Biyahero kodigo: How to pack your bags for travel

This article is part of the "Biyahero Kodigo" series, which features travel tips from Drew Arellano and the "Biyahe ni Drew" crew. For the latest on "Biyahe ni Drew," like us on Facebook and Twitter.

Before you head out for that amazing adventure, make sure you've got all you need!

A well-packed bag makes the most of the space you have, leaving room for the souvenirs and gifts you'll find while traveling. Here are some tips for packing your bags efficiently.

Pack hacks
Double down. Look for items that can be worn several ways. The scarf that keeps you warm on the plane can double as a beach cover-up. For the fashion-conscious traveler, a printed scarf also serves as a functional accessory.Also, figure out which of your clothes can be worn for several days.

One pair of jeans can last you anywhere between two days and a week, depending on the weather. (My rationale: As long as it doesn't smell, it's fine!)

While shooting "Biyahe ni Drew," most members of the crew wear dri-fit shirts, which are made of an ultra-thin material that wicks away sweat from one's skin. These are manufactured by sporting brands but they work well for travelers because apart from being light, they dry quickly, too. Some members of the "Biyahe ