Pack your suitcase in 15 minutes!

As always, you're in a hurry and have very little time to pack your suitcase. How can you make sure you don't forget anything when you only have 15 minutes? Follow my 4 easy steps!

It's certainly possible to start packing 30 days before leaving, adding items every day, and even grabbing things along the way because you suddenly need them before you go; that's typical of anxious people. But if you're like me, you pack at the last minute and you have to make sure you have everything.

It's possible to pack your suitcase without forgetting anything in just a few minutes, follow me!

How many days?

Start by determining the number of days you'll be away, and pack one outfit per day. For example: 3 days: 3 pairs of pants, 3 tops. Lay out your complete outfits on your bed, including the shoes you plan to wear. If you plan to wear the same pants twice, pair them with the top right away. Pack them in your suitcase. Think practically. Don't skimp, make your choices.

Activities?

Are there any special activities planned? A fancy evening out, an excursion, swimming? Choose just one complete outfit to wear. If you're heading south, pack dresses for dinner that won't wrinkle—you can wear them more than once—and swimsuit(s) for the beach, depending on the length of your trip.

The health and beauty package?

Have a small bag ready to go containing: your favorite shampoo and conditioner, brush or comb, creams, nail clippers, toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, razor, sunscreen, aspirin, plasters, etc. Pack only the essentials. Place the bag in your suitcase. Don't bring a hairdryer; they are available in all hotels and cruise ship cabins. Bring your medications with you. Pack your sewing repair kit in your suitcase; it should be part of your basic travel bag.

The best features+

Raincoat or umbrella? Umbrella!… or better yet, a small raincoat that folds up into a mini bag, just in case! Camera (you can also carry it with you if you're worried), currency for your destination (ideally on your person). Reading material? In your backpack. A lightweight windbreaker, always handy. Plugs or a transformer if the voltage is different. Hat, cap? Headphones! Passport… Let's go!

Don't bring

Don't pack things in your suitcase that you won't use for unexpected situations. Make choices; opt for comfortable, wrinkle-free clothes. If you're going away for 7 days, don't pack clothes for 10. If you're going away for more than 10 days, consider washing your clothes and bringing less. Quick, the taxi's waiting!

15 minutes is enough when you're leaving for a week or less... And if you're worried about forgetting something, here's a handy checklist to help you double-check once the deadline has passed.

Sylvie Myre

President of Discount Travel