Best travel packing hacks: Expert tips on how to pack your bags right for stress-free travels

How to pack for a trip: Rolling clothes helps save space and reduce wrinkles. By rolling items tightly and stacking them neatly, you can fit more into your bag and ensure everything stays organised (Image: Canva)

The holiday season is all set to begin soon, and with it comes the excitement of travel. Packing for a trip becomes much easier when you have the right luggage to suit your needs. Whether it’s a business trip or a vacation, selecting the right type of luggage can significantly impact your travel experience. The right luggage not only ensures that your belongings are organised and secure but also adds convenience and style to your journey.

"When preparing for your holiday, carefully consider your needs and select luggage that complements your travel style,” says Naina Parekh, Founder of EUME, travel bags and accessories. “To enjoy your holiday with ease and confidence, choosing the right luggage, along with smart packing techniques, ensures you stay organised and stress-free,” she suggests.

Parekh tells you how to pack like a pro and suggests different types of luggage that will improve your travel experience:

• Create a packing checklist: A checklist is essential to ensure you don’t forget important items. Organise it into categories; clothing, toiletries, tech gear, and documents. This helps you stay on track and prevents last-minute panic. Whether you’re using a carry-on or a large suitcase, a checklist keeps you focused on packing only the essentials.

• Use packing cubes: Packing cubes are an excellent way to keep your luggage organised, regardless of its size. They allow you to divide items into categories, making it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything. Packing cubes helps to maximise space and make your travel more convenient.

• Roll your clothes: Rolling clothes helps save space and reduce wrinkles. By rolling items tightly and stacking them neatly, you can fit more into your bag and ensure everything stays organised. This method works well for backpacks, hard-shell suitcases, or soft-sided luggage.

• Carry-on suitcase: Ideal for short trips or when you want to avoid checked baggage fees. These compact suitcases fit in overhead bins and are great for keeping your essentials close. Hard-shell carry-ons provide better protection for delicate items, while soft-shell versions offer more flexibility for squeezing in extra belongings.

• Smart luggage: If you’re a frequent traveller, consider investing in smart luggage. Some suitcases come equipped with USB chargers, built-in scales, and GPS tracking, which add convenience to your journey. These features are particularly useful for tech-savvy travellers who want to stay connected while on the move.

• Checked luggage: Best for longer trips or when you need to pack more. Checked luggage provides ample space for clothes, shoes, and accessories.

• Duffel bags: Perfect for weekend getaways or when you need lightweight, easy-to-carry luggage. Duffel bags are versatile and can fit into overhead compartments or be checked in for more storage.

• Backpacks: Great for travellers who prefer mobility and hands-free convenience. Travel backpacks come with multiple compartments, making them ideal for organising everything from clothes to tech gear.

• Travel-sized toiletries: Toiletries take up space and can add extra weight to your luggage. Whether you’re using a carry-on, checked suitcase, or backpack, switch to travel-sized toiletries to save room. Solid toiletries, like shampoo bars or lotion sticks, further reduce bulk and the risk of liquid spills.

• Handy essentials: During travel, keep important items like your passport, travel documents, and chargers within easy reach. For carry-ons or backpacks, use an external pocket for quick access. If you’re using checked luggage, pack a smaller personal bag to hold your essentials while in transit.

• Distribute weight evenly: No matter what type of luggage you choose, distributing weight evenly is key for comfort and balance. Place heavier items, like shoes and toiletries, at the bottom of your suitcase or backpack, and lighter items on top. This keeps your bag stable and prevents unnecessary strain.