Coming To America? – Packing Tips You’ll Need
Top packing tips for a trip to America
Packing for a trip overseas is always difficult and it can often result in overstuffed suitcases and aggravation. But when you come prepared and pack smart, having everything you need is an easy task. So, if you’re flying to American and you need some help with your packing, here are some tips to make your job a little easier:
Make a list of what you need and tasks you need to do
Before you start packing, it’s best to know exactly what you have to do to make sure you don’t skip anything if you’re in a rush. On this list you should include the booking of your flights and accommodation, passport, application for a U.S visa or ESTA, what you need to pack in your suitcase, what you need to pack in your hand luggage and what you might need to buy for your trip. Check for rules about what you can and cannot take on an airplane. If you bring your list along, you can also use it for your journey back to make sure you don’t leave anything behind when it’s time to go home.
Keep important things in your hand luggage
You don’t want to end up broke and without a phone if your suitcase doesn’t arrive at your destination with you, so keep what’s important to you close at hand. This includes your phone, your laptop, your chargers, passport, accommodation information, money, medication (along with doctor’s prescription and information), perhaps a change of clothes and anything else you can’t live without.
Know what you are, and are not, allowed to bring
U.S Customs and Border Protection have some pretty strict rules about what you aren’t allowed to bring into the U.S, which is something you should be aware of before you start getting excited about all of the great things you’re going to be taking with you on your vacation. This especially applies to food items. Whereas some items are strictly prohibited, others you can bring but will need to provide permits and documentation for them in order to bring them into the U.S. Make sure that you’re also aware of how much you are allowed to bring and what the luggage fees are to ensure you don’t have to resort to emptying your suitcase in the middle of the airport.
Pack clothes you can mix and match
Depending on where you’re coming from, it can be quite a long and tiring trip to America and having a big suitcase that’s stuffed to the brim with clothes isn’t exactly something you’re going to enjoy lugging around a big airport. So, in order to save some space in your suitcase, pack fewer clothes and more outfits – meaning, pack clothes that you can easily mix and match to make different combinations.
Clothing customs in America are fairly relaxed. In any city you’re likely to see folks wearing a pair of comfortable jeans and a tee shirt. For dining in the evening at an upscale restaurant you’ll want a well coordinated outfit including long pants and collared shirt for men, and dress pants, skirt or dress for women. Be sure to bring along comfortable shoes. You’ll see most Americans wearing sneakers, flip flops, or low cushioned shoes for sightseeing. But we do love our 3″ heels in the evening! Also, if you know that there are washing facilities at your accommodation, avoid packing an outfit for every single day of your vacation. Wash your clothes and save the space in your bag for your souvenirs.
Roll, don’t fold
The new way to pack your suitcase is all about rolling rather than folding. When you roll your clothes you can prevent fold creases and fit more in your suitcase. This is because you can fill up the corners and crevices of your suitcase that are normally left and distribute everything in a smarter, more calculated way. Use every space by slipping small items into shoes and other available spots. Consider wearing your bulkiest items on the airplane, like sneakers, jacket, etc. And be sure to leave room for all the great souvenirs you’ll purchase – in fact, you might want to pack a small folding duffle bag that you can fill up for the journey home!
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