How To Pack A Suitcase For An Overseas Trip

Living in New Zealand, we’re geographically isolated from the rest of the world. Yes, this is part of New Zealand’s appeal. But, it can make it tricky to head overseas for work trips and holidays. Unless, of course, you’re visiting our neighbours in Australia and the Pacific Islands. Given that it can take a long time to get to places like America or Europe, you’ll often plan to stay longer to make the trip worthwhile. The only problem with that is you’ll only have limited luggage.

We love a trip away as much as anyone at Briscoes. But, what we love more is supporting Kiwis to take their own holiday or business trip abroad. That’s why, we have a wide range of suitcases and other baggage to help you feel comfortable on the road. But what and how should you approach packing? In this guide, we’ll explore exactly that!

Common rules for packing luggage for an international flight

Everyone lives a different lifestyle. So, as you’d expect, how to pack suitcases and carry-on luggage will vary from person to person. In saying that, there are certainly some rules and regulations you should be aware of before packing your luggage bags. 

Baggage allowance

If you’ve ever tried to go shopping for your friends and family in another country, you’ll know how much of a drag a baggage allowance is. Of course, baggage allowance will change from airline to airline. But commonly, a travel suitcase shouldn’t be wider than 140cm in linear dimension. Whether you have a small or large suitcase, it should generally weigh less than 32kg in economy class. Carry-on luggage is another story altogether. 

Thankfully, you can easily find a set of scales in nearly every airport before boarding. As well as that, most airlines allow you to pay an extra fee for more luggage. Although, this can be expensive (often hundreds more). If you need to buy new luggage bags or suitcases, read our bags and luggage buying guide. 

Restricted goods

Once again, this may vary from airline to airline. However, there are restricted items that most airports and planes will not allow. Usually, it’s pretty common sense. But, it’s well worth understanding what prohibited items are so that you don’t put them in your luggage and receive a hefty fine or worse. Commonly restricted items may include: 

• Flammable liquids
• Lithium batteries 
• Explosives
• Organic peroxides

TSA locks

TSA stands for Transportation Security Security. TSA locks are a global security system that allows you to lock and protect your suitcases and luggage bags. But, airline staff can still unlock and access your baggage for any needed security checks. It’s a win-win, really. If you plan to use a padlock to lock your suitcases or even carry-on luggage, you’ll need to use a TSA lock. Otherwise, airport staff may need to get out the bolt cutters!

Why it’s important you pack well for an overseas trip

Before learning the best ways to pack, whether you’re loading up a large duffle bag or a small suitcase, it’s a good idea to consider why packing properly is important. 

Your safety

As with anything in life, safety should always be top priority. This is especially true when it comes to travelling overseas. In New Zealand, we’re very lucky. Some countries have different infrastructure, wildlife, and cultural norms depending on where you go. When it comes to packing your luggage, this means you want to be prepared forever you’re going. Otherwise, you could end up with an injury, getting sick or having your belongings stolen. 

Travelling light

It may seem a bit contradictory to our last point, but you also want to pack your suitcase and carry on backpack light where you can. Of course, you want to be prepared and safe, but you also don’t want to be bogged down with unnecessary and heavy items. Try to pack what's important and look for lighter and smaller alternatives. For example, do you really need thick boots? Or could you pack smaller shoes instead? 

Comfort while travelling

If you’ve been on a long-haul flight to top overseas destinations before, you’ll know how tough it can be on the body. Things like cramps and dehydration are big factors. This means you must pack your carry-on luggage methodically, so you have everything you need for a comfortable journey.

International travel packing checklist

As we’ve said, each traveller is different. But, just like when it comes to rules and regulations, there are some items that nearly everyone will want to pack in their suitcase. No matter your international holiday, here are some items to consider for your suitcase:

• Regular clothing
• Warm clothing like hoodies and beanies
• Wet weather gear
• An outfit for going out
• Travel documentation
• Toiletries
• Electronics and chargers
• Day bag
• Sun protection

It can be a good idea to consider whether you’ll have access to a washing machine. If not, you may need to pack extra clothing. 

The best technique for packing your luggage

Whether a large suitcase or small suitcase, all luggage options are built differently. This is what we think is the best way to approach packing your baggage to ensure you’re making the most of space.

1. Write out a list

First up, you’ll want to write up a bit of a list. Have a good think about how many days you’ll be on the road, so to speak. If you’re travelling long, consider when you’ll have access to a washing machine or laundromat. A list of items to pack means you won’t waste any time and are less likely to forget anything important.

