The Insider’s Guide: 8 Tips To Make You A Suitcase-Packing Hero

Our travel junkie Mary was bitten by the travel bug at a young age and has since made it her mission to try and explore as many weird and wonderful places as possible. Now in a new weekly feature and with many (MANY) places still to go on her bucket list, she’s put together some handy tips to help all her fellow travellers… _______________________________________________________ This week, we're talking all things packing. Sandwich bags are key And we don’t just mean for bringing a few sandwiches (and of course, a bag of Tayto) with you on the flight. Instead of bringing an absolutely massive toiletries bag, separate your things into little sandwich bags. Shampoos and conditioner in one, toothpastes, cleansers and moisturisers in another. This is a major space saver. They see me rolling… When it comes to packing it’s all about the rolling. Roll your jeans, tops and t-shirts up as tightly as you can and pack your underwear into empty shoes that you’re bringing with you. Start packing with the heavier and bulkier items on the bottom and work your way up, you’ll be surprised how much more you can get into your case simply by rolling your clothes up a bit more. Adapting You never know where next year’s adventure will take you so the one thing we recommend is buying a world travel adaptor. Instead of having a load of different adaptors falling out of your suitcase, some that fit Europe, others that fit Asia and yet more for the States, buy the one that covers them all. It might set you back a bit of money but believe us, it’ll save soooo much hassle. Cover the blade Packing razor blades can often be a nightmare – not because they’re big and bulky of course, but instead because when you get to the other side and try to unpack, chances are you will slice your finger off the blade. Buy a binder clip (pictured below) and pop the head of your razor in before you go. Shawls are your best friend Instead of packing big bulky towels, because, let’s face it, the place you’re going to stay in will probably have some to hand, pack a shawl. This can double up as something to lie on at the beach and a cover-up in the evenings if the temperature drops. It also works as a blanket on any long-haul journeys. Winning. Rethink your wallet In normal everyday life, carrying everything from your library card to your ATM card might be absolutely necessary, but we doubt you’ll need half the things in your wallet if you’re heading off on holidays. Get yourself a smaller wallet and just put in the bare essentials. Shower caps Next time the hotel you’re staying in gives away a free shower cap, grab it and grab it quick. There’s nothing handier for putting around your shoes when you are on the way home from your holiday. If they have got dirty or scuffed from walking around the place, then simply pop them inside a shower cap.

Sick of your make-up breaking in your bag?

Simply insert a cotton pad (like one you would use to remove your make-up) into the palette, so that it rests just on top of the eyeshadow or powder. Fit it to size, before closing the lid down over it, leaving a nice cushion of cotton goodness in between.

Images: iStock/YouTube/Shelby Church