How To: Pack for a Trip

Purpose:	Find out what to bring (and how to bring it) when you travel.
Estimated Time:	Varies
Tools:	MenScience Travel Kit / Luggage / Carry-on Bag / Plastic Bags / Luggage Tags

	Include in your carry-on luggage the following: identification (passport, driver’s license), wallet, health insurance card, payment options (credit card, traveler’s checks), transportation ticket (airline, train, etc.) and itinerary of where you are going. Pack medications in original bottles and boxes in your carry-on luggage and keep a list of allergies and doctor’s numbers with you.

	TSA-Compliant liquid skincare and grooming items, like the MenScience Travel Kit, can also be packed in the carry-on, along with contacts, contacts solution and glasses. (Pack an extra pair of contacts/eyeglasses in your luggage).

	Pack liquid items in sealed plastic bags to avoid spillage.

	Bring an extra plastic bag to keep dirty clothes in as you travel.

	Wrap shoes in plastic bags to make sure the dirty soles doesn’t mess up clothing.

	Bring clothes that do not wrinkle easily. Roll clothes into tight bundles to avoid wrinkles and shake them out and hang them immediately when you reach your accommodations. Placing wrinkled clothes in bathrooms while you take a shower may help steam wrinkles out.

	Label your luggage with tags containing your name, address, phone number and email address on the outside and inside of your bag.

	Make sure you can easily recognize your bags by adding a distinctive tag or marking.

	Check weather conditions for where you are going so you can pack accordingly. Try not to bring jackets or thick sweaters; instead layer clothing.

	Opt for clothes and outfits that can pull double duty (for example: pants that can go with several shirts).

	Tuck rolled underwear and socks inside of shoes to save luggage space.

	Pack a small first aid bag in your luggage containing aspirin/ibuprofen, cortisone cream, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, sterile gauze pads, safety pins, adhesive tape, tweezers, travel scissors, anti-nausea tablets and antiseptic wipes.

Tips:

If you are worried about losing your luggage on the trip, make a list of all the things you have packed and keep a copy in your carry-on and at your home. This will provide an inventory if you have to make a claim.

Check airline luggage restrictions before you get to the airport to make sure that your bags will be approved for baggage check. There’s nothing worse than a choice between discarding a pound of your things or paying a hefty overage fee.

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