Packing for an extended trip, especially an overseas sojourn, is one of the biggest hassles of traveling. This is amplified further when traveling with little ones. “What should I bring?” and “What should I leave at home?” are two of the most pressing questions. However, by employing a little organizational strategy packing can be streamlined in order to ensure you never leave any essentials behind. In a recent exclusive interview with Forbes.com. popular TV host and travel expert Samantha Brown, the most recognized woman in travel television today, shared her top ten packing hacks designed to make traveling a lot less stressful.
Brown is a two-time Emmy-Winning travel host.
Samantha Brown Media
- A week before I leave for a big trip, I keep a pad of paper around and write down things I need to pack as they pop into my head. This allows me to remember more specific items, like my favorite blouse that still needs to be dry-cleaned.
- I always use the front pockets of my suitcase for smaller items like socks and underwear.
- I carry a plastic compression bag to contain any dirty laundry. I squeeze out the air to reduce all the bulk, leaving more room for any items I bought on my trip.
- I like to save an old pair of sneakers to use on my trip and throw them away when I get to my destination. This allows me to get all the wear out of my shoes and frees up space in my suitcase for anything I might pick up on my travels.
- Create a last-minute jewelry organizer roll using a t-shirt. I neatly lay out my necklaces, so they don’t get tangled, attach any earrings to the shirt and tuck rings into the fold. Roll it up, fasten each end with an elastic and it’s good to go.
- The best accessory to carry is a tube of red lipstick. No matter where I am in the world, it changes any look from “meh” to “wow.”
- When traveling with my family, I include items for every family member in each bag. If one piece of luggage gets lost, everyone is guaranteed to have some clothing.
- Air tags are essential. I like to tuck them into my checked luggage in case anything gets lost.
- A brilliant tip I learned from a flight attendant: In case I need to clean my water bottle while traveling, moisten a sponge with dish washing detergent and let it dry. Then, cut it into nine tiny squares and put them in a Ziplock bag. Now I have something to clean with and it won’t count against the liquid limit.
- When packing my carry on, I always follow the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule to help guide my choices: 5 tops, including a sweater; 4 bottoms: pants, shorts, leggings and a skirt; 3 shoes: heels, boots and a walking shoe; 2 accessories such as a scarf and a belt; 1 dress
Brown has been to over 250 cities in 62 countries.
Samantha Brown Media
Brown is a two-time Emmy-Winning host (Outstanding Host; Outstanding Travel Program) of PBS’ Samantha Brown’s Places to Love, currently filming its 7th season. Brown is known for her warm, engaging personality and her ability to convey the true character of the people and places she visits throughout the world. Inspiring wanderlust since her television journey first began with Travel Channel’s “Great Hotels,” Brown has been to over 250 cities in 62 countries and 40 states within the U.S. Her enthusiasm for travel and passion for connecting viewers to the people and cultures of the destinations she explores has meant that her focus remains on the “must meet” rather than on the “must-do’s.” An entrepreneur as well as TV host, she debuted her own stylish luggage line in 2011 on HSN.
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