20/12/2021
How to pack your suitcase to travel by train
Almost always, packing the suitcase is one of those tasks that we usually postpone when we go on a trip or vacation. Until, a few days before departure, we finally decide to get on with it. We open the wardrobe doors and drawers to choose the clothes we want to take and the doubts begin: this yes, this no, but maybe yes? In the end, our suitcase is in a jumble and the bed full of "maybe’s".
We explain how to pack a suitcase for a week
Although at first glance it may seem that preparing the luggage is easy, the truth is that doing it correctly is a form of art. In this article we give you the best tips on how to pack a travel suitcase for a week where everything fits and nothing is missing. Follow all these tips and make your train travel experience a pleasure from the start.
Find out which baggage options are allowed
The destination determines the contents of your suitcase and therefore the most appropriate size. If you're going hiking, you'll need hiking shoes and thicker clothes. On the other hand, if you are going to visit a city or spend a week relaxing on the beach, the clothes will be much lighter and the suitcase can be smaller.
Find out more about the luggage allowance on the train. At OUIGO, we want to make things easier for you and offer you two luggage options at no extra cost:
2 hand bags no larger than 36 x 27 x 15 cm.
1 piece of hand baggage no larger than 36 x 27 x 15 cm and 1 piece of cabin baggage no larger than 55 x 35 x 25 cm.
In addition, if you need to carry more luggage, you can always choose the additional luggage option (no more than 30 kg and 2 metres) up to 30 minutes before the train departs.
Make a list so you don't leave anything out
No matter how short your trip is, there are always essential items that you should not forget, in addition to the clothes and accessories that you do not want to miss in your luggage to travel by train. The ideal way not to leave anything at home is to make a checklist, i.e., a list with everything you need to pack a travel suitcase.
Divide the list into different sections and complete each of them:
The personal hygiene kit (medication that you usually take, toothbrush and toothpaste, shower gel and shampoo, deodorant, cologne, make-up, comb, accessories and other products that you usually use, such as hairpins, hair bands, hair gel, etc.).
Specific things for each trip and some extras (hat, sun lotion, earplugs, books, headphones, laptop).
Underwear and pyjamas.
Forget-me-nots. Review the list before you leave so you don't forget the four things you can't leave at home, such as your mobile phone, documents, wallet, keys or glasses.
→ Trick plus OUIGO: save the list and make copies. That way you'll always have one for every trip.
Coordinate garments to create different outfits
Choose clothes that combine with each other and give more play to each garment. You can also take advantage of the fact that there are not many days and prepare several outfits, including shoes.
The way you place the clothes inside the suitcase is also important. Here are some tips:
Heavier items, such as shoes or jeans, go underneath so they don't crush or wrinkle the rest of your clothes.
Put the shoes in individual bags and take advantage of the corners left by the rest of the clothes.
Roll clothes up like a tube to make them arrive less wrinkled.
Put on top of everything you're going to use first, such as your pajamas, if you're going to arrive at your destination at night.
→ Trick plus OUIGO: Make packs of outfits by grouping together the underwear, jersey or T-shirt and trousers you want to combine, so you'll have them more at hand.
Use cloth bags to compartmentalize space
Using cloth bags to pack your luggage is very useful and keeps your suitcase tidy. Use one bag for underwear or swimwear, if you're going to the beach; another for dirty clothes. You can also store smaller accessories in them, such as scarves, ribbons or belts or mobile phone or laptop chargers. This way, you only have to take the bag that interests you.
→ Trick plus OUIGO: if you have created sets of clothes, put each set in one of these bags.
Take into account the weather at your destination
Check the weather of the place you're going to and even the weather forecast for the days you'll be there. You'll avoid ending up dressed in short sleeves and shivering like a leaf or sweating under a thick sweater. Some places have more variable weather than others and, if that's the case, it's a good idea to pack a light raincoat, a folding umbrella or a foulard.
Take your coat in your hand (or put it on)
If you need to carry a thick coat or parka, it is better to carry it in your hand and avoid taking up half a suitcase and, of course, you can travel with the heaviest shoes.
By the way, don't forget to leave some space for those gifts and souvenirs you can't go back without. ;)
And remember, it's okay if we end up leaving out something trivial or run out of shampoo - we're not perfect and that's part of our charm!