Whether you are traveling by train, plane or automobile, Bric’s luggage has whatever type of travel gear you might need. To maximize the use of your luggage, we have a few essential packing tips to ensure that you can bring everything you need on your next trip.
1. Check Your Airline’s Restrictions
Bric’s luggage comes in a variety of sizes, including many distinctive styles of carry-on suitcases and bags. However, some airlines do restrict the size and/or weight of carry-on luggage (as well as a checked bag), so before you pack, look up the specific rules for your airline so that you know what to expect, especially in terms of baggage fees.
If you are flying domestically on carriers in the United States, there are typically no weight restrictions on carry-on bags. But many international carriers restrict by weight as well as size. For instance, Lufthansa restricts the weight to just 17.6 pounds, while others cap the weight at 22 pounds. Typically, Bric’s luggage 21-inch carry-ons will be a solid bet, but it pays to check, especially if you have your heart set on not checking any luggage and simply using the overhead bin.
2. Check The Weather
Even if you are heading to familiar territory, it’s smart to check the weather before you pack. Unexpected rain or a cold snap can create changes to your packing strategy. Obviously, weather can be unpredictable, but if it looks like your destination will see several days of rain, packing an umbrella or a rain jacket could be a smart move.
3. Make A Packing List
We haven’t even made it to the actual packing yet, but these pre-packing steps are crucial. Creating a list can ensure that you don’t forget anything essential. We encourage you to break your list into multiple categories including daytime wear, nighttime wear, toiletries, accessories, medical needs, paperwork (passports, etc.) and a category for items such as tablets, charging cables and power banks. While packing, check off items as you pack your bags, so that you can ensure that nothing is left behind.
When it comes to Bric’s luggage, there are a variety of backpacks, crossbody bags and totes that are perfect for carrying your passport, wallet, laptop, tablet and other essentials you’ll need during a flight. Bric’s also offers toiletry kits with multiple plastic zippered compartments that can ensure that your toiletry items don’t damage anything in your Bric’s suitcase or carry-on.
4. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes elevate your packing skills to the next level. Packing cubes allow you to compress many items of clothing as well as keep outfits together and, as your travel progresses, you also can use them to keep dirty items separate from clean clothing.
We have several sets of Travelon packing cubes available on our websites, and these items aren’t just practical, they come in several stylish colors. If you are packing for two, using different colors for each person, can make it much easier to live out of a suitcase for a few days.
As a side note, Bric’s luggage typically includes a shoe bag (which also could be used as a laundry bag). However, if you need to pack multiple pairs of shoes, consider using a disposable shower cap to cover each shoe. This is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your clean clothing.
5. Roll Your Clothes
Rolling your clothes can save a ton of space as opposed to folding them. For many items, rolling the clothing also reduces wrinkles, which is a big side bonus. If you roll the clothes and tuck them into packing cubes, you likely will be able to pack much more than you initially thought. Of course, Bric’s luggage is designed to maximize interior space, but if you truly want to increase your travel wardrobe, rolling can be a big help.
6. Pack Clothes Strategically
Travel experts agree that a mix-and-match wardrobe is essential for travel. For instance, you might pack a classic blazer that works with several different outfits or a pair of pants and a skirt that works with several tops. It’s also wise to consider packing clothing made from fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily. That fabulous linen dress, for instance, is best kept for occasions closer to home.
It’s also wise to pack items that can be easily dressed up or down, depending on the circumstances. Even a pair of jeans can be “dressed up” with a shimmery top, a pair of stylish sandals and some accessories or a nice dress shirt and jacket. If you can mix and match your wardrobe, you can pack light and this makes travel far easier.
7. Make The Most Of Your “Personal Item”
These days a few airlines restrict some economy fare customers and only allow them to carry on one personal item and no luggage or larger bags. Whether this is the case for you or not, we highly recommend making the most of your personal item.
Opt for a larger tote or backpack (Bric’s has several great options) and load it up with essentials including sleep masks, headphones, a travel pillow, sanitizing wipes, any necessary medications and a snack or two. If possible, pack one outfit at the bottom of your personal item just in case your luggage is misplaced by the airline.