PACK PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS

CHRIS WAIN - DIRECTOR - AFRICA TRAVEL

"Pack plastic carrier bags in your suitcase - it may sound silly but they are essential for packing because they’re multipurpose. Plastic bags can be used to protect clothes from damage, leaking sun cream, shampoo and other toiletries, as well as to separate and pack dirty laundry you acquire during your travels.

Plastic zip lock bags are also a great item to use, particularly handy for protecting and separating your gadgets from the other contents in your suitcase."

PACK EVERYTHING INTO BAGS

EMMA HULL - PR EXECUTIVE & TRAVEL BLOGGER

"One of my greatest tips is to pack everything into bags. Sounds silly but it actually comes in super handy. I label mine as tops, bottoms, underwear, jewellery and bathroom stuff. It is great if you have a big rucksack and need to find certain bits, and you don't want to unfold everything. You can actually buy travel bags - but plastic bags work just as well!"

MAKE A PACKING CHECKLIST

This should be one of the first things to do before starting your holiday packing (other than ensuring you have a suitcase). Making a packing checklist will help you to be thorough and ensure you’re not forgetting anything. You can split up your checklist into essentials, hand luggage, clothes, accessories and then toiletry and beauty products.

INVEST IN A LIGHTWEIGHT SUITCASE

There are so many stylish and sleek suitcases out there that you really are spoilt for choice! Size and weight should definitely play the most important role when you’re out suitcase shopping. Buying a suitcase which has metal protection might be good for durability; however it will really impact on your luggage allowance.

SPRUCE UP YOUR SUITCASE

Avoid any issues when it comes to collecting your luggage from the conveyor belt and not being able to identify your own suitcase by sprucing it up a bit. Especially if you’ve got plain black luggage, you could add stickers, a coloured ribbon or even just ensuring your suitcase has a tag is a good start.

PACKING CUBES

If you haven’t already heard of them, packing cubes are about to transform the way you pack. Packing cubes will help you to organise your belongings and keep them compact. As well as keeping clothes neat and less creased, packing cubes can also help you to maximise your space.

PACK HEAVIEST ITEMS AT THE BOTTOM

Avoid squashing or damaging any delicate or fragile items by packing the heaviest items (not including your towel) at the bottom of your suitcase. These heavy or bulky items might include electrical items such as a hairdryer, shaver or straighteners, shoes and then certain accessories including belts and handbags.

TOWEL ON TOP

It’s often a good idea to place your towel on the top when it comes to packing. You might want to use it straight away at the hotel for freshening up or for heading straight to the pool (especially if your hotel room isn’t ready yet). Your towel also comes in handy for some additional padding in your suitcase.

CARRY ANY VALUABLES IN HAND LUGGAGE

Unfortunately luggage theft incidents do still happen so it’s best to take any precautions where possible. Packing any valuables in your hand luggage rather than in your hold luggage means that you’ll have them on you at all times. This might include your purse or wallet, jewellery, mobile phone and any other digital devices.

BUBBLE WRAP DELICATE ITEMS

Take some bubble wrap on your travels. This might sound silly but take some folded bubble wrap in your suitcase with you. It will come in handy when you’re travelling back from your holiday and you’re bringing home some delicate mementos and keepsakes.

UTILISE ALL COMPARTMENTS

If you’ve made the right choice when it comes to buying your suitcase, then hopefully you’ve got various compartments inside your bag. This is useful when it comes to organising your clothes, underwear, toiletries and gadgets etc. Just make sure not to put anything in outside pockets if your luggage is going into the hold!

PACK FOR YOUR ACTIVITIES

PAUL JOSEPH - CO FOUNDER - HEALTH & FITNESS TRAVEL

"Pack for your activities – by planning your outfits in advance you can avoid chaotic mornings and always be prepared to take on the day. Whether your next adventure is a yoga, fitness, cultural or water sports holiday, pre-planning saves a lot of hassle in the long-run. Once you have each outfit laid out, fold (or roll) them together and pack them in the order in which you’ll need them. Don’t be tempted to overpack ‘just in case’; plan ahead, and you’ll have exactly what you need."

PACK A SWIMSUIT IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE

WEAR YOUR HEAVIEST & MOST BULKY ITEMS

PACK DUAL-PURPOSE GARMENTS

PACK LIGHT-COLOURED CLOTHES INSIDE OUT

MATCH COLOUR PALETTE TO DESTINATION

USE SHOWER CAP TO COVER BASE OF SHOES

UTILISE EMPTY SPACE IN SHOES

LAUNDRY BAG FOR DIRTY LAUNDRY

VACUUM STORAGE BAGS

TAKE A FIRST AID KIT

ADAM COULTER - UK MANAGING EDITOR - CRUISE CRITIC

“For stress-free cruising, we highly recommend that you take a first aid kit, since medications onboard can be expensive. To create more space in a small cabin, we also suggest packing an over-the-door shoe holder so you can easily store small items such as make up, toiletries and jewellery. It is also worth taking a foldable bag for bringing back things you want to buy onboard and ashore, as well as a good size bag for day trips or beach trips. This can also be used to house your first day essentials onboard, since you might not receive your luggage in your room for a good few hours.

It is also advised to bring along a small power strip - no more than two outlets and not power surge protected - to charge your smart gadgets, as there are often not enough outlets in cruise cabins. Lastly, for men, it is worth packing at least a jacket, if not a suit and tie, for more formal nights onboard."

BRING SOME JUST IN-CASE MEDICATIONS

PACK HOME COMFORTS

ZIPLOCK ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

TRAVEL WITH CABLE TIES