So you've realised that you need a break from the daily work grind and wanna go on a vacation. Or maybe you have to go out of town for an important meeting and want to make the most out of it.

Planning a trip might seem easy but there's a lot to go over. Dates, visas, bookings, these are the least of your concerns because the most stress inducing part of any vacation is packing for it!

What do you need to carry? How will you carry all your must haves? How should you pack for business and leisure?

Here are some helpful tips for packing for your next big trip.

1) For short trips, have the right luggage

Let's be honest, the most confusing thing about packing is figuring out what you actually don't need. Over-packing is one of the biggest issues you can have on your trip, and your trip hasn't even started! The worst is when you have a short trip but are still riddled with what to do. The best way to go about it is to make sure your casing has your side.

For short trips its best to only have a carry-on, but make sure it fits your needs. A good carry-on suitcase will have pockets and organisers that will help you figure out what you need and how much of it should go in.

2) Let a backpack have your back

If you are going to spend a lot of time walking outdoors or exploring the city with your gear, a nice, big backpack is much better as a carry-on than a suitcase. The best thing about this is that you won't have to retire it to your room after you land, this can be used even after reaching your destination.

So, even if you have a trip within a trip, like a weekend to another city, you can carry your backpack and not stand out like a tourist.

Most backpacks nowadays have a dedicated pocket for your laptop too so that's a win!

3) Say no to liquid spills!

Body wash and shampoo spills on your favourite shirts can be a disaster when you intend to dress to impress on your trip. Be it shampoo, facewash, contact lens solution or even your signature scent, your packing cannot be complete without your liquids.

But does that mean you carry the whole bottle? And what about those long flights where you want to freshen up but can't because your full size product is in your check in?

Many carrier pouches have smaller travel size bottles which have the capacity for 100 ml of liquid products each, which is of course the limit to any liquid product in the overhead compartment. It may seem like an extra step but is definitely one worth taking.

Just fill these bottles with your necessities and you will have no issues. After all, who wants to carry huge tubes that risk leaks anyways?

4) For the lazy bums: use packing cubes

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to stay organised on a trip. They are basically soft-sided plastic boxes and come in all shapes and sizes.

Organise your clothes, accessories and gear in different packing cubes or even organising packs and you will never open up a loaded and messy suitcase again.

5) Keep all important documents in a smaller separate bag

You cannot risk your wallet, passport and all valuable documents just lying in your bag, no matter how much you padlock it. While travelling, you will need all these things in hand and the possibility of theft is one that is always on your mind.

A small crossbody bag is the best companion for traveling, lightweight and spacious enough for documents, money, phone, the essentials. In Europe, fanny packs are a very common and handsfree accessory. You can also get a funky one that you can match with your travel attire while being smart with your packing!

Or, you can invest in a waist pack which ensures all your important docs are with you at all times, minus the hassle of making your backpack heavy or too bulky.

6) Keep a foldable bag for shopping emergencies

There's a high chance you'll end up shopping on your trip. Maybe you'll visit friends and family and you'll have presents to bring back. Or perhaps you're traveling within your trip and need a sudden extra pair of shirts and socks with shoes to match.

Shopping is the best way to make memories, and you might come across bargains or requests for something extra from back home that you can't miss out on.

A rucksack or foldable duffel bag is really helpful for when your luggage is generally too heavy or full at the end of the trip. They are also usually soft sided which means they are easy to handle and carry around and will take the shape of your gear, making packing a breeze while you can shop, splurge and explore your favourite destination.

Luggage is a huge investment for the frequent traveller and can save a lot of time and make life easy when you are vacationing in foreign lands. All the items mentioned above can be bought at the multi brand store Companion, which just opened its outlet at Lucky One Mall and also has an outlet at Zamzama Boulevard Karachi. Too tired or pressed for time to make a trip to the mall? You can also shop for all these travel cases online.

And yes, don't forget to have lots of fun on your next trip!

This content has been produced in paid partnership with Companion.