Packing Tips

Heavier stuff on top
Place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. A backpack will feel lighter as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes can be put at the bottom of a backpack.

Plastic Bags
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around, especially for toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in.

Pack In Plastic
Pack everything in clear plastic bags, preferably zip lock. Divide all the clothing into bags ie. underwear, tshirts, shorts etc. so that when you unpack your bag you do not have to rummage through everything as you are just taking out a series of bags.

Split Up Clothes When Travelling With Others
When you are travelling with others and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between a couple of your bags. This way if one person's luggage doesn't arrive, they will still have clean clothes. It usually takes 24-48 hours to get your luggage and most airlines do not compensate the traveller.

Roll Technique
Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.

Minimize On Toiletries
Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.

Security And Keeping Details Safe
Scan or photocopy your passport, passport photos, paper tickets, work visa etc. If you are able to scan these documents then you can store them in your email account or if not, keep them in a separate place.

Note: Save your emergency details in your email web account so you will know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen. That way if you have lost everything you will still have immediate access to all the important contact information. SWAP recommends that you email yourself your passport details just in case it too becomes lost or stolen.