Packing bags is not always a piece of cake for travelers. There are many things that could go wrong; one could overpack, under pack or mispack their luggage for dream vacations and holiday destinations. This can cause many problems that leads to an overwhelmingly difficult and unpleasant travel experience. And one can never fully enjoy a trip or holiday when one is worried about packing and luggage. So, here is a nifty and helpful guide to pack effectively and efficiently for your world tour package because why waste time on something as trivial as packing when there is an entire world out there for you to explore!

Checklist

First and foremost, search for a checklist or a general world tour packing list from the internet, print it out and check things as you find them, pack them, or buy them so you have a running status update for how much luggage you have. This will later help you envision how many bags you need along with the appropriate size of bags and suitcases you will have to use to store your belongings.

You can also prepare and write your own checklist based on your needs and requirements. Packing lists also differ based on how many people are going and who is going. For instance, there is a significant difference between a family’s travel gear, especially when there are children, and a solo traveler’s gear. So be mindful of the number and type of passengers and make a checklist based on that. If you booked your trip through a travel agency, you could also ask them to help you and provide you with a list.

Baggage Policy

Before starting to pack, be sure to check your airline’s baggage policy to be certain of your luggage weight. Usually, you are charged if your luggage weight exceeds the airline requirements and sometimes the luggage is also disposed of. So, hop on to your airline’s website or call them to check and confirm their requirements. You can also ask about this from your travel agency. This step is important as it can prevent unnecessary delays and hassle that could have been prevented. It will also reduce the extra weight of luggage you might pack and the extra cost needed to get that luggage approved.

Luggage

The next step is determining which bags or suitcases to carry with you. Choosing the right sort of bag or luggage piece is essential as it influences what you can pack and how much storage space you have available. There are many different options:

Suitcases

Suitcases are a classy and sophisticated piece of luggage that are bound to make a statement anywhere you go. They also have more room and are easier on the shoulders because you do not have to carry them on your shoulders. They typically have rolling wheels which are great but may be a hassle on cobbled or brick lined streets. 

Also keep in mind that in some developing countries there may not be elevators in all buildings. So if you are fine with a little workout every once in a while, then suitcases are the way to go. If you want to go trekking, hiking or any other outdoor adventures, you cannot take a suitcase so you will need another bag, preferably a backpack to always carry your essentials with you.

Backpacks

Backpacks are very prominent and fashionable. They are also the most sought-after luggage piece and are used by many people, be it families, couples, or individuals as carry-on luggage. They are easier to carry on the shoulders and can fit in many belongings without it becoming heavy. They also have more compartments for organization and are sturdy and durable. Backpacks are an essential piece to have as a secondary bag and to complete your luggage set. You can store all your valuables and electronics in it to take with you on day trips and sightseeing.

Hybrids

Hybrids are another option if you want the best of both suitcases and backpacks. Hybrids have the space of a suitcase but can also be worn on your shoulders. It might get too tiring to lug a hybrid bag around, especially because the straps on such bags are not as padded as the ones on backpacks. But one plus point is that they can also be rolled on the ground so that might make mobility easier and smoother.

What to look for in a suitable bag?

Now that you know what major options you have, you can always look around and see what fits your needs, requirements and even style. Before finally deciding on a bag, you must first confirm if the bag is suitable for all the climates and weather you might encounter on your world trip, if it is comfortable to carry, its wearability, durability, sturdiness. A perfect bag has a useful design, weight and size in relation to your physique. It is also a bonus point if you can get it at a reasonable price because world tour costs are already quite a significant investment.

What to pack?

After deciding on a bag, the hard part is to pack all your essentials and valuables for a world tour. You will also have to keep your airline’s baggage limit in mind as well while you pack so do not forget to weigh your bag at regular intervals with a digital luggage scale to make sure you are not overpacking.

Documents

The first thing to think of is where you will keep all your important documents including but not limited to travel or medical insurance, passport, visa, tickets, cash, vaccination proof, credit and debit cards and an international license. You want to make sure you keep the original copies safe. You can also get multiple photocopies and convert them into electronic forms to keep on your devices. That way, you have all the bases covered and still have them around your person if one thing gets lost. It is preferable to store all of them in one place, in a file or folder that you can place in your secondary bag, or you can also carry them around in a crossbody bag or a fanny pack while sightseeing.

Organization

Organization is especially important to cut travel hassle by half. Always categorize your belongings and pack them close to each other. For example, toiletries in one compartment and cosmetics in the other and so on. Make full use of the many compartments you get in a backpack and organize your luggage according to your preference. 

For large suitcases, you can also get separate Ziploc bags and organize your outfits based on days if it is a short trip (one outfit for Monday in one bag, the second one for Tuesday in another bag etc) or based on type (pajamas in one bag, casual wear in a second one, accessories in a third). These will usually work efficiently for a solo traveler. For families, you can always spread out your clothes between bags so one bag does not have too many of one family member’s possessions. This way if your luggage gets lost, you will at least have some clothes to pass a few days.

Clothes

Next comes the most important essential, clothes. You may not want to pack your whole wardrobe here because this is just the beginning, and we have a lot more to go. It is important to pack only the necessities. Pack polyester as it gets dry easier and is not heavy. Some things to include in world tour travel luggage are several shirts, pants, and a couple of jeans and dresses. A cap, sunglasses and a few stately accessories will seal the deal. Remember to also pack your undergarments. Bring a hoodie, shawl, socks, or cardigan in case you get cold and a swimsuit for any water activities you might do.

Toiletries

The next important thing is to make space for your toiletries. These could include your soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving kit, toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, any prescription medicines that you take and contact lens case and fluid if you use them. For all the menstruating people out there, pack your menstrual pads, tampons, or cups as well depending on your cycle and do not forget your cosmetics.

Include a small first aid kit that contains key necessities. These include skin rash cream, safety pins, bandages, anti-septic cream, hand sanitizer, flu and cold tablets, nasal spray, pain relief, bug spray/repellent, motion sickness tablets, heartburn, sleeping tablets and malaria tablets. 

You can store all these in one small bag. Make sure the first aid kit has a bag of its own and all the things in there, especially the bandages are sterile. Check all tablets and medicines for expiration dates and buy ones if they have passed.

Electronics

Lastly, we have electronics. This could include your phone, laptop, chargers, Kindle (for digital guidebooks), cameras, USB drives, rechargeable batteries, battery packs, memory cards and headphones. 

Electronic possessions are necessary for any trip since this is how you can stay connected to the rest of the world, book tickets for any place, take pictures, get transportation, maps, and other tourist information about your destination. 

Make sure all these collectively are lightweight and do not take up too much space. For example, choose one cable for all your charging needs, if possible. Store these devices in one padded compartment to protect the devices from scratching or breaking.

Conclusion

The key to packing luggage for any vacation or destination is to make sure you utilize a checklist or a packing list and try to make sure all essentials fit. Then, if needed, pack other things or devices if space is available. 

Do not sweat the small stuff. Make lists, pack essentials, include other optional things and you will be good to go. And be mindful of any souvenirs you might want to bring back as mementos so make some room for those. Some things to bring back that do not take up much space are badges, keychains, stamps, tickets, postcards or even coins. 

There is a whole world out there for you to explore. Now go on, your flight is waiting! Bon Voyage!

Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash