Save yourself from stressful tugs and tired arms!

Growing up in the UAE, my summer holidays were mostly dedicated to visiting my home country, where the family would make use of every nook and cranny of a suitcase to squeeze in gifts and tokens for our relatives.
As a clan of four at the time, we were determined to utilise every ounce of baggage space and had no problems going through immigration. Fast forward to my first solo trip to a GCC country in December 2011, this habit was obviously a bad idea. I had jam-packed two big suitcases that not only slowed me down, but also left me worried about transport and excess weight throughout the trip. 
To avoid a similar experience, here are few tried and tested tips to pack smart and enjoy a hassle-free getaway:
Prep a list: Just as you would jot down the groceries you need before a trip to the supermarket, prepare a list of items you'd like to take with you. This could greatly help you differentiate between the essentials and excess.
Divide items into clothing, footwear, accessories, toiletries and medicines, if any. Review your list while taking into consideration the number of occasions you may need to change for.
Tip: Look up the airline's baggage policy so you won't have to embarrassingly unzip your bags in public to repack.  
Roll, roll, roll: We're accustomed to folding clothes in neat squares - be it to store them in our closets or neatly pressing them atop a dresser. But the trick to maximise space is to roll your garments. Realistically-speaking, there isn't much difference between folding and rolling your clothes, as it is possible to fit a given number of items in the same space.
But what makes this technique so appealing is that it reveals spots that are normally missed in folded sections. This is quite helpful, especially when handling backpacks.
PS: Rolling also avoids wrinkles. 
Skip the big suitcases: As convenient as it may seem to take one big suitcase, opt for two small ones instead. These would be easier to unload from conveyor belts, saves you the trouble of taking up space on public transport, avoids bumping into people, and most importantly, it would help you pack what you really need.
In case you feel you need more space, pack in a foldable duffel bag. There are many pouch-friendly sizes available.
Tip: Make sure you weigh the suitcase before zipping it shut. 
Opt for travel-sized toiletries: A number of renowned brands offer travel-friendly versions of your favourite soap, perfume and lotion. In case you can't find any, or prefer to purchase your big value-added containers as usual, you could invest in travel-sized toiletries.
These plastic sets come in a range of bottles and containers that can carry 50ml up to 300ml of creams and liquids. Just keep in mind that airlines allow a limited number of bottles containing liquids (often a maximum of 100ml) on carry-on bags. If you're not too picky, you can also purchase local brands of toiletries at your destination and leave it behind.
Tip: Don't forget to tightly wrap them to avoid spills and stains. 
Max up that carry-on: Most airlines allow individuals to take a carry-on bag or case with an allowance of up to 7 kgs on a flight. This is often limited to a specific dimension so that it fits in the overhead locker or can be easily slid under the seat in front to avoid any passage blockages. Use the bag to put in essentials and fragile electronic items. You can also squeeze in an outfit for a quick change upon arrival, saving you the trouble of unlocking your big suitcase.
Tip: Make sure all your electronic devices are fully charged for a convenient trip through customs gates.  
Feel lighter with heavy clothing: If you're flying out during winter, chances are that you're loading up on sweaters, knitwear and fur-lined jackets to stay warm. But this is likely to leave no room for souvenirs. Invest in reusable vacuum-seal bags. These plastic wonders are easy to use and can reduce the garment down to almost three times its size! Simply fold and place your clothing in the bag, open the plug and place the vacuum nozzle to suck the air out.
Tip: You can also wear or carry the heaviest clothing with you to the plane.
- farhana@khaleejtimes.com