As a company that’s all about travel and cultural exchange, it stands to reason that CHI would have some expert travelers! Not a week goes by that someone isn’t heading off to Romania, France, Japan, or Serbia, because CHI staffers practice what they preach. So we figured we’d put that collective knowledge to good use, and have our team offer some of their best packing tips. If you want getting ready for your next adventure to be just a little easier, take a look:
Ten Tips to Help You Pack for Your Next Trip
- Start with a plan! Make a list and lay everything out before putting it in your bag.
- Pack practical outfits. If you are a woman, pack dresses that don’t take up much space. Bring things that can be worn a couple of different times.
- Accessories will help keep your outfits looking fresh – scarves, necklaces, earrings, and ties. They are small and can make an outfit look completely different.
- Use packing cubes or seal bags to save space and keep you organized.
- Pack a few garbage bags. When traveling for several weeks, you will want to separate your dirty clothes from your clean clothes. You may also need a place for wet bathing suits or muddy shoes.
- Use travel size containers for your skin care, hair products, and lotions to save space.
- Don’t forget your preferred over-the-counter medications. Medications that are common at home may not be so common where you are going.
- Plan your carry-on bag carefully. Make sure you have all of your travel documents, including your passport, and a change of clothes, in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
- If space is an issue, downsize! Remove anything that you can easily buy once you get to your destination. Snacks and many hygiene products can be purchased elsewhere. Medications, however, sometimes cannot.
- Give your bag a final look. Once you are all packed, give your bag a final look to make sure it is in good shape. You don’t want it breaking or ripping en route to your destination. If you are checking it, weigh it before you leave. No one wants to sit on the floor of the airport removing things from their bag because it is a few pounds over the limit!
Once you’re all ready, this is a good time to embrace an Uzbek tradition: sitting and having a quiet moment before your journey begins. This is called “sitting for the road”.
We hope these tips are helpful! Exploring the world is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, especially when you avoid packing headaches! We recommend you #GetOutThereCHI as often as possible!
One final tip from CHI founder, and world traveler extraordinaire, Tom Areton: “Pack antibiotic band-aids! You never know when you might need them!” Happy travels!
CHI’s Kelly Asmus shows how she packs for a Work & Travel hiring tour:
