5 TIPS TO EASE STRESS FROM PACKING

It is well known that the most stressful part of travel is packing. What to bring, what not to bring, wondering if your suitcase is over the weightlimit, are questions that runs through everyones minds while packing. If you're anything like me you'll be saving packing for the last few hours before the airport. Although it is currently Friday evening and I haven't even started packing for my Monday afternoon flight, I have a plan that will make packing go smoother than usual and I hope they help you out too.

1. SPACE BAGS ARE FOR REAL

I know everyone sees space bags in the commercials and think, ehhh they're stupid like almost every other thing sold on tv. WRONG. These things are absolutely amazing and will save your life. As a girl, I have countless dresses to bring, skirts, sweaters, jeans, scarfs, and don't forget shoes. Although my mom says only bring the things you can't live without, I still manage to put my full closet in my suitcase and think of a reason for every article of clothing as to why I need it. The struggle comes with fitting it into the suitcase. Space bags are a life saver, for real though. The bag took my thickest and fluffiest sweaters and turned it beyond flat. What I thought wouldn't fit into a suitcase, was able to fit with room left over! I guess that means I can bring more clothes thanks to space bags!!

2. SHOES

This is directed to the ladies out there. We all know when it comes to packing, that shoes are a huge problem. If you're traveling to somewhere in Europe like I am, keep in mind their sidewalks are cobblestone. Skinny heeled high heels will be the death of you on cobblestone, so they don't need to travel with you. No matter how cute they are, if they're not going to be good between stone, then they aren't needed. AKA wedges are your friends. Wedges will go over all the cracks in cobblestone without having you twist an ankle once or a billion times. Although us girls want to look fabulous and fashionable everywhere we go, comfort is key. Only bring shoes you can walk a mile in without your feet hurting and yes, I mean a literal mile or two. There is no fun in a tourist day being ruined because your feet hurt too much to walk. Bring one pair of boots and bring a purse to match the boots, that way, even if they don't go with your outfit, they'll go with your purse and you'll look more together.

3. PREPARE TO LOSE YOUR LUGGAGE

International travel is hectic not only for the travelers, but everyone staffed behind the scenes. When flying international, especially with a connecting flight, it is very common to lose your luggage. My advice: Pack an extra outfit and extra under garments in your carryon bag. Trust me, it is no fun to lose your luggage and wear the same clothes 3 days in a row. If you leave a little extra room in a carry on/backpack/or purse for an extra outfit, you'll have less worry about losing your luggage. Hopefully, you don't lose your luggage and you don't have to worry about this at all! But it is common and I have made the mistake before of not bringing an extra outfit on the plane and I can tell you I'm definitely not doing that again.

4. SNACKS

Airplane food is cool and all but how filling are pretzels really? We try to tell ourselves that a bag of pretzels can hold us over, but we all know that's a lie. Packing a bag or two of little treats in your purse will help hold you over while on the plane. Airport food is often very overpriced but how delicious it would be to have a small bag of popcorn or mixed nuts! Snacks of any form are key and definitely a necessity for long travel days.

5. MAKE COPIES OF YOUR ID

Going international on a flight, you'll need your license, passport, visa papers, international student ID card, etc. If you lose any of those abroad, it could lead to trouble, big trouble. I advise y'all to make 2 or even 3 copies of all your ID's. If you manage to lose your real ID's, they will be easier to replace and you will be able to get around by having copies of them on hand.

Of course number 4 is my favorite piece of advice because guess what my snack often is...... chocolate. Travel safely my friends and do not let the stress of packing get to you!! Starting a trip off in a cranky mood because the stressful packing is never a good idea. Loosen up and take some advice to make packing a little easier!

#packing #europe #travel