Women are generally predisposed to have significantly more luggage and travel essentials than men. It’s therefore not surprising that women’s travel accessories are much more extensive than those for men. Socks, pantyhose, shoes, pants, shirts, blouses, jackets in various styles, at least two different pairs of sunglasses, personal care products, panty liners, and much more must fit into a woman’s suitcase—no wonder, since, after all, a woman’s sensitive nature means she doesn’t want to sacrifice beauty, a good appearance, and inner contentment even while on vacation. Of course, it’s important to distinguish here whether a woman is taking a personal vacation to recharge and relax or whether she’s going on a business trip—after all, she’ll need completely different items for each, depending on what matters most to her at the time.
The hassle of packing a suitcase
According to a survey, packing a suitcase is the biggest source of stress before a vacation for more than 40 percent of all women. That’s because women want to be prepared for every conceivable occasion. And if one suitcase isn’t enough, they’ll just have to bring a second one. But there are a few simple tips to avoid the annual suitcase chaos. The basic principle is: less is more. Instead of thinking, “What might I need?”, you need to repeat the phrase “What can I most easily do without?” to yourself over and over like a mantra. And then there are a few other things to keep in mind….
- Your suitcase should be organized, and the easiest way to do that is to pack in layers: Place heavy items at the bottom. Lay blouses, shirts, and T-shirts on top of them. Underwear and socks are particularly well-suited for filling in the gaps.
- A neatly and properly packed suitcase should weigh no more than 20 percent of your own body weight—which is certainly one of the most sobering secrets of packing a suitcase.
- Leave some space in your suitcase, especially if you plan to buy souvenirs and a few mementos for yourself. It’s recommended that you fill your suitcase only two-thirds full, so there’s still enough room for new purchases without having to sit on the suitcase to laboriously squeeze everything inside.
- Choose your clothes wisely: your destination is the key factor here. If you’re going on vacation in the mountains, you certainly won’t need an elegant evening gown and matching high heels. You also shouldn’t lug around a summer’s supply of razors, tampons, and deodorant. If you have an urgent need, there’s a supermarket in Ibiza that carries your favorite brand.
- If you can't do without your laptop or need it on a business trip, don't just toss it loose in your suitcase—use a laptop bag instead. It will protect your laptop, and you can also take the laptop bag with you as carry-on luggage.
The Right Trolley, Suitcase, and More
Women tend to “play it safe” and would rather pack twice as much, even if they won’t need three times as much. It starts with packing their own makeup bag—which usually comes in the form of a small cosmetic case—moves on to the carry-on suitcase, which of course should match the same design, and ends with the laptop bag that also coordinates with the set. Coordinating sets are available at well-stocked bag stores, online, and in leather goods shops. These high-quality items aren’t exactly cheap, though; they’re usually characterized by their durability—lasting for years—and excellent quality. And let’s be honest, ladies: Men would have a lot less to laugh about if women didn’t have one quirk or another—including when it comes to packing a suitcase.
