When planning a trip, deciding what suitcase to use and what to pack for your trip, and knowing how to organize it all can be daunting. Your travel destination will affect what you pack and the size of a suitcase to use. If you’re traveling within the United States I’ve made a list of travel basics including a lightweight suitcase that will help your travel organization no matter what type of vacation you’re taking!
7 Items to Prepare for Travel
- Suitcases
The three factors I consider when buying a suitcase are 1) weight and 2) maneuverability and 3) size. Airlines have a weight limit on your luggage and its contents. You don’t
want your suitcase to be so heavy that you can’t pack your clothes! Purchase luggage that is easy to maneuver through a busy airport. Size is also important. If you’re carrying on a small suitcase, you want to make sure that it will fit in the overhead bin. Check with your airline carrier for specific dimensions as they may vary. - Travel Cubes – I recently learned of these ready-made cubes and it’s genius. I’m always separating my clothes in plastic bags or whatever I can find. Then during the trip, everything ends up jumbled together and things are difficult to find. Separating travel items in categories that makes sense saves so much hassle! You can keep your items within each cube and simply place them in the hotel dresser! I usually roll workout clothes in outfits (top, sports bra, and legging) so it’s easier to get up and go. Rolled outfits can be easily placed in the cubes.
- Luggage Tags – I love a good luggage tag especially a bright one. Stand out so you can find your bag easily and if the bag is lost, others can contact YOU. I also write my name, and phone number on painter’s tape and tape it inside my bag in case the exterior tag goes missing.
- Bag Stacker Strap – If you have multiple suitcases, stacker straps will help you carry your luggage through the airport.
- Travel Scale – Weigh your bags before you get to the airport. I highly recommend this since I’ve had to pay extra charges upon check-in. The upcharge can be very expensive! The weight limit of your bags may vary depending on your ticket type and your airline carrier. Visit your airline website to verify weight limits.
- Mini Make-up Bags and Toiletry Bags– I’ve been using one similar to the Begin Magic brand and this Sonia Kashuk bag from Target for years. Look for one with separate compartments and inside straps to hold make-up brushes. Easy access and a large opening so you can easily see all of your skincare and makeup products. Another option is a hanging toiletry bag which is nice for places with limited counter space. Look for see-through compartments too!
- Travel Size Bottles – TSA Approved and leakproof travel size refillable containers with a wide opening so you can easily clean and refill with your favorite products like shampoos and conditioners.
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Traveling with Your Pet featuring our mascot Bentley!
Safe travels, and here’s to finding your style,™ – Kim
Photo Credit – Sarah – SMMG Photography. Thank you to the incredibly patient and kind Sarah Neal, Owner of SMMG Photography. ♥
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