By Encontrable
The Art of Packing: Why It Matters to Pack Well
Packing a suitcase is probably the task that generates the most anxiety before a trip. Am I bringing too much? Am I missing something important? Will everything fit in the allowed luggage? These questions are universal, whether you travel to the beaches of Brazil, the mountains of Colombia, or the islands of Malta.
The reality is that packing well can transform your travel experience. Well-organized luggage means less stress at airports, more mobility at your destination, and fewer expenses on forgotten items. Here we teach you how to do it like a professional.
Step 1: Research Your Destination Before Packing
Before opening your suitcase, thoroughly research your destination. The climate, cultural customs, and planned activities will determine what you need to bring:
- For tropical destinations like Cartagena in Colombia or Rio de Janeiro in Brazil: light clothing, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and swimwear are essential
- For mountain destinations like Bogot谩 or the Coffee Region in Pereira: bring layers of clothing because the temperature can vary enormously throughout the day
- For Mediterranean destinations like Malta: comfortable walking clothes, sturdy shoes to explore historic cities, and something elegant for dinners
- For big cities like New York or Miami: versatile clothing that works both day and night
Use Encontrable to research the places you will visit and thus determine what type of clothing and accessories you will need based on available activities.
Step 2: The Roll vs. Fold Technique
Travel experts constantly debate the best packing technique. The truth is that the combination of both is ideal:
- Rolling: Perfect for t-shirts, casual pants, underwear, and socks. Saves up to 30% space and reduces wrinkles
- Folding: Ideal for dress shirts, blazers, and formal pants. Use tissue paper between garments to minimize wrinkles
- Packing cubes: They are the best-kept secret of frequent travelers. They organize your suitcase into sections and allow you to find everything quickly
- Compression: Vacuum compression bags are perfect for long trips where you need to carry bulky winter clothing
Step 3: The Universal Checklist
Regardless of your destination, these items are essential:
Documents and Money
- Passport and visas (with at least 6 months validity)
- Printed and digital copies of all documents
- Credit and debit cards (notify your bank about the trip)
- Cash in local currency or dollars for exchange
- Travel insurance printed and digital
Technology
- Chargers and universal adapters (especially for Malta which uses British type G plug)
- Portable battery of at least 10,000 mAh
- Headphones for long flights
- International SIM card or data plan
Health and Hygiene
- Basic first aid kit with painkillers, anti-diarrheal medication, and band-aids
- Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30, especially for Colombia and Brazil)
- Mosquito repellent with DEET for tropical areas
- Personal medications with medical prescription
Step 4: The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
For week-long trips, this rule enormously simplifies your packing:
- 5 sets of underwear and socks
- 4 t-shirts or blouses (mixable and matchable)
- 3 pants or skirts (at least one formal)
- 2 pairs of shoes (one comfortable for walking, one more elegant)
- 1 coat or versatile jacket
Travelers who use packing cubes and follow an organized system report packing 25% faster and forgetting 60% fewer essential items, according to a Travel + Leisure survey.
Step 5: Expert Tricks That Make a Difference
- Shoes as storage: Put socks, chargers, or small items inside shoes to maximize space
- Belt around the suitcase collar: Belts can be rolled around the inner perimeter of the suitcase, saving space and maintaining shape
- Laundry bag: Carry a fabric bag to separate dirty clothes from clean ones during the trip
- Photo of your suitcase: Take a photo of your luggage closed and open before leaving. If the airline loses your suitcase, you will have visual evidence of the contents
- Liquid items in zip bag: Besides complying with air security regulations, it protects the rest of your luggage from accidental spills
Packing According to Your Type of Trip
Backpacking Through Latin America
If you plan to travel through Colombia, Brazil, or Mexico as a backpacker, prioritize quick-dry clothing, a lock for hostel lockers, and a microfiber towel. A 40 to 50-liter backpack is ideal for moving freely between cities.
Business Travel
For corporate trips to cities like Bogot谩, S茫o Paulo, or New York, a wheeled carry-on suitcase and a compact garment bag are your best allies. Choose wrinkle-resistant clothing in neutral colors that match each other.
Beach Vacation
For destinations like the Colombian coast, Canc煤n, or the beaches of Malta, do not forget: two swimsuits (one will always be drying), water-resistant sandals, and a long-sleeve shirt for sun protection.
Before your next trip, check our travel tips for more practical recommendations. If you need inspiration on where to go, our travel section has destinations for every taste. And if you want to learn about the culture of your destination before packing, we also have resources for you.
