logo
ENع
#

Latest news with #summerTravel

I tried 5 viral packing hacks to see which could fit EVERYTHING into my £16 Primark carry-on case & the best was free
I tried 5 viral packing hacks to see which could fit EVERYTHING into my £16 Primark carry-on case & the best was free

The Sun

timea day ago

  • The Sun

I tried 5 viral packing hacks to see which could fit EVERYTHING into my £16 Primark carry-on case & the best was free

WITH many of us gearing up for summer getaways, the cost-of-living crisis continues to place pressure on our budgets. As a result, more travellers are opting for carry-on hand luggage to avoid additional fees. 12 However, with strict size and weight restrictions imposed by major airlines, the challenge of fitting five days' worth of clothing, shoes, hair products, and toiletries into one compact case can feel daunting, if not impossible. Social media is flooded with packing hacks promising to make this process easier, claiming you can effortlessly fit everything you need into your hand luggage. Determined to separate the genuinely useful hacks from the overhyped ones, I decided to put them to the test. And as someone who proudly holds the title of 'world's worst packer' - frequently squashing items into my suitcase, breaking zips, or sitting on it to close it - I knew I'd be a tough critic. To really push these hacks to their limits, I packed for a five-day trip that required clothing for both rain and sunshine. This meant including a mix of warm and lightweight items to create a variety of outfits. My packing list included: a thick blazer, a wool turtleneck jumper, a shirt, five T-shirts, a summer dress, two pairs of shorts, two pairs of jeans, five pairs of socks and underwear, a belt, a pair of trainers, flip-flops, my hairdryer, and a bag of toiletries. For the test, I used a cabin-sized soft-shell suitcase measuring 55 x 35 x 18cm, which I bought for £16 from Primark. Here's how it went. One in three travellers admit they have no idea how to pack a suitcase efficiently Packing cubes Rating: 4/5 12 12 Packing cubes are all the rage, constantly popping up on my social feed, so naturally, I had to put them to the test. I picked up a set of packing cubes from Primark for £8 and started with the largest one. I carefully folded my clothes to match the size of the cube, ensuring they were as flat as possible. To my surprise, I managed to fit nearly my entire five days' worth of outfits into the largest cube, with only one pair of shorts, socks, underwear, and my belt left out. I placed the packed cube flat into my suitcase, and while it took up the majority of the space, the clothes were neatly compressed and zipped up, leaving some room around it. There was enough space for a smaller cube, which I used to pack the remaining clothes. The smaller cube fit perfectly alongside the larger one. This clever use of space left more than enough room in the other compartment of the suitcase for my shoes, hairdryer, and toiletries. The packing cubes not only kept everything organised but also made it much easier to maximise the available space. The only issue is, you have to pay for the cubes! Vertical packing Rating: 5/5 12 12 12 The vertical packing hack for a carry-on suitcase is a brilliant way to maximise space while keeping your items neatly organised. Begin by laying out all the clothes you plan to pack, folding or rolling them as compactly as possible. Instead of stacking clothes horizontally (one on top of the other), position each item upright and side by side, much like filing papers in a drawer. This approach not only saves space but also allows you to see all your belongings at a glance, eliminating the need to rummage through layers. Initially, I was sceptical about this hack - especially with the bulkier items I needed to pack. I couldn't imagine fitting everything into such a small suitcase. But to my surprise, it worked! As someone who typically piles everything in haphazardly, I was genuinely shocked by how much I managed to fit using this method. You can use smaller items like socks, underwear, belts, and swimwear to fill gaps between the upright clothes. Shoes can go at the bottom or sides of the suitcase. Place toiletries in a sealed bag and tuck them into any remaining gaps, ensuring they don't shift during travel. If you have heavier or bulkier items (e.g., a hairdryer), place them at the bottom or corners of the suitcase for balance. Use zippered compartments for accessories like chargers or hair products. It's a game-changer for efficient packing. The horizontal rolling method Rating: 1/5 The rolling method - where clothes are rolled into compact cylinders instead of folded flat—is designed to maximise suitcase space. By rolling your clothes, you can save room compared to traditional flat folding, allowing you to fit more items into your luggage. This method is also said to reduce creases in fabric and keeps your packing visually organised, as you can easily see and locate each piece of clothing. Additionally, it claims to efficiently fill gaps by utilising every bit of available space. A popular twist on the hack suggests laying rolled clothes horizontally (packing from the side of the suitcase rather than the bottom) instead of vertically. While this might work for thinner items like T-shirts and shorts, it becomes far less effective when packing bulkier clothes. In my experience, thicker items like jumpers and jeans took up most of the suitcase when laid horizontally, leaving little room for anything else. As a result, I could only half-pack my suitcase, making the hack impractical for trips requiring varied clothing. Ultimately, I found this variation more effort than it's worth, earning it a low mark. While it might work for lightweight summer clothes, it's certainly not ideal for bulkier or mixed outfits. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." The vertical rolling method Rating: 2/5 This method is quite similar to the previous hack but slightly more refined - and feels like one that's been passed down through generations long before the days of social media. Instead of laying the rolled cylinders horizontally, the hack suggests packing them vertically. I found this approach to be much more effective, as it allowed for better organisation and made use of the suitcase's height. However, despite its advantages, I was still left with a pair of shorts that didn't quite fit, and closing the suitcase turned into a struggle. I even had to sit on it to get it zipped up, with my belt awkwardly squeezed in at the last minute. While it's an improvement on the horizontal method, it still falls short for bulkier items or when you're packing for a longer trip. Space saving method Rating: 2/5 12 12 This hack was the perfect complement to my vertical rolling method, helping me free up extra space in my suitcase by cleverly utilising every spare inch. The idea is to maximise not just the space inside your suitcase but also use items like shoes and the edges of the bag. The hack suggests using your shoes or trainers as holders for smaller items like socks and underwear. This simple trick created just enough extra space for me to fit my pair of shorts into the remaining gaps, along with the rest of my underwear. Another ingenious tip was to avoid rolling up your belt. Instead, lay it flat and wrap it around the edge of the suitcase, surrounding your packed clothes. This was such a savvy solution and made perfect sense - it's hard to believe I hadn't thought of it before This hack is a no-brainer for anyone looking to optimise their packing and is definitely worth trying on your next trip. Luggage Rules for Major Airlines British Airways Cabin Baggage: 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), total weight up to 23 kg. Checked Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class allow more. EasyJet Cabin Baggage: 1 small cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm), no weight limit but must fit under the seat. Checked Baggage: Fees apply, up to 23 kg per bag. Passengers can pay for additional weight up to 32 kg. Ryanair Cabin Baggage: 1 small bag (max 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority boarding allows an additional larger cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg). Checked Baggage: Fees apply, options for 10 kg or 20 kg bags. Virgin Atlantic Cabin Baggage: Economy and Premium allow 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg). Upper Class allows 2 bags. Checked Baggage: Economy Light has no checked baggage. Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium allow at least 1 bag up to 23 kg. Upper Class allows 2 bags. Emirates Cabin Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm, up to 7 kg). Business and First Class allow 2 bags (total up to 12 kg). Checked Baggage: Economy Class varies by fare type (from 20 kg to 35 kg). Business and First Class allow up to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively.

8 Smart Ways to Save on Your Summer Business Travel (and Have Fun, Too!)
8 Smart Ways to Save on Your Summer Business Travel (and Have Fun, Too!)

Entrepreneur

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Entrepreneur

8 Smart Ways to Save on Your Summer Business Travel (and Have Fun, Too!)

Discover savvy strategies for an efficient, enjoyable summer travel experience, whether for business or pleasure. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Business travel during summer doesn't have to mean stretching your budget to the breaking point. Over the years, I've learned that with a bit of strategy, you can cut costs and add a touch of enjoyment to those work-related getaways. Whether you're sealing deals or prepping presentations, these tips will help you save smart while enjoying a little extra along the way. Here are eight practical ways to make the most of your summer business travel. 1. Score big on hotels with members-only platforms Hotel costs tend to eat up a large part of any travel budget, especially during summer. That's why I created Tonia in Vegas. You can save hundreds on top hotel bookings without compromising on comfort or location. From luxury stays in Las Vegas (and anywhere else in the world) to budget-friendly accommodations near business hubs, members-only discount clubs offer the best of both worlds. Plus, they throw in perks like discounts on dining, entertainment and even experiences to make your business trips more enjoyable. Related: 8 Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Next Business Trip 2. Book flights early (and stay flexible) Flight prices often soar in summer, so early booking is a must. Aim to secure tickets at least 6-8 weeks in advance for the best prices. Being flexible with your travel dates can also save you big bucks. Did you know that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly? Midweek flights are often less crowded, too. If you're not picky about departure times, consider red-eye or early morning flights, which tend to be cheaper. And even if you're tempted by business class, economy seating can save you a pretty penny. 3. Make the most of credit card rewards Your business expenses should be earning you something in return. Travel-focused credit cards come with perks like free travel insurance, airport lounge access and points on your purchases. Rack up these points while you book your flights, hotel stays or meals and you might find yourself redeeming a free flight or hotel sooner than you think. If your company is footing the bill, make sure you're still using your rewards card for those bookings. Just remember to review your usage policy or reimbursement procedures to stay compliant. 4. Pack light to avoid fees Nothing stings like a surprise baggage fee at the airport check-in counter. Avoid extra costs by sticking to just a carry-on for your trip. Choose versatile clothing that works for both professional and casual settings, like a light blazer that can transition from client meetings to dinner outings. If you're headed somewhere sunny, pack lighter fabrics and neutral basics you can mix and match. Don't forget to check the airline's baggage policy beforehand to avoid unexpected fees. Pro tip: Rolling your clothes instead of folding saves space in your suitcase. Packing organizers can also help keep everything compact and accessible. Related: Ease Your Summer Business Travel in 5 Steps 5. Combine work and play Traveling for work doesn't mean it has to feel monotonous. Blend work with leisure to make your trips more enjoyable. For instance, if you're heading to Las Vegas, use discount platforms to snag discounts on theme parks, live shows and fine dining. Scheduling a personal day at the end of your business trip can help you relax, recharge, and experience the destination more fully. Example: Traveling to a city with cultural sites? Visit museums, local attractions or nature parks during your downtime to get the most out of your trip. Not only will these experiences make your trip feel more balanced, but they'll also boost your energy when it's time to get back to work. 6. Skip pricey restaurants Dining out is often one of the sneakiest ways to drain your travel budget. Avoid high-end restaurants for every meal by finding affordable local gems instead. Try to uncover hidden spots offering great food at reasonable prices. If your hotel includes a kitchenette or even just a mini-fridge, consider grabbing groceries or pre-made meals to save even more. Breakfast, in particular, can be simplified with store-bought yogurt, granola bars, or fresh fruit. Budget bonus: Some hotels offer free breakfast, coffee or evening snacks. Take full advantage of these perks! 7. Choose hotels close to attractions Location matters. Staying near conference venues or your other main destinations can help you save on transportation costs like rental cars or rideshares. Look for accommodations within walking distance of key attractions, restaurants or meeting sites. Not only will this help your budget, but it can also reduce overall travel stress. No one enjoys being stuck in traffic trying to make it to a critical client pitch. If you have extra time, don't forget to have some fun and check out some local attractions. Pro tip: Many central hotels offer special business traveler rates or shuttle services to airports or conference centers. 8. Stay connected with Wi-Fi and free tools Roaming and data costs add up quickly when traveling, especially internationally. Avoid costly cellular bills by making use of free Wi-Fi spots in cafes, hotels and co-working spaces. If your business regularly requires calling or video conferencing, use free tools like Zoom, Slack or WhatsApp to stay connected. Pro tip: Invest in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot if you often find yourself needing reliable connectivity on the go. Related: I Sold My House to Work Remotely on a Cruise Ship for 3 Years — and I May Stay Aboard Even Longer. Here's What My Life Will Look Like. Final sip of advice Smart saving during summer business travel is all about planning and flexibility. From accessing exclusive hotel rates to using credit card perks and packing light, small changes to your travel routine can make a big difference to your budget. Buy blending work and play, staying mindful of expenses and keeping an eye on perks, you'll not only save money but also make the most of every trip. Safe summer travels and happy saving!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store