2. Lay out your suitcase

Next up, you’ll want to lay out your travel suitcase. In most cases, suitcases from NZ can be opened and laid out so you can pack belongings on both sides. Laying your suitcase out means you’ll have a good idea of what you’re working with and how much you can fit. 

3. Lay out what you want to pack

You’ll want to lay out your luggage items now that your suitcase is laid out. Refer to your initial list and gather all your belongings for your trip. It’s worth noting that you may need to take some items as carry-on luggage. Also, to save room in your suitcase, wearing bulky jackets on the flight can be a good idea. Don’t worry, you can take it off and stow it away for the duration of the journey. 

4. Roll up your clothes

Some people prefer to fold and use vacuum storage bags, but rolling out your clothes can be just as easy. Both of these techniques try to do the same thing: to remove air from your clothing so that you can fit more in your suitcase. When packing your clothing, consider what you’ll wear on your trip's first day or two. Place those items where they’re easy to get to. That way, you won’t need to unpack your suitcase on the first day fully. 

5. Pack a laundry bag for underwear

Since underwear is generally smaller than other clothing, you may want to pack these items into a dedicated laundry bag. That way, your underwear and small items like socks won’t move around in your luggage in transit. Some travellers also like to pack a separate laundry bag just for dirty washing. This separates clean items from dirty items in your travel suitcase for good hygiene. At Briscoes, we have a range of baggage accessories, including small bags. 

6. Strap it all down

Most suitcases, including many options at Briscoes, have a strap on each side. These straps can be used to secure down what you’ve packed. At this stage, use these straps and fasten what's currently in one side of your suitcase. That way, it won’t all fall out when you’re closing the suitcase, and your belongings won’t move around when travelling. 

7. Pack your shoes on the other side

Now it’s time to move over to the other side of your suitcase. If you have a small suitcase, you may be unable to fit in any footwear. However, most larger suitcases should allow enough room. If your shoes are clean and ok to bend slightly, you may want to lay your shoes on their side in the suitcase.

Otherwise, simply lay footwear with the soles facing down. It’s often a smart idea to put footwear into their own bags. That way, you’ll avoid any mess from the bottom of your shoes and prevent damaging other items in your luggage.

8. Pack your toiletries and other large items

Given their small size, pack toiletries in a small toilet bag, so they don’t move around. Keeping essential medicines and toiletries on hand for your flight can be a good idea. You’ll want toiletries to be near the top of your carry-on suitcase in case airport security needs to check anything. If you have makeup or a skincare routine, heep this in a streamlined bag too. 

9. Strap the other side down

Just like before, now strap the other side of your suitcase. The last thing you want is your shoes moving around when in transit. This could cause damage and dirty your favourite clothing.

10. Pack smaller items into pouches

With more large suitcases, you’ll have pouches available for extra storage. Now that you’ve packed the pulk of the large items, you’ll want to pack smaller belongings into these zipped pouches. Things like sunglasses, hats and books would be well placed here. Some travellers also like to pack socks in their pouches if they aren’t already in a dedicated laundry bag. 

11. Trim your luggage where you can

Lastly, it’s time to comb over what you’ve backed and trim the fat where possible. With your original list, go over everything and look for items you don’t need. This will help to reduce the weight of your luggage. Remember, you may want to leave room for gifts and souvenirs that you pick up while away. And there you have it! For advice on packing things to take on the plane, read our top 30 items to keep in your carry-on luggage. Otherwise, it can be a good idea to see what popular travel bloggers are doing. 

The range of suitcases at Briscoes

At Briscoes, we have a wide variety of suitcases and trolley cases on offer. Luggage on wheels is convenient to move around without needing to constantly support the weight of your suitcase. Our suitcase options come in many different styles and colours. Often, it’s a good idea to have a distinctive coloured suitcase so you can easily spot it on the baggage carousel. Choose from popular and reliable brands, including: 

• Paklite
• Panorama Princess
• Skyway
• Verage
• Desley 
• International Traveller

Take more on your next holiday with Briscoes

There’s nothing like the excitement of planning and packing for an overseas trip. Be sure to view our wide range of bags and luggage options at Briscoes. We also stock travel accessories and other handy backpacks. For advice on storing your belongings when you return from your trip, read our blog exploring spring storage ideas.