Rebekah Funk has travelled to 40 countries in the past decade – including a nine-month trip across Europe where she lived out of a 10-kilo carry-on. She’s learned that while what you pack is obviously important, it’s how you pack that really counts. All illustrations © Gavin Thomson
Lay out all the items you want to bring on your trip, then eliminate at least one third. Be ruthless: will you really need five pairs of shoes for a two-week trip? Really ? Didn’t think so… And remember to leave out items you can easily buy at your destination, because part of the fun of travelling is experiencing a new shampoo or toothpaste.
Start by placing heavier items like books down by the wheels of your suitcase so they don’t crush fragile items in transit. Then pack shoes heel to toe around the perimeter of your bag as a foundation layer, and stuff socks into boots/heavy shoes to save space and retain the shoe’s shape. Fill in the gaps between your shoes with small, soft items to create an even layer. Now pack your clothes.
The jury is still out on which packing method is most effective for conserving space and preventing wrinkles. But the rule of thumb is that stretchy fabrics and small items like t-shirts and tights can be rolled, while shirts and other easily creased items should be folded and placed on top of the mix. Vacuum-seal bags can maximise space, but be warned that shrink-wrapping your clothing can create wrinkles. Ladies, look into getting bra protector cases to protect your brassieres from being squashed out of shape.
Bonus tip: Want to keep your shirt collar stiff? Place a rolled up belt inside the neckline once folded.
When it comes to bulkier items that you don’t want to crease, such as jeans, dresses or jackets, lay part of the item inside your bag (with the other half hanging over the edge of your suitcase) and then weave item after item on top of each other. Once everything’s been layered, fold each item in half until there are no garment edges hanging out of your bag – this should prevent wrinkles.
Always pack fragile items in the middle of your suitcase, bagged first in plastic and then wrapped in a towel or cushioned by soft clothing. Wrap dusty soles in shower caps or plastic bags to prevent the dirt from transferring to your clothing. To prevent spills at the source, put a layer of plastic wrap over the mouth of lotions and sun creams before replacing the lids, and bag them in ziplock bags.
Pack a couple of extra bags for soiled laundry and muddy boots, along with a couple of dryer sheets to keep your suitcase smelling like newly laundered linens. Your travel companions will thank you!
Airlines all have different policies – and some even have different rules for different routes. Always check the hand and check-in luggage limits and restrictions specified on your ticket. If in doubt, ask your Sure Travel consultant for guidance.
Sure, it’s supposed to be balmy in Barcelona at this time of year, but have you checked the weather forecast? Don’t be caught on the wrong side of a freak weather pattern with nothing but flip-flops and shorts – check the weather before you pack.
If you have to sit on your suitcase before your trip to Istanbul, how are you going to close it when you have all those boxes of Turkish delights, silver jewellery, leather jackets and other shopping scores to fit in? Always aim to leave around one-third of your suitcase free if you’re planning on shopping.
