The summer season is getting closer each day and that means a number of things. Travel is at the top of most people’s list. Trips to the park, the beach, camping and travel adventures all over. Traveling is a huge part of summer time and it is always good to be ahead of the game and prepared. I received a tote from Baggallini that is both beautiful and functional. It has a beautiful design, a vibrant color and a wide array of uses. Now, it’s time to start thinking of where I’m going to travel and 8 tips to travel light this summer with Baggallini.
Traveling can be both exciting and a burden, depending on how well you plan. One big hassle with traveling is luggage. Toting it from car to destination, or on the airplane, or maybe taking the train. If you pack too much you are hauling everything but the kitchen sink. However, if you don’t pack enough you are in need of some essentials. Well, no need to fret because I have done some research and rallied up some great tips to packing light the summer. I grabbed my Baggallini Alberta Tote as my guide and came up with these helpful tips.
- Plenty of pockets
When you are flying or other travel platforms, you have to abide by their guidelines and baggage codes. So, finding a bag with plenty of pockets both inside and out is essential. Having a convenient, yet secure pocket for valuables is important to keep those items secure.Luckily, the Baggallini has zippered pockets inside and outside. Also, with extra pockets, it is easier to keep things organized and easily accessible. Nothing bothers me more than having to search through my carry on to find my ID or even just some lip gloss.
- Roll your clothes
Folding clothes and packing them may save you from some wrinkles, but overall it takes up more space. By tightly rolling your clothes, you can fit many more items and it actually helps to reduce wrinkles as well. I tried it out myself just to prove it and I ended up fitting 3 more outfits in my Baggallini Tote by rolling my clothes than folding them! The Baggallini Alberta Tote has a separator in the middle to keep my clothes and toiletries separate from things like my laptop too.
- Make a list- Plan, plan, plan
Planning ahead of time ensures that you won’t forget anything, or pack unessential items. Also, if you are rushed, things are thrown into a bag without organization and it uses vital space. Planning ahead allows you to become familiar with any regulations that an airline or bus line may have for baggage/carry-ons. The small side pockets on my Baggallini Tote are perfect to keep a small pen and pad to check off my list.
- Wash on the road
If you are traveling or visiting a place that offers either a laundry service or laundry facilities, take full advantage. You won’t have to pack as many outfits and it leaves more space for other items, and eventually souvenirs! And, if you are worried about being seen wearing the same thing more than once, get over it. You probably won’t ever see those folks again in your lifetime! With my Baggallini bag, I can keep a small detergent in one of the pockets with dryer sheets and it adds a fresh smell to my clothes as well.
- Use shrinkage bags
Using vacuum sealed shrinkage bags, or what I call “Space Bags,” is helpful in more ways than just one. Using Shrinkage Bags saves so much space by downsizing by more than half of the area. You can buy the bags that come with a pump or you can use your own vacuum to remove all the air. I also just use multi-use plastic gallon storage bags and suck out the air with a straw. An additional advantage of the “Space Bags” is the prevention of messes. Keeping your toiletries and shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste etc., in the shrinkage bags keeps spills or smells from seeping onto your other items.
- Use a money belt
Keeping all your important items in a money belt, safe under your clothes and secured on your body, reduces the risk of them being lost or stolen. After using your card for a purchase or withdrawing money out of an ATM, immediately put that item back to keep it safe and from the view of potential dangers. My Baggallini Alberta Tote has a small clutch purse that can be hooked on the inside of the bag and hidden, or clipped to a belt, or belt loop. It’s perfect for my small, important, and valuable items.
- Small plastic bottles
Reuse small plastic bottles for liquid items or powders. On short trips, 3-4 nights, it is much easier to fill travel size bottles than lugging around a large container. One tip that some don’t consider is to use clear bottles when flying. The TSA has all sort of regulations for what is allowed, so it just may save some time if they can see what it is. I sometimes save the travel size bottles from hotels to reuse for my other personal items. So, if you downsize and toss them all in a plastic “Space Bag” not only are you saving space, you are saving your clothes from potential leaks.
- Multi-function shoes
When packing, I think you will agree, shoes can often be the item to take up the most space. This is when you have to consider your destination and whether or not a pair is essential for the trip. Flip flop sandals and Mary Jane slippers are perfect for almost any trip. Sandals are flat and easy to store and some Mary Jane’s roll into themselves to make them smaller. If you must take sneakers or larger shoes, wear them first, but if they must be packed, store them on the bottom. Socks can then be rolled up and fit into the open spaces to save space.
Well, who is ready for summer travel now? With my Baggallini Alberta Tote, I am ready to go jet setting or road tripping. It’s the perfect size and has plenty of pockets to keep all my things organized. It also has a pocket designated for my electronics and laptop to keep them separate from the rest. With the long strap, I can throw it over my shoulder, or if I want to grab it and go, the shorter double straps are perfect for a carry-on.
Additionally, with all the tips I have found to be effective, I can manage to take my trips with just my Baggallini. Since I have my bag packed in my head, now it’s time to get that vacation off the paper and into action! If you are looking for a great place that is uniquely beautiful, New Mexico is full of off-the-road places to visit! Let’s get going, get packed, and get traveling with your own Baggallini luggage!
This post was made possible by Baggallini and written by me. All opinions and statements are 100% my own.