Packing Tips For Dummies: The Comprehensive Three-Step Guide

Packing your suitcase to go on your next across-the-border adventure is an adventure of its own. We know it can get out-of-hand in no time, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to pack for dummies! Whether you’re a "just in case" packer or a Marie Kondo incognito associate, we’ve got just the perfect three-step guide for you!

If you have not yet made up your mind about which suitcase to bring, take a look at our previous edition where we give you a bite-sized run down of the best baggage options for your next vacay! Once you have chosen the right option for you, you can start thinking of what to pack and how to pack it. Whether you’re going on a weekend escapade to a nearby vineyard or using up all your vacation days on a Sicilian vacation in full-fleshed White-Lotus-style, here are our tips:

Step One: What to Pack 

Divide and Conquer: Before you do anything else, it is important to start with a blank canvas. Set your bag up on your bed or a clean surface and beside it set all the vital items. To us, that means:

• Your ID or passport

• Your necessary electronic devices (including headphones!)

• Your chargers

• Your prescriptions & medications

• Toiletries & cosmetics

Step Two: Faith in the Forecast

Once you have all of these items laid out by your bag, open up your weather app on your phone and check on your destination’s predictions. Hopefully the Weather Gods will be ruling in your favour and you won’t have to pack too many bulky items. Nevertheless, bring out the appropriate clothing and set it on the same surface. Here we’re talking:

• Underwear

• Socks

• Shirts & Sweaters

• Pants

• Dresses

• Bathing suits

Now, it’s also important that you set aside what you will actually be wearing on the flight. We recommend that you layer like you're cosplaying Kate Middleton's wedding cake - in this case more is more! Start with a basic tee that can moonlight as a nice going out top if you so desire and cover that up in as many button-downs and flannels as your little heart desires. You can even throw in a vest or scarf if you're feeling ambitious - just don’t forget that the cherry on top will have to be your most chunkiest hoodie or sweater of choice. It is also important that the shoes you choose to wear on your flight are your most versatile pair so you can avoid having to pack too many pairs in your bag.

Step Three: Tetris Time

Once you have everything laid out, it's Tetris time like we’re back in the 90s, baby! Shove your socks into your shoes, roll up your shirts and pants, and most importantly, keep the wise words of Marie Kondo in the back of your mind for when you inevitably notice that you won’t be able to pack everything you wanted and now you have to re-select your vacay-wardrobe with only the ‘things that bring you joy’.

Do that, and utilise the compartments of your selected bag as is most convenient for you - don’t put a bottle in the bottle holder if you’d rather put your sandals in there! Do what you want, how you want to, so long as it fits! And remember, if you can close your bag easily and without fear of it exploding - did you even do it right?

The Zip-Up

If, or rather, once you manage to fit all your essentials and non-essential items of choice into your carry-on luggage of choice, zip it up and don’t you dream of taking anything out of that main pocket until you reach your destination. Travelling with Ryanair is a great way to exercise your creativity through packing, so as long as you leave your grand piano at home and follow our tips, we’re sure you’ll be soaring through the skies like a pro!

Good packing and safe travels!