8 Packing Hacks for the Perfect Suitcase

The Unitrips coaches have a lot of space for all types of cases and souvenirs, but it’s best to enhance your case storage to enjoy the trip more.

With three years of travelling around Europe, and the rest of the world, we leave you a list of hints and tips in order to pack the perfect suitcase with our packing hacks for your journeys with Unitrips.

Packing hack 1. Less is more

The smaller your suitcase and luggage, the better you can move.

Packing hack 2. Less is more

Maybe you brushed passed the last tip, so we will repeat it: the art of revising and selecting what can go is fundamental for any traveller. Our number one packing hack is to not fill your case with “things you might need” because at the end of the day, you won’t use them. Having light luggage gives you much more freedom!

The truth is that travelling by bus is comfortable as you won’t have to walk your luggage everywhere, but the trip has a beginning and an end…and between them you’ll have to walk to and from the hotels. Moving with 20kg worth of luggage when it’s raining or 40 degrees in the shade would drive even a shaolin master crazy.

Packing hack 3. Wheels are better than a backpack

In our trips it’s more common to use the typical wheeled case as hand luggage (55 x 20 x 40 cm)….or even smaller. A backpack may be more comfortable when walking but it’s awkward to get to the items at the bottom, not to mention how easy it is to crease your clothes and we don’t want you looking a mess in the photos to make your friends and family jealous. The wheels allow you to organise your clothes and all you need is a seat to open it on.

Packing hack 4. NEVER unpack your case

At Unitrips we change hotels frequently, very rarely do we stay two nights in the same hotel…. our packing hack is that taking out your toothpaste, tops, razor and other items to place them on hangers and in draws almost guarantees you’ll LOSE IT ALL.

It’s mathematical…. the more you take out of your case the more probable it is to leave it in the hotels! If you really need to take out a shirt or dress for the night to take out the creases, leave a post-it note on the case so you remember you’ve done it.

And if it’s not enough? Don’t stress, it means it wasn’t important enough and that you forgot to follow the first tip on this article!

Packing hack 5. The length of stay doesn’t matter

Another packing hack: trip length doesn’t matter: it’s easy, the quantity of your stuff has to be the same even if your trip is for 1 month or 1 week. The amount of clothing cannot grow proportionally with the number of days of the tour. T-shirts, socks, underwear, panties… and everything that you daily change can be washed! In many hostels you will find offers of laundry services for 5-10 €   or, If you prefer to save money you can use the traditional mode; bathroom and detergent.

Packing hack 6

During the trip it is normal to relax, rest and even forget yourself, all which can lead to losing valuable objects such as money, cards, documents, so it’s best not to touch it!

What we recommend is wearing a fanny pack or bum bag, one that goes under trousers or a shirt where all this can be kept. Just in case, take a photo of these documents as if they are lost, it will be useful when faced with an issue.

In terms of money: divide et vince as Julius Cesar would say, if you keep all your money in one place and you lose it…. You’re in a pickle!

Packing hack 7. Don’t pack your bag drunk!

Probably the most important packing hack!! You’ll forget everything!

Packing hack 8. Did you forget anything?

It’s okay! You can always buy it if it is necessary! Now, if before leaving double check your packing list if you have everything… we recommend this checklist

We have here some examples for packing men’s cases, it is normal for women to carry more things, but with moderation (the bus has to be able to start up and move!)

SUMMER

An example of a perfect man’s case for a week in summer, weighs 7 kg:

• 5 pairs of socks
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 4 tops
• 1 shirt
• 1 polo shirt
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of trousers
• 1 sweatshirt
• 1 bathing suit
• 1 pair of shoes (possibly dark so they can double up as day and night shoes)
• 1 small towel (not one-use)
• 1 wash bag including: toothbrush, toothpaste, shaver, deodorant, mini shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, suncream, other necessary creams and medication.
• Technology: Phone and charger, USB cable, camera, energy bank, adaptors.
• Sunglasses
• Memo pad
• Fanny pack
• Comfortable flipflops
• Small cloth bag for daily use
• Plastic bags
• Passport, visa, ID (take a photo before leaving)
• Student card (you may get discounts!)

* This case includes clothes worn, so there’s even less in the case.

** If you went for 3 or 4 weeks, you could still bring this case!

WINTER

An example of a perfect man’s case for a week in winter, weighs 10 kg:

• 6 pairs of winter socks
• Winter coat, hat, gloves and scarf.
• 1 pair of tights (if you get very cold you can wear them under trousers)
• 7 pairs of socks
• 4 tops
• 1 shirt
• 2 long sleeved tops
• 2 pairs of trousers
• 2 sweatshirts
• 1 swimming costume
• 1 small towel (not one-use)
• 1 wash bag including: toothbrush, toothpaste, shaver, deodorant, mini shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, sun cream, other necessary creams and medication.
• Technology: Phone and charger, USB cable, camera, energy bank, adaptors.
• Sunglasses
• Memo pad
• Fanny pack
• Comfortable flipflops
• Small cloth bag for daily use
• 2 pairs of shoes (both comfortable, but one pair for the evenings, for women its recommended boots to keep warm)
• Plastic bags
• Passport, visa, ID (take a photo before leaving)
• Student card (you may get discounts!)

* This case includes clothes worn, so there’s even less in the case.

** If you went for 3 or 4 weeks, you could still bring this case!