Packing the Perfect Honeymoon Suitcase

Packing the Perfect Honeymoon Suitcase. The honeymoon is the cherry on the sundae—the sweet treat to cap off all of your wedding plans. But we know many brides who get overwhelmed with what to pack and how to pack it efficiently. Here, Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., a cross-cultural consultant, an international protocol expert and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, gives us her top tips on packing the perfect honeymoon suitcase. She says packing efficiently saves space, time, and ensures no necessary belongings are left behind.

“Like any art form—preparation and thought go into a well-packed bag,” Schweitzer says. “Before you pack, create a list of events to be attended, adventure activities, dinners requiring evening attire. Once you’ve selected clothes to wear, remove one outfit. Let’s face it; no one wears everything they pack. There’s always something that can be cut. Select more tops than trousers or skirts because you can easily wear bottoms twice.”

Sharon’s tips on how to be a better packer:

  1. Suitcase: Lightweight and durable are the criteria to keep in mind. Unless you’re headed to an extended honeymoon (2 weeks plus), a carry-on will alleviate travel stress and save money. Very few airlines allow a free checked bag. Checking a bag limits options if a flight is cancelled or changed.
  1. Luggage Scale: It is wise to invest in a residential luggage scale if you must check a bag. Exceeding the 50-pound limit is detrimental to your wallet. Making sure you are under the weight limit prior to airport arrival is reassuring.
  1. Photograph & Tag: On both carry-on and checked bags, photograph your luggage, pack a business card or ID tag inside and include an external bag tag. When five identical bags slide down the luggage chute, identify yours with a distinguishing ribbon, sticker or luggage tag.
  1. Clothing: Invest in wrinkle-free, lightweight clothing with a similar color palette for layering, easy mixing and matching. Place an extra dryer or scented sheet inside your bag to reduce unpleasant odors. Pack sturdy, several collapsible travel bags for purchases. Don’t mark yourself as a robbery target. Expensive jewelry, family heirlooms and watches stay home.

And yet Sharon’s tips on how to be a better packer:

  1. Roll, Roll, Roll: Rolling your clothes saves space while preventing creases and wrinkles. After rolling, use air-compression plastic bags to vacuum extra air. Efficiently packing the heaviest items (jeans, jackets) at the suitcase bottom. Wrap belts around the edges of the suitcase to cradle clothing. Fill the suitcase with lightest clothing at the top (rolling the entire time).
  1. Shoes: If you have a shoe fetish, it may be hard to limit yourself to three pairs of travel shoes: casual pair, tennis shoes, and evening shoes. Many experts advise wearing your heaviest pair on the day of travel to keep suitcase weight low. Shoes go in shoe bags foot-to-toe, before heavy items, at the very bottom. If packing shoe soles facing the bag sides, slide shoes into shower caps or clear plastic bags first. Place socks and small articles into your deodorized shoes to save space.
  1. Toiletries: Purchase travel sized toiletries under 3.0 ounces, or use destination amenities. Double-bag all necessary toiletries (liquids, gels) to prevent stains. Place this bag at the very top of your carry-on for quick retrieval at security if you are not TSA-PreCheck.
  1. Technology: Organize all gadgets, chargers, and cables in a tech organizer for easy retrieval at security if questions arise.   

You Might Also Enjoy

Skip to content