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Our top tips on how to pack a travel bag

Jetting off on holiday soon? You’ve chosen your destination and booked your flights – now all that’s left to do is pack your bags. While this can be stressful, a few simple tips can help you maximise the space and make organising your suitcase a hassle-free experience.

Our guide covers the best ways to pack your holiday bags, with practical luggage options from Cath Kidston.

How to pack a suitcase efficiently

Wondering how to pack for a holiday? Discover our top travel packing tips to make preparing your suitcase a breeze.

1. Choose the right suitcase size

First, ensure you have the right-sized suitcase for your getaway.

City breaks or weekends away: Compact miniature suitcases are ideal for short breaks. They should be roomy enough to fit everything you need while suitable for cabin restrictions on planes.
Long breaks: If you’re heading off to sunny climes for a little longer, a large suitcase is ideal. Choose a case with a lock and wheels for safe, easy transportation. We recommend packing the essentials in your cabin luggage so you have everything you need in the event that your main case gets delayed.

2. Organise your suitcase

Organisation is key when packing for your holiday, with plenty of simple hacks to make the most of the space.

Make a list: Before you begin packing your suitcase, it’s a good idea to make a checklist of everything you want to bring so that you don’t forget anything. Organise your items into categories, and pack essentials at the top of your case so you can easily access them when you arrive at your destination.
Travel pouches: Use travel pouches to separate essentials in the main part of your suitcase, and pack cosmetics into a handy makeup bag.
Fold and roll your clothes: The best way to pack a suitcase is by rolling up softer clothes – such as underwear, skirts and lightweight t-shirts – and folding rigid items like shirts and blazers to utilise all the space. We recommend folding any linen clothing items, as these can crease easily.
Fit smaller items into your shoes: If you have a few pairs of shoes that you need to pack, you could put smaller items in a bag – like socks and underwear – and fit them into the sole.

How to pack for air travel

With a little preparation, packing for air travel can be quick and straightforward. Follow our holiday packing tips to get started.

1. Travel light

No matter how many times you’ve weighed your case at home, airport scales have their own rules. Keep your luggage light at check-in by buying toiletries at the airport or when you land. You could also wear your heaviest layers and shoes to the airport to save space and weight in your case.

2. Check airline guidelines

When it comes to your hand luggage, size matters. Every airline is different, so check their guidance before you travel. If you’re carrying any toiletries, hand lotions or medications, they must each be under 100ml. Getting hold of see-through plastic bags for inspection before the airport saves time at security.

2. Pack entertainment for the flight

Remember to pack some form of entertainment in your hand luggage, like a book or a tablet with episodes of your favourite show downloaded. You could also listen to music, a podcast or an audiobook, or bring along some travel games to pass the time. If you’ve booked a long-haul flight, you might want to pack a travel pillow, too!

We also recommend packing a phone charger in case of an emergency and leaving a little room in your carry-on luggage for snacks you pick up at the airport.

What’s the best carry-on bag for travel?

When it comes to carry-on bags, choose a design that’s comfortable to carry and fits within the dimensions of your airline’s guidelines. We have various Cath Kidston travel bags to choose from, including:

Overnight travel bag: Cath Kidston overnight travel bags are a lightweight option with a cross-body strap – perfect if you need to stay hands-free with excited little ones. Featuring plenty of room to hold everything you need, they’re perfect for flights.
Backpack: Choose backpacks with pockets, ideal for keeping important travel documents safe on the move.
Tote bag: Tote bags are lightweight, easy to carry and just the right size for throwing in all the essentials.

Ready to start packing? Find the perfect Cath Kidston holiday bags at Next, as well as a stylish selection of clothing and homeware.