How to prepare your suitcase for the holidays?

Are you going on a trip and want your clothes to arrive wrinkle-free? Are you wondering how to pack your suitcase to make sure you don't forget anything? Do you want to know the essentials for a successful vacation?

Rest assured. In this article, we give you all the advice and guide you through each step so that you are ready for your vacation.

The key to packing your suitcase like a pro is to fold, sort and put everything in its place. But above all, be well organized.

Indeed, packing your suitcase may seem like a simple task, but if you go about it wrong, you risk losing valuable items, paying overweight baggage fees or cleaning up messes. This is why it is essential to learn how to pack intelligently. Also consult our complete article how to pack a suitcase for even more advice.

Discover without further delay our 10 tips for packing your suitcase and ensuring nothing is forgotten.

1. Choosing the right suitcase

The “right” suitcase is different for everyone. If you need a large bag to check in the hold, you may prefer a hard-sided suitcase, sturdy enough to withstand rough handling.

A soft-sided suitcase is best if you are not in the habit of checking your luggage and like to have a few exterior pockets to store items such as a glasses case or toiletries.

Whatever type of suitcase or travel bag you choose, test it before buying to make sure it rolls well and that the handle length is appropriate for your height.

One last tip, keep size and weight limits imposed by airlines in mind when choosing a suitcase.

Indeed, remember that every kilo counts. Too big a bag can cost you a lot in baggage fees, so it's always a good idea to weigh your bag with a luggage scale before you leave.

If you're getting close to the weight limit, remember that the airport scale may be calibrated differently, so allow yourself some margin for error.

2. Make a packing list

It's easy to forget things. If they're not on the list, they may not make it into your suitcase.

Consider keeping a checklist on your phone, on your computer, or just on paper so you can adapt it for your different trips.

Obviously, your list should include essential items like clothes or even your medications.

But it could also be a cell phone and charger, a travel umbrella, sunscreen, a beach hat, magazines or a gift to give.

Finally, be aware that if you are traveling with other family members, you may need separate lists. Are you traveling with a baby? Write diapers, wipes, diaper bag, extra clothes, snacks, or stroller on the list.

3. Rolling or folding your clothes

Our travel experts recommend rolling clothes tightly rather than packing them folded. The idea is that you can fit more stuff into your suitcase this way.

It can also prevent your clothes from getting wrinkled (if you roll them well).

Are you probably wondering how to do this? Nothing could be simpler. Lay out your clothes on your bed, fold or roll them, then pack half of them away.

This is standard advice for efficient packing, as it's easy to pack too much.

One last important thing to remember: pack items that have multiple functions! A scarf can serve as an accessory in place of jewelry, but can also keep you warm on and off the plane. Black pants can be dressed up or down. Also limit the number of shoes you bring, as they are bulky. Bring versatile, comfortable shoes.

4. Can you buy it locally?

It can be anxiety-inducing to think about what you may have forgotten to bring. But in many cases, you can buy what you need once you arrive at your destination.

This might include toiletries like a bottle of shampoo or, as we saw above, a pair of shoes.

Now, if you want to avoid this extra expense, make sure you pack enough of what you might need. You remember the little list of things to take.

5. Add tags to your luggage

Unless you are wanted by the police, you do not need to travel incognito. Many suitcases already come with built-in tags, so don't forget to include your details - it will be a relief if you or the airline loses your luggage!

Tags help identify the owner of a piece of luggage in the event of loss or during a security check.

Airlines usually share these tags with you when you check your suitcase, but if you like to travel with design, you can choose labels with unique designs that will help you better differentiate your luggage.

6. Pack your toiletry bag

Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and moisturizer are some of the personal hygiene products that absolutely must be in your suitcase. So choose a toiletry bag depending on your needs and your destination. To find out what to put in it, check out our guide what to put in a toiletry bag.

Still, if you're flying, the easiest and most practical thing to do is to take the typical toiletry bag transparent with small bottles. This way you don't need to tinker to pass checkpoints. To find out more, read our guide toiletry bag by plane.

On the other hand, if you are traveling by car or train, you can opt for a normal toiletry bag or a travel vanity. Personally, we love the toiletry bags hanging, super practical with their hook.

As a recommendation, don't forget the sunscreen, which will always be your best friend when traveling, and if you go to tropical places, don't forget the mosquito repellent.

7. Leave room for future purchases

It's never a good idea to overdo it when deciding what to pack.

Whether it's alluring duty-free items or holiday souvenirs, it's inevitable that you'll come away with more than you left, so make room for new purchases!

8. Watch out for fragile items

If you need to pack items that might break, like glass or china, wrap them in bubble wrap or between clothes and place them in the middle of your suitcase.

This is the best way to protect them so they arrive in one piece. If possible, try to carry them with you in your hand luggage.

The same goes for valuables. These days, it's rare for airlines to misplace luggage, but why take the risk? Be careful and store valuables, like your camera or jewelry, in your carry-on baggage.

9. Bring extra clothes on board

Have you ever wondered what you can put in your carry-on bag?

It's a mix of various items that will help enhance your trip, like your tech devices and their chargers.

The best part is being able to keep them within reach at all times. And of course, your personal, flight, hotel and other required documents.

You may also want to bring items that will help keep you entertained and comfortable, such as a pillow, blanket, travel games or books.

If you have room in your carry-on bag, it's always a good idea to bring a change of clothes in case your suitcase gets lost or your flight is delayed and you have to spend the night at the airport or in a nearby hotel.

Also, bringing extra clothes like a coat or a big sweater will allow you to lighten your suitcase when checking in, so why deprive yourself?

10. Don't overdo it!

This is where we really make mistakes.

Pack two pairs of underwear for each day (so you don't have to think about doing laundry). For you ladies, pack an extra bra in addition to the one you wear when traveling. They are light and easy to place in the gaps of your suitcase.

On the other hand, limit shoes and accessories. We always have too much. Avoid bulky wedge heels or heavy sneakers.

Instead bring a pair of sandals for day and night, a pair of flip-flops for the pool, a pair of walking shoes, light and comfortable, for a walk or an outing, depending on your destination.

Finally for accessories, stay classic. A pair of fashionable earrings, a hat and a pair of sunglasses!

Our last tip before you leave

Be minimalist, only take the essentials. We've kept repeating it throughout this article but it's probably the most important rule.

Do you already have your passport, your phone, your charger, your hand luggage and your toiletry bag ? You're literally ready to go!

Prepare everything carefully, so you only take what you'll actually use. Next, dress in clothes that will be useful for the things you will do during the trip.

Don't leave it at the last minute. Instead, spend a few days going through everything and fight the temptation to impulsively fill your suitcase with things you know you won't use.

And what are your tips for packing your suitcase? Feel free to leave them for us in the comments.