1. Book a hotel for a relaxing start to your trip
According to Premier Inn’s research, 52% of people find travelling to the airport stressful. If I have an awkward journey or an early start, I’ll book a hotel the night before so that I can start my trip in a more relaxed fashion. Premier Inn has over 800 hotels, so there’s always one close to where you need to be – especially for UK airports or international trains. Plus, if you’re a parent, it’s super handy as kids eat breakfast for free!
2. Leave yourself plenty of time
This is YOUR holiday, so to get the maximum benefits, start early and enjoy the packing process. According to Premier Inn’s research, 33% of people leave packing to two days before a trip. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, so long as mentally you’re preparing a little further in advance.
One week before: Wash clothes and purchase any new items for the trip. Also make sure you have valid travel insurance.
Three days before: Purchase any toiletries for the trip and check all logistics are sorted. Save essential documents to phone, mark important addresses on map, and top up a currency card if necessary.
Two days before: Make a packing list and start moving items to one place, ready for packing.
One day before: Pack, check packing list and put my feet up!
On the day: Turn off plugs, water plants, lock up and leave with plenty of time.
One of my cheeky tips is to write a post it note and leave it on the inside of the front door with a reminder to check things like leaving my hair straighteners on, watering the plants and then of course your PASSPORT! It’s the last thing I look at before I leave and it’s great as that last reminder before you venture off on your trip.
3. Choose the best suitcase for your style of travel
Some people love backpacks, others love suitcases. Find what works best for you and what will fit with the style of travel you’ll be doing. I’ve tried and tested numerous cases over the years, and while backpacks are fab for trips when you’re on the move a lot, I now prefer to take a suitcase on both short and long breaks. I find wheeling a case less tiring than lugging one on my back. Some of my friends are the opposite though, and if you’re travelling by car, a few small bags might be easier to squeeze in than a big case.
Which case to use?Which case to use?
There are so many different types available, but The Travel Hack suitcase is a particular favourite of mine. It’s packed full of nifty design features that make travelling easier, from pockets for passports and sleeves for laptops, to different compartments so you can separate your clothes inside the case. It’s a great all-rounder!
4. Improve your packing techniques
Are you a folder or a roller… or a plain and simple shover-inner?! Does the way you pack ‘spark joy’ ala Marie Kondo?! Let’s face it, there are plenty of different ways to pack a case, but the best way will depends on a) the items you’re packing and b) the case.
Rolling is fab for keeping items crease free, but isn’t so good when it comes to items like shirts or suits. I tend to do a mix, and if I’m short on space, I’ll be savvy and tuck items inside my shoes. Oh and while we’re talking about shoes, if you’re worrying about the soles getting other items in your case a bit grubby, place shower caps or plastic bags on the bottom. Works a treat!
If you need to take anything bulky on your trip, like a big ski jacket, sunhat or chunky shoes… the best thing to do? WEAR THEM! That way they aren’t taking up space or unnecessary weight in your case.
5. Organise the way your pack with packing cubes
So I’ve mentioned that when it comes to packing, everyone has their own way of doing things. The big game changer for me has been the discovery of packing cubes!
So, what are packing cubes? They’re bags of different sizes that can stack on top of each other, leading to an efficient and organised way to pack a case. I’d recommend dividing your luggage into categories and then packing into packing cubes; one for underwear, another for tops, another for bottoms and one for shoes or sandals. They allow you to locate items quickly and easily, without disrupting your neat packing.
Visit Timbu to book for your Flights Booking
According to Premier Inn’s research, 52% of people find travelling to the airport stressful. If I have an awkward journey or an early start, I’ll book a hotel the night before so that I can start my trip in a more relaxed fashion. Premier Inn has over 800 hotels, so there’s always one close to where you need to be – especially for UK airports or international trains. Plus, if you’re a parent, it’s super handy as kids eat breakfast for free!
2. Leave yourself plenty of time
This is YOUR holiday, so to get the maximum benefits, start early and enjoy the packing process. According to Premier Inn’s research, 33% of people leave packing to two days before a trip. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, so long as mentally you’re preparing a little further in advance.
One week before: Wash clothes and purchase any new items for the trip. Also make sure you have valid travel insurance.
Three days before: Purchase any toiletries for the trip and check all logistics are sorted. Save essential documents to phone, mark important addresses on map, and top up a currency card if necessary.
Two days before: Make a packing list and start moving items to one place, ready for packing.
One day before: Pack, check packing list and put my feet up!
On the day: Turn off plugs, water plants, lock up and leave with plenty of time.
One of my cheeky tips is to write a post it note and leave it on the inside of the front door with a reminder to check things like leaving my hair straighteners on, watering the plants and then of course your PASSPORT! It’s the last thing I look at before I leave and it’s great as that last reminder before you venture off on your trip.
3. Choose the best suitcase for your style of travel
Some people love backpacks, others love suitcases. Find what works best for you and what will fit with the style of travel you’ll be doing. I’ve tried and tested numerous cases over the years, and while backpacks are fab for trips when you’re on the move a lot, I now prefer to take a suitcase on both short and long breaks. I find wheeling a case less tiring than lugging one on my back. Some of my friends are the opposite though, and if you’re travelling by car, a few small bags might be easier to squeeze in than a big case.
Which case to use?Which case to use?
There are so many different types available, but The Travel Hack suitcase is a particular favourite of mine. It’s packed full of nifty design features that make travelling easier, from pockets for passports and sleeves for laptops, to different compartments so you can separate your clothes inside the case. It’s a great all-rounder!
4. Improve your packing techniques
Are you a folder or a roller… or a plain and simple shover-inner?! Does the way you pack ‘spark joy’ ala Marie Kondo?! Let’s face it, there are plenty of different ways to pack a case, but the best way will depends on a) the items you’re packing and b) the case.
Rolling is fab for keeping items crease free, but isn’t so good when it comes to items like shirts or suits. I tend to do a mix, and if I’m short on space, I’ll be savvy and tuck items inside my shoes. Oh and while we’re talking about shoes, if you’re worrying about the soles getting other items in your case a bit grubby, place shower caps or plastic bags on the bottom. Works a treat!
If you need to take anything bulky on your trip, like a big ski jacket, sunhat or chunky shoes… the best thing to do? WEAR THEM! That way they aren’t taking up space or unnecessary weight in your case.
5. Organise the way your pack with packing cubes
So I’ve mentioned that when it comes to packing, everyone has their own way of doing things. The big game changer for me has been the discovery of packing cubes!
So, what are packing cubes? They’re bags of different sizes that can stack on top of each other, leading to an efficient and organised way to pack a case. I’d recommend dividing your luggage into categories and then packing into packing cubes; one for underwear, another for tops, another for bottoms and one for shoes or sandals. They allow you to locate items quickly and easily, without disrupting your neat packing.
Visit Timbu to book for your Flights Booking
