Lonely Planet Experts Share Packing Fails: Real Stories and Essential Tips to Avoid Them
Travelers know the frustration of suitcase disasters—from burst shampoo bottles to security inspections of laundry. These mishaps are common, but avoidable. Celebrating our new book How to Pack for Any Trip, Lonely Planet experts share their packing fails and proven tips to pack smarter.
Suncream Leaks
I meticulously pack for outbound trips, but my post-holiday self gets lax on returns. After Ibiza, a sunblock bottle cracked, staining clothes irreparably—even after multiple washes.
Top tip: Seal bottles in ziplock bags and cushion them between soft items like towels to absorb luggage carousel impacts.
Gemma Graham – Destination Editor for North Europe. Follow her on X: @gglpde
Backpack Breakdown
Budgeting for a round-the-world trip, I bought the cheapest purple backpack available. Its lining tore within a week, forcing repairs in San Francisco's bus terminal.
Top tip: Invest in quality backpacks for extended travel. Research styles, test fits, and always carry a needle and thread.
Emma Sparks – Deputy Editor, lonelyplanet.com. Follow her on X: @Emma_Sparks
Shared Suitcase Chaos
On our first road trip in a small car, we packed one large case. Digging for socks through each other's clothes turned holidays into unpacking ordeals.
Top tip: Couples should each use a small case, organizing by daily outfits.
Maria McKenzie – Social Comms Manager. Follow her on X: @MazMckenzie
Beer Bottle Blunder
Returning from Newfoundland research, I padded six beer bottles in a dry-bag with clothes. They survived intact but leaked due to cabin pressure changes resealing the caps.
Top tip: Avoid capped beer bottles on flights; opt for screw-top or corked wine/booze.
Matt Phillips – Destination Editor for Sub-Saharan Africa. Follow him on X: @Go2MattPhillips
Overpacked Rucksack
Hiking the UK's 192-mile Coast-to-Coast (Lake District to North York Moors) and Tasmania's Overland Track, overloaded packs caused back strain. Lesson learned.
Top tip: Lay out everything, remove half, then pack.
James Kay – Editor, lonelyplanet.com. Follow him on X: @jameskay123
Vitamin Vial Suspicion
To save hand-luggage space, I hid vitamins in shoes. Security swabbed everything for drugs repeatedly.
Top tip: Group medications, vitamins, and creams together—they look less suspicious with plasters and painkillers.
Louise Bastock – Assistant Editor, lonelyplanet.com. Follow her on X: @LouiseBastock
Forgotten Camera
Super-organized with toiletries and plugs, I packed my camera charger but forgot the camera for a UK-Australia family wedding flight.
Top tip: While prepping tech (charge devices, clear memory), ensure you pack the devices themselves.
Jane Atkin – Community Manager. Follow her on X: @dulynoted
Souvenir Security Scare
Jersey car-boot sale finds (three coffee pots) stuffed with laundry alarmed airport security as unidentified metal objects.
Top tip: Match souvenirs to luggage capacity. Skip large items with only hand baggage.
Ellie Simpson – Traveller Comms Analyst. Follow her on X: @GutsyGrad
