Travel Tips

 Here are 9 fundamental packing strategies that every traveler should learn.

1. Roll, don't fold. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.

2. Make a packing list. Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important.

3. Know your airline's baggage-fee policy. While most airlines permit travelers to check at least one bag on international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic flights. 

4. Follow the 3-1-1 rule. All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.

 

5. Use your personal item wisely. It's standard for airlines to permit each traveler to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard planes. This personal item is subject to specific size requirements (these vary by airline), but something like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack is generally acceptable.

 

6. Wash your clothes on the road. You can wash and wear just a handful of outfits for the duration of even very long trips.

7. Pack dual-purpose garments. Dual-purpose items, such as pants that turn into shorts or a jacket that turns into a travel pillow are worth their weight in airline baggage fees.

8. Layer. Wear layers and pack in layers. 

9. Never check essential items. It's terribly important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you.