Here are some simple tips to help you make the most of your suitcase space:
- Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality.
- Lock your luggage to prevent theft and tampering.
- When packing, lay out the items you intend to take and re-evaluate your list to eliminate any unnecessary or single-use items.
- Iron everything before placing it in your suitcase as you may not always have time to iron clothes when you are on tour.
- Button all buttons on clothes and zip all zippers to avoid items getting caught on them.
- Pack chronologically, with items to be worn first on the top. This will make it easier to pull things out of your suitcase and save you time, handy for when you are on the go.
- Pack items tightly so that clothes do not have too much space to move around and wrinkle but leave some room for shopping and souvenirs.
- Bring wrinkle-camouflaging patterned clothing or blended fabrics that show a minimum of wrinkles.
- Pack toiletries in plastic bags to avoid spillages. Individual containers with more than 1OOml of liquids are not permitted to be taken in your carry-on luggage in many airports. They must be placed in your checked-in luggage. Check with your airline or airport for up-to-date security restrictions.
- To save room pack items in shoes (i.e. rolled socks etc).
- If you need to use appliances such as electric shavers and traveling irons you may need a converter and a universal electrical travel adapter in order to use these items in foreign countries.
- Carry travel documents, medication, jewelry (only take the absolute minimum), money and travelers cheques, and other valuables in a money belt or hand bag.
