Before going on a vacation, it may seem impossible to pack lightly, especially with all the baggage weight and carry-on size restrictions. From our guests and experience as a boutique hotel in downtown Vancouver, we’ve developed a few strategies over the years that will make packing for your next trip a whole lot easier. Here, we have listed our top five tips on how to pack your suitcase for your next vacation.
- Buy a suitcase that will make you want to use it over and over again
Although it may seem like just a suitcase, using one that fits your preferred colour, layout, size and compartment density can make all the difference. Finding a suitcase that will fit all these components will make you excited to travel with it again and will make packing a lot less boring that it may seem.
Here are a few of our favourite suitcases:
– Away- The Medium Suitcase
o https://www.awaytravel.com/ca/en/suitcases/medium/white
– Herschel- Trade Luggage Medium
o https://herschel.ca/shop/travel/trade-luggage-medium?v=10603-01588-OS
– TUMI- International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On
o https://ca.tumi.com/p/international-expandable-4-wheeled-carry-on-0124855T176/
- Make a travel checklist
Before you start packing, you should always make a checklist of items that you want to bring on your vacation. Some of the most basic things you should include are your toiletries, socks, underwear, clothing, shoes, and more. Depending on where your trip is, the items you pack will vary. However, there will always be several basic items that you will need on any vacation. That’s why we recommend making a travel checklist before you start packing to avoid forgetting anything important.
- Pack your suitcase according to the weather at your destination
Depending on where your destination is, you should pack your clothing according to the upcoming forecasted weather. It is always important to check the weather network (Environment Canada Vancouver Forecast) to ensure you are packing accordingly. For example, if you’re coming to a place like Vancouver in the winter, you may want to pack a cozy cashmere sweater and a waterproof warm jacket, things that are a bit bulkier in weight and size. If you are visiting Vancouver in the summer months, we still recommend a light sweater and a light fold-up rain jacket, like RAINS. In this case, we suggest packing layers that will keep you warm any time of the year but won’t take up too much space in your suitcase.
- Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the plane
Even for the most avid traveler, packing bulky shoes and clothing can always be an issue. A helpful tip that we have come up with is to wear all your bulkiest clothing on the airplane. Bulky items that should be worn on the plane include puffy jackets and boots. That way, you will still be bringing the items but won’t have to go through the hassle of squeezing them into your suitcase. One trick to save room with bulky shoes in your suitcase is to put socks inside your shoes.
- Use a designated pre-packed toiletry travel bag
Store all your toiletries in a toiletry bag that is designated just for travelling. This means you should keep everything from a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to small plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles in a pre-packed toiletry bag. This will save you time and will better prepare you for your vacation. You should also ensure that these are secured in a zip lock bag to avoid any leakage in your bag from air pressure on the plane.
Boutique Hotel in Downtown Vancouver
We hope that these five tips will make packing your suitcase just a bit easier for your next trip. Make sure to book direct and receive the best rate with Victorian Hotel in Vancouver, located at 514 Homer street. Book through our website www.victorianhotel.ca or give us a call to make a reservation at 1-877-681-6369. We look forward to meeting you!