Genius packing hacks for your upcoming travels, according to an expert traveller

Already thinking about your year-end holiday destination? While the excitement of purchasing tickets is undeniable, the subsequent packing anxiety can occasionally outweigh the thrill. As a stylish woman on the go, mastering the art of packing is a must. Let's be honest: Juggling those holiday outfits of yours, weather uncertainties, and limited baggage allowances demands strategic choices. The first solution to that? Finding the ideal suitcase that fits your needs. 

Additionally, having expert insights can be invaluable. Meet Hazlina Dayangku, Head of Marketing and Brand Strategy at Samsonite Southeast Asia. As a frequent traveller, she shares with us some insider packing tips and smart travel anecdotes to streamline your next vacation prep.

What suitcase do you currently travel with?

I'm always on the move with my faithful companion — the bright red MINTER suitcase by Samsonite. It's not just luggage; it's my travel sidekick, carefully crafted to elevate my journey with a mix of durability, style, and feather-light design. What's more, this red hue isn't just a fashion statement — it's a lifesaver at the bustling conveyor belts. Spotting it amidst a sea of black and navy suitcases is a breeze, making post-flight luggage retrieval a stress-free affair.

What are some packing mistakes that most people make?

One of the most frequent slip-ups is overpacking. The key is to curate your outfits thoughtfully and opt for versatile pieces that can be effortlessly mixed and matched. Equally important is harnessing the magic of organization. Embrace the game-changer that is packing cubes and dedicated compartments within your suitcase. Trust me, these simple hacks can work wonders, revolutionizing how you pack and travel efficiently!

What can't you travel without?

Embarking on any journey, my skincare and cosmetic essentials are non-negotiable — think Chanel Sublimage Revitalising Mist and Sublimage Le Soin Perfecteur. Given my frequent travels within Southeast Asia, where the weather can be quite unforgiving, lip balm and sunscreen are my armour. I also can’t travel without my Samsonite’s Mobile Solution Eco Bag. Its lightweight design combined with its eco-friendly properties, makes it my go-to bag for business trips - think laptop, lip balm, sunscreen, notes, books and more.

Do you prefer solo travel or with people?

Ah, the age-old debate of solo travel versus the company of others! Both hold a distinct allure. In my case, my journeys often kick off in solo mode — racing through airports, hopping in and out of cars, checking in and out of hotels — and is all part of the job. However, when it comes to personal travel, I find joy in the company of others.

There's something magical about exploring new horizons with friends or loved ones. The ability to share your experiences with someone, to laugh about the quirky cultural encounters, and to savour the delightful local cuisines. After all, travel is not just about visiting places; it's about immersing yourself in a country's culture, and what better way to do that than with the laughter and shared memories of companions?

Being a woman, shopping is an inherent joy for me. And let's face it, shopping is an adventure best enjoyed with friends! The collective excitement of finding hidden gems in local markets or helping each other pick the perfect outfit, it's a bonding experience like no other. I'm certain most women can relate to the joy of shopping escapades with their favourite travel buddies.

While solo travel has its own charm and moments of self-discovery, there's unbeatable magic in the togetherness of travel. It's the perfect blend of 'me time' and 'we time', ensuring every trip is an unforgettable adventure.

What’s a funny travel story that happened to you?

Let me whisk you away to a hilarious adventure during a girls' trip to Krabi, a memory that still makes us laugh to this day.

We were on a thrilling journey to our resort on a speedboat, ready to conquer the waves. Our evening plans included a fancy dinner in town, so we dolled up, the wind in our hair and excitement in the air. Little did we know, nature had a playful twist in store for us.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness set in, the pier was barely visible. The sea turned wild, waves dancing ferociously, and the wind picked up speed. Our speedboat turned into a rollercoaster, almost vertical at times. The sea, now a bit choppy, added an unexpected thrill to our adventure.

Amidst the adrenaline rush, one of my friends, attributing the rough sea to an upset sea god, insisted we make amends. With all the confidence, she urged us to throw our wine bottles into the sea as an offering, believing it would calm the waters. We laughed, contemplating the sacrifice, but decided against it, not wanting to litter the beautiful ocean.

As we finally reached the floating pier, attempting to disembark was a challenge. The sea had left us all a bit sea-legged, struggling to find our land legs. Some passengers were on all fours, crawling quickly to reach the safety of the pier. Our carefully applied makeup had smudged, and we were a sight! Wet, a bit dishevelled, but still giggling.

Looking back, we now understand why the resort staff, who had shared the same adventurous speedboat ride, were continuously smiling and giggling. They probably had their fair share of city girls turned seafarers!

It was a wild and scary ride, but the memory of our 'sea escapade' has become a legendary tale among us. And hey, it's these kinds of adventures that make travel unforgettable and leave us with laughter-filled stories to share for years to come.

What are some packing hacks you swear by?

I've got a few tried-and-tested packing hacks that I swear by. These tricks have made my travels so much easier and more organized. These hacks are lifesavers!

• First up, rolling clothes. It's a space-saving wonder! Plus, lesser/no wrinkles, and finding what I need is a breeze.
• Packing cubes are my travel BFFs. They keep my things sorted, making it simple to grab what I want without a messy suitcase.
• And when I'm packing, I always start with the heavier stuff—shoes, toiletries—at the bottom. It keeps my bag stable and easy to manage.
• Never leave without a foldable bag. Mine's a trusty Samsonite Mobile Solution Eco Duffel. Perfect for stashing souvenirs or that extra stuff I inevitably pick up along the way.