What's the best way to pack suitcases?

Packing is annoying for some people who plan to go on a vacation. I never knew anyone who likes and enjoy packing. Packing a suitcase needs skill and planning. You have to know the right techniques in packing whether you are going to a business or pleasure trip, domestic or abroad.....short or long trips.

I was packing suitcase for almost an hour. While packing, it is really important to know the destination and the weather and accordingly pack the suitcase. For me, travelling in a warm country is much more easier to pack than travelling to a cold country as I only have to pack light clothes. Also travelling to my home country, Philippines, is much more easier to pack than travelling to other countries. Usually, when I am travelling to my home country, I just only pack my bikinis, underwears, toiletries, few shorts and shirts and one or two of my favourite summer dresses. I borrow dresses from my sisters (luckily, we have the same size) for the first week until I buy new clothes in a shopping mall. Clothes shopping in the Philippines is much more cheaper than Finland. There are also a lot of items / varities to choose to (alternatives) and places to buy. And that's why I don't pack clothes and just buy new one there.

My Mom's house.....always great to visit!

.....and always great to party!

And huge shopping malls.....

Source: http://betterphils.blogspot.fi/2011/04/philippines-giant-to-take-china-malls.html

.....to hang around and to explore!

Source: http://www.markmaranga.com/sm-mall-of-asia-the-3rd-largest-shopping-mall-in-the-world/

Besides destination and weather, to know the strategic steps in packing, is also important. There are two ways to pack. It is either to use the method of folding or the rolling of clothes. Folding clothes are less likely to wrinkle but take up more space. Rolling clothes, on the other hand, is the most space-efficient packing method and helps to reduce wrinkles. So don't fold—roll everything up. Below is how my packed suitcase looks like.

Besides folding or rolling clothes technique, packing clothes in the suitcase should be arranged from the heaviest to the lightest. For instance, rolled pants should be first because they are heavier and larger followed by lighter shirts and then topped with undergaments. This order makes it easier for the items to compress when the suitcase closes. Toiletries then go on top as they are often contains liquids and needs to be removed quickly for security screenings. For more details, please check this link, http://lifehacker.com/5788501/how-to-pack-your-suitcase-as-efficiently-as-a-flight-attendant.


Now that you have finally packed your suitcase, the next thing to do is to pack the hand baggage. In addition to my passport and flight tickets, I have usually a long sleeve / pullover in my handbag, in case I feel cold in the airport or in the airplane. I have also the following in my hand luggage: wallet, ballpen, chewing gum or candies, laptop, camera, cellphone, car and my flat's key, make-up kit, tissue paper and allergy pills. Whichever way you pack your suitcase doesn't really matters. Whether you pack smartly or pack in a hurry with half of what you needed in the trip are missing; your flight will not wait for you. Check out Packing List, Travel Tips and Trip Planning Guide to help you get the most out of your trip by planning well and packing everything. Below are some amazing shots that will motivate you to pack.....amazing beaches that would probably wait for you to explore!

Source: http://www.planettravelstours.com/images/mainimage.jpg

Source: http://static.wixstatic.com/media/02876c_5e5c8b209dae4335aebbea83f2d13ceb.jpg

And from my own Facebook album, island hopping in Boracay......

Bon voyage!

Welcome to my blog!

Finally, I have created a blog of my own. After two years of studying master's degree while working a full time job, I will be graduating in few days.....and now, is the perfect time for blogging. I don't have any experience on blogging, except when I was doing an assignment in one of our courses in master's degree. And that was not just my own creation but a group's creation, as part of our group assignment. But I am sure that after few blog postings, I will be a master in blogging. Time will tell.

Source: http://ifandorbutpublishing.com/about/

Now that I have finished my master's degree, I have finally time to concentrate on blogging. Studying while working a full time job is not easy at all. You have to divide time on your studies, work, family, friends, free time and skip all the invitations and parties on weekends. Not to forget...late nights and walking like a zombie during the day, at work. Luckily, I have a dance classes in the evening and jog / run when I have a chance, which keeps me on shape, cheers me up and gives me more energy. 

Also please check the following link. It was a surprise dance number to my hubby when he turned 50 three years ago. With me was my eldest son, Juho Lester. Enjoy the video.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=232291533452149&l=1246265725576596915

And yes, I am proud of having a good knowledge on time management. Managing time is so important when you're studying while working. Although my studies was an online studies, working full time and studying online requires a lot of effort. Obliging yourself to a mental and physical energy into this uneasy arrangements can either makes you feel fatigued, stressed, or both. 

Source: http://studymbatoday.com/developing-time-management-skills-online-learning-2/

Prioritizing or sorting out things which needs more time, studying harder subjects first, devoting more time to studies that are new to you or needs more improvement and modifying your study schedule to prioritize the immediate tests or assignments are things to consider in spending an appropriate amount of time in studying for each subject.

Source: http://www.region1mep.org

Prepare for temptations and distractions. They are really hard to resist, I'm telling you. But always remember that studies is your first priority over socializing and other activities. Personally, I didn't go out on weekends if it was not really a must. Actually, I don't have any chance and other options, but to study and do assignments on weekends because I have other extra curricular activities on weekdays. Luckily, I have an understanding hubby that supports me on this. 

But although I was working hard for the past two years, I also know how to reward myself with fun activities after finishing hard assignment or when finishing one study session. I usually go for a long walk / run, go out with my two sons and hubby (dine in a restaurant) and just simply doing nothing and just relax. 

Although there are so may hindrances and challenges in studying while working full time, there are also advantages. It allows you to maintain your job, your salary and associated benefits while also progressing in your studies. All the hard work pays, believe me. Remember to stay focused, organized, believe in yourself and reach for your goal. What is two years of studying, anyway? Time flies so fast. You will not even notice it. I did it with flying colors, didn't I? Why can't you do the same?

Graduation picture when I finished BBA, Bachelor in Business Administration, major in Accounting in 1986 (University of the East)