ADVICE: Burrito method of packing

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Packing for vacations can be time-consuming and such an exhausting task. Us, Beach Junkies have a customized packing list that we created four or five years ago and it makes packing simple. Probably about two weeks before our trip, we start putting away clothes that we want to take. If we are traveling in the summer, we put clothes aside so we won't wear them and have to launder before our departure. If it's winter, we pull out those summer clothes that have been tucked away for the season. I think the toughest part is figuring out what to bring. In terms of clothing, the easiest thing is to do is choose a colour scheme and bring clothes that have a dual purpose (scarf/sarong or cover up/evening dress). Once you have figured out what you are bringing, packing everything in your luggage is a piece of cake. Check out this method:

BURRITO STYLE

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I have started this style of packing a year ago. I just considered it "rolling up my clothes so it fits nicely in my luggage" but a couple of months ago, I came across a blog who called it the Burrito Method of Packing. So instead of piling up all your clothes in two separate piles, you simply roll up all your clothes and arrange it nicely in your luggage. You can definitely fit more in your luggage and nothing gets wrinkled.

We got new luggage!!!

Both Beach Junkies recently bought new luggage. It appears that we are buying new luggage after two vacations. Hopefully these two will stand the tossing they get from airport baggage handlers.

 

 His luggage - Gravis Trekker Roller Luggage

 

Her luggage - Heys Eco Orbis Spinners

FYI: Heys luggage is on sale at Sears until March 5, 2010. Most styles are up to 55% off. For example, I bought the 26" Heys Eco Orbis Spinners which is regularly $274.99 and I got it for $109.99.  If you are in the market for new luggage, I suggest you head out to your local Sears store to take advantage of this awesome sale!!!!

ADVICE: Packing your luggage and splitting the contents

After reading our guest resort review in the previous post, it gave me an idea. Let me quote the line in her review that inspired this post:

"We waited on board for over an hour for the luggage trailers to bring our passengers' bags to the plane group by TINY group. The captain advised us that we had to take off due to flight crew schedule restrictions, while 29 of our bags were still somewhere in the airport's luggage system."

Here's a little tip and it's something that Beach Junkies practices for every trip they go on. If you have the luxury of traveling with a companion, we advise spliting what you are bringing between the two suitcases. This way, in case one suitcase gets lost, you will have some of your clothing and toiletries in the other luggage. We also started doing this when a friend told me about her trip to Cozumel with her mom. Her mom's luggage didn't make it to their destination but luckily my friend's luggage made it through. If they had split their stuff, the mom would have had some of her clothes to get her through the week. I would certainly suggest to either pack your bikini/boardshorts in your carry-on or wear it on the plane. It's the most important item you need to enjoy your vacation.