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Perfectly packed

Enhance your trip by getting organized

by ALISON THOMPSON

Do you love the joys of vacation travel but hate packing for it?

It’s a seemingly straightforward task that many people dread, but a few clever tactics can make it quicker, easier and altogether less stressful.

The right luggage

First things first. Before buying new luggage, think about how and where you’ll be using it, to ensure you choose something with useful features for your journey.

For instance, wheeled rigid suitcases are easy to move, highly durable and offer protection in transit, making them perfect for many trips, including resort vacations and cruises. However, soft backpacks or carry-ons may be a better choice for multi-stop tours where your bag will be stowed in numerous vehicles, especially if luggage space is awkward or restricted.

Hybrid bags, meanwhile, have both wheels and zip-away back straps, which are ideal for walking and navigating trickier spaces, such as stairs.

Plan your packing

Effective packing is all about planning, according to professional travel blogger Monica Stott of The Travel Hack (thetravelhack.com). “Always write a packing list,” she says. “It will be quicker to pack your bags and you won’t overpack or sneak in any extra just-in-case items.”

As part of this process, plan your outfits first and be selective, opting for mix-and-match garments that complement each other and can be worn on multiple occasions, dressed down for daytime or accessorized for evening wear.

Pack smart

Though it’s difficult to completely eradicate creases, Stott recommends rolling up clothes and placing them in zipped packing cubes to compress them and save space. This also helps with organization, making it easier to find things at the destination.