Samantha Brown: How to Pack a Suitcase: 16 Tips and Expert Tricks for Perfectly Packed Luggage
Take the stress out of vacation prep with these handy recommendations.
By Lyn Mettler, Contributor July 22, 2019
WHILE NEARLY EVERYONE gets excited to go on vacation, almost no one looks forward to packing beforehand. This dreaded task is only made worse by the threat of wrinkled clothes, forgotten items and broken gear when you arrive at your destination. However, with the following tips from travel industry experts, you’ll be a packing whiz in time for your next trip.
Choosing a Bag
There are many types of luggage available, from backpacks and carry-on bags to duffels and large rolling suitcases. Choosing the right bag for your trip and your needs is key to achieving packing success.
- Say yes to exterior pockets. Samantha Brown, host of the PBS series “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” says she prefers pockets on the periphery. “I like organization, but it shouldn’t add any weight in a bag,” Brown says. Pockets on the bag’s exterior also make it easy to grab something inside without having to unzip the whole bag in the airport
Proven Packing Techniques
Once you determine what to pack, you’ll need to figure out how to fit all of your vacation essentials in one (possibly tiny) bag. Here’s what the experts say you should do to pack efficiently.
- Fill in empty spaces. Be sure to take full advantage of all of the space within your bag. “Fill suitcase gaps with socks, belts, intimates and hair tools to create a flat surface before laying down clothing,” Guilfoyle says. Similarly, Brown says she is always sure to fill the space created by the handle inside her carry-on with a scarf or camisole. For even more space, stick socks and other items inside your shoes.
Helpful Tools and Gadgets
There are an array of handy tools out there that can make the packing process less stressful. These range from in-suitcase organizers to items as simple as a plastic zip-close bag. Take a look at the must-haves experts recommend.
- Use packing cubes. Many frequent travelers like Brown swear by packing cubes, lightweight, zip-up squares that allow you to separate different types of clothing within your suitcase. Each person can have their own color and pack intimates in one square, swimwear in another, socks in a third and shirts and pants, shorts or skirts in the last. Many cubes have handles, making them easy to pull out of your bag and place inside a hotel drawer.