2 suitcases packed tightly with clothes and shoes for 3 months abroad in London during the Fall and beginning of Winter.
When preparing to travel, one of the first things you need to do is pack your bag. When packing, it's always important to decide what you need to take, and what isn't a necessity. This can all be determined by how long you will be traveling, what seasons you'll experience, and where your destination is.
According to an article in USA Today by Caroline Costello, packing is pivotal and forgetting an essential item leaves one disappointed and scrambling to find the nearest store in your destination. If you pack too much you could risk a disorganized bag that's too heavy leading to baggage fees from the airline. She goes on to give 10 packing tips every traveler should know, some of which I'd love to share with you.
The first tip is roll, don't fold. Tightly rolled clothes will take up less space than folded ones. This was true when I packed for 3 months in London, but to increase packing space even more add space bags for extra measure. If you roll the clothes and shrink them in space bags, it makes for great room for souvenirs and the bag feels lighter without all the extra air.
Next make yourself a list, because if you procrastinate with your packing then the process will be more difficult. Make a list based on destinations, locations, weather, etc. It's important to figure out what you'll need such as an umbrella for London, a dress for Spain or some shorts for Rome
Figure out your airline's baggage policies so that you don't get held up at the airport. Check the extra weight charges and limits, and see how many carry-on bags your plane allows. Make sure if you have any liquids in your carry on they follow the 3-1-1 rule in the clear plastic containers, and see what your airline allows in checked bags.
If possible and comfortable layer for you flights, less clothes in the bag means more room, and the more you can fit on you, the more you can take! Packing wisely will make your travels easier whether it be for a few days or a few months.