always have a great feeling when I can say “all my bags are packed”. However, I am challenged in packing my bags. There is a fine line between packing too much and not having what you wished you had packed. Bringing most or all of what you will need (or wish you had packed) can be an ongoing packing challenge for many people. To help you, we have assembled a number of packing lists and other packing aids all in this one “packing my bags” post. Please enjoy and follow the links and buttons to get what you need.
We recently updated them in December 2023. They will help you think of things you should bring. We certainly hope you can help us continually improve these with your helpful feedback! Here are some of our ideas, and items you can purchase just by clicking on the links, that will help you with doing a better, less stressful “packing my bags”.
Many of the items that we are recommending can be easily purchased at Amazon. If you don’t have Amazon Prime membership, you can try a one-month free membership which can be cancelled at any time. If you intend to buy any of these items below, with Prime you will likely also qualify for free shipping, subject to certain minimum purchase thresholds. We’ve had Prime membership for years and in addition to free shipping, I love the free Amazon music and Prime video that is included.
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Packing My Bags – Types of luggage
Having the right or wrong luggage can make or break a well-thought-out DIY travel plan. The first decision is whether you want to check your bag or bring everything as a carry on. Each has its pros and cons. If you are going for a longer time and/or have much to bring, you most likely will need to check your bag.
We have developed a suitcase and packing checklist that should help you with your packing requirements. Click the following button to select a free checklist to help you with your packing.
Also, until the restrictions lift, you will need to pack your liquids in small containers. In case you have questions such as “What is Hawaiian Airlines Carry-on Liquids Policy?”, we suggest you check their website or other blogs that focus on those issues.
Packing My Bags – 24 Inch Luggage Carry-On
It is worthwhile to use a suitcase with good roller wheels. A four-wheel luggage carry-on is better than two-wheel carry-on luggage, particularly on hard floor surfaces.
Tumi Carry On Bags are Cos’s go-to bag. He traveled a lot during his career. A Tumi Carry-On, including the Tumi Monogram Patch, with Tumi Engraving, was his favorite. While a Tumi Carry-On is a little more expensive than the average 24-inch Luggage Carry-On, they are high quality, and you can buy them at Amazon.
However, for the more cost-conscious buyer, we might suggest Marshalls Carry-On Luggage. marshall’s has a great collection of less expensive luggage.
Packing My Bags – Luggage Cover Protector
In the past we have also used suitcase straps after having a zipper on one of our well-used suitcases fail. Being the nice-guy, happy travelers, we saw someone else who had the same problem. We were able to give him an extra strap that we had. Our most recent purchase however does away with the straps while protecting your luggage…luggage protector cover!
Claiming your Luggage at the Airport
Both Alaska Airlines and Delta guarantee that you will get your luggage in 20-minutes. Additionally, baggage tracking seems to be improving with some airlines sending text messages when your bag is on the plane. Finally. you can move through the airport easier (lighter?) without having to drag your luggage.
If you would like to avoid waiting for your bag or are worried about lost luggage, then you should probably carry on. There are weight limits (35 pounds domestically) and size limits (10 inches x 16 inches x 24 inches). They must fit in the overhead bins. There is nothing worse than having to give up your carry on and you must retrieve it at baggage claim. As with the checked bag, it is a good idea to have your contact information inside your carry on in case your bag must be checked. If this happens and you didn’t fish out important items like medicines or documents, it could be a headache.
Packing My Bags – Backpacks
I have used a Backpack that opens like a suitcase for years and find I can fit quite a lot of my clothes. It completely zips open, so the contents are laid out horizontally like a regular suitcase, easy to find what you need.
That said, I’m intrigued by the under-seat suitcases which often have wheels rather than strapping on the backpack. Here is one that looks really good:
Light, fold-up backpacks are also helpful, especially if you are looking for something that you can use to carry items with you when you are walking and touring. Venture Pal makes a 1-lb backpack that folds up and is great to take with you on a hike or walk. You can get it at Amazon.
I also bring a tote bag with items that make my trip more enjoyable (see Packing Equipment and Accessories list).
Cos uses a really good backpack for his carry on. I think it also gives him a workout because he can fit a lot in it!
Packing My Bags – Compression Packing Cubes
We are big believers in compression packing cubes. At first, they can challenge you but once you become accustomed to them, they are invaluable. I find that they are efficient and make it much easier to pack and to find things quickly. Amazon Packing Cubes are all quite effective and not too expensive.
Packing My Bags – Sunday Carry Bags Golf
Cos and I love to play golf when we travel. However, we first asked a question: “What is a Sunday Golf Bag”? Well, we quickly learned that to be able to reduce the weight of our golf clubs and golf club bags, we needed to get a Sunday golf bag with stand, and we needed two that might fit in one travel bag. First, we thought we might find a Leather Sunday Golf bag, but no luck. Then we got lucky and found two at “Sunday Golf Bags – Amazon” and hoped they could fit in one golf travel bag. Here are the Sunday bags we bought, and they work just fine.
Then we found the perfect large travel bag, the Founders Club Golf Bag.
If you don’t want to lug your clubs with you through the airport, we have used Ship Sticks with great satisfaction. They will pick up your clubs and send them to your destination.
Packing My bags – Luggage Scales
Most airlines limit the weight of your checked suitcase (usually 50-51 pounds) and size (no longer than 62 linear inches). Some overseas airlines have different limits so you should be familiar with those rules when travelling. We bought our first and second at Luggage Scale – Amazon. A handheld suitcase scale is worthwhile; just make sure you put it in the checked luggage once you have the weight. We were pulled aside in the TSA lane because the agent was suspicious of the scale. Also, we know there are also good luggage weight scale – Target and a Walmart luggage scale.
Our first luggage scale worked great until it needed a new battery…which required the use of a small screwdriver to remove the battery. We have since found a battery-free scale, charged by simply shaking the battery. Genius!
Packing My bags – GPS Tracker for Luggage
When you check your bag, there is that moment when you wonder if you will ever see your “stuff” again. More people are using a GPS tracker for luggage-Amazon. We put a Tile Pro GPS Tracker in our checked bags which could help with locating lost luggage. Separately, we considered the Apple Airpod, but found that the Tile Pro will work with either Apple or Android. Lastly, we chose the Pro because it has a battery which can be replaced, usually after a year’s use.
Packing My bags – Luggage Tags
Also helpful is to have distinctive luggage tags…until recently, we used colorful Christmas ribbon in addition to the luggage tag with contact information. Not only does this make it easy to locate your bag from a distance but it also prevents someone from accidentally taking your bag when they thought it was theirs. However, we recently replaced the Christmas ribbon with these great bright green aluminum luggage tags. They are attached with a stainless steel wire which should be much more durable than the normal leather attachments.
In addition, we put our contact information inside the suitcase in case the outside one is lost.
Travel Adapters/Electronics/Telephones
When you are travelling overseas or even taking a cruise, it is best to find out what travel adapters will work within that country or on that ship. Most ships will have a 110V American style outlet, but usually only one. So, if you have multiple phones, tablets, laptop and other devices that need an outlet, at a minimum you should have a wall extender that has USB or multiple 3-prong plugs outlets. When you get to most countries outside of North America typically you will need an adapter to handle the different plug formats. It is best to buy one that has multiple plugs for different countries as there are a number of different plug formats out there.
The other problem is that most of the world’s electric current is 220V and not 110V as it is in the US. This is a real problem if you are trying to bring American devices (e.g., hairdryers) with you. Don’t do it, because you really don’t want to have to bring a voltage converter, just an adapter. We recommend looking at all the adapters at Amazon and picking out one that will meet your needs. We really like these four because three of them support many different countries around the world. Separately, in the case of the EU-only adapter it supports many different charging cable types. Also, the US outlets are spread out so you use multiple new, large apple plug-ins at the same time.
Cos loves to listen to his music with his Bose Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones – Amazon.
But, until recently there was no way to connect to the airplane movie system. So, we asked the question, “What is a Bluetooth Adapter”?
We just ordered the AirFly Bluetooth adapter which allows him to convert to Bluetooth, giving him “theatre” sound from the movies! It will also work in the gym with his earbuds!
Phone Services or SIM Cards
Calling or using data on your phone plan can really be expensive. Verizon’s International Monthly plan offers a one-time bundle of minutes, texts and data which can be used in 210+ countries and destinations for $100/line per month. Some people will buy a SIM card but that seems cumbersome.
I recently read a promising review for Google Fi. They offer three pricing plans with no contracts or activation fees, pausing service whenever you need and a built-in VPN and spam blocking. Sounds good. Clark Howard has written an excellent review of Google Fi, including pros and cons. However, be aware that if you switch to Google Fi, you leave your current provider (but can keep your number). Furthermore, unless you use one of the phones designed for Google Fi, you will use T-Mobile in the U.S.
Packing My Bags – Easy Travel Clothing
Just a reminder, you can get the following packing lists at our Elevated Travel Tools Etsy store:
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Packing My Bags – Skiing & Hiking
If you are interested in packing lists for skiing or hiking trips, please check our Skiing Post or our Hiking Post.