Tour Plan International Packing Tips

When booking a vacation or long weekend with Tour Plan International, all you have to do is pack your bags. Our travel advisors do the planning, but you may still have questions about packing for your adventure. Or, you may want to try packing “Carry-On Only” for your next flight.

Tour Plan International advisors in this blog provide their best tips for packing…even for a minimalist carry-on bag. (For “Carry-On Only” tips, keep reading…)

Our Top Packing Tips for Travel Near & Far

If you are flying, master the 3-1-1 Liquids Bag. Get creative. Consider a solid shampoo and conditioner bar instead of liquid, decant your favorite liquids into travel containers, and purchase travel-size packets of your favorites instead of bottles.
Consider packing with compression packing cubes. They compress your clothes while providing organization.
Research your destination. Often, you will find packing ideas by researching weather trends, destinations, or even cruise ship dailies. Join a Facebook group or watch YouTube videos. If you are joining a Tour Plan group, ask your travel advisor.
If your destination is a river or ocean cruise liner, take a moment to review their guidelines for items that are forbidden.
Did you know that you can not carry Sudafed or Tylenol Arthritis to some foreign destinations? If you are traveling internationally with prescribed or OTC medications, research the laws at your destinations. Also, ensure that you follow prescribed medications and medical device guidelines.
Tag your bags. Ensure that your bag has a luggage tag and your contact information on the inside. Consider using an AirTag or Tile to track your bags.
You may be asked to check your carry-on bag at the airline gate. Those who board early have a lower probability of checking their carry-on bags. Consider paying a small fee to upgrade your standard seat to a premium and be in the first boarding group in your class. (dependent on airline and flight)
Ship your luggage or a box to a destination hotel. Of course, call ahead and ensure that the hotel will hold your package for arrival.

The “Carry-On Only” Challenge

Thousands of checked bags are delayed each year, and 2022 was exceptionally bad. Missing luggage and checked baggage fees may have you considering “carry-on only” for your next destination. Here are nine tips from Tour Plan advisors:

Find the allowed dimensions and weight for your carry-on and personal item per the booked airline. If your flight includes an international leg, the sizes may differ. (European dimensions and weight are lower!) Compare the measurements to your luggage and personal items collection, and pick or purchase your two items: one carry-on and only one personal item.
Consider using the compression packing cubes described above.
Craft a capsule wardrobe with a few pieces that mix and match. An easy way to assemble a capsule wardrobe is to stick to neutral, solid bottoms and matching solid tops. Add interest, patterns, and pops of color with accessories. Find examples of capsule wardrobes for travel on Pinterest or join the free Facebook group, Travel Fashion Girls.
Three pairs of shoes. The pair that you will wear on the plane, train, etc., and only two additional, easy-to-pack pairs.
Plan your initial travel outfit. Plan to wear the bulkiest shoes and clothes as your travel outfit—for example, jeans, sweaters, jackets, etc. Consider a shawl that can double as a travel blanket—and a stylish wrap.
Often, it is not the clothes that take up the space but the “other stuff .”Have one organizer with non-liquid make-up, hair supplies, first aid, jewelry, medications, etc. Limit yourself to only that one organizer and pair down reserves to fit.
Get very creative with your 3-1-1 liquids bag and consider products that have multiple uses. (Perhaps a color stick that doubles for lips and cheeks) Or consider purchasing liquids once you arrive at your destination.
Plan with a “Trial Pack .”Set your luggage and personal item out and pack your list. You may be surprised that you have to cut 25-50% of your initial list. It is less stressful to know days in advance.
Remember to pack a few items of clothing, important documents, and your “other stuff” organizer in your personal item. You may still be asked to check your carry-on luggage at the airline gate.