How to Pack Smart

There's undeniable thrill in packing a suitcase at the very last minute, but there's every chance that you may forget the essential stuff. Instead, if you pack with a formula in mind, based on tried and tested tricks, you could add immeasurably to your travel experience.

'Roll not fold' is what a lot of people recommend. It actually makes clothes less prone to wrinkling and results in better use of precious space. Perhaps not every item of clothing lends itself to being rolled up, but most do, including trousers. Invest in some packing cubes and pouches that are available online in different sizes. Not only can you put in rolled items to stop them from getting displaced in your bag, but also quickly identify the contents of your suitcase using their different colours without disturbing the other stuff. Use synthetic shoe bags instead of wrapping that extra pair of shoes in cloth and allowing the shoe smell to transfer to other things in the case. You can choose the flexible variety or the slightly stiffer material. Get a good toiletries case and pick up readily available light plastic bottles to take along your shower gel, shampoo, etc. Make sure you take along toothpaste, in case it is unavailable at the hotel. If you're headed for a very busy trip, pick up a bottle of dry shampoo. It will fluff up and enliven your hair just in time for a meeting, especially if you hit the ground running as soon as your flight lands.

Find small bags or spectacle cases to stash away your plugs and wires, and save precious time trying to disentangle them. Get yourself a universal travel adaptor, one with a lot of USB ports so you can charge several gadgets at one time or get a little charging station to connect to the adaptor.

With these tricks, your bag will be far more organised. Moreover, subsequent packing will be easier because some items can be replenished and stored right back in their pouches for the next trip. Finally, invest in a luggage tracker and a personalised tag that will ensure some peace of mind during your travels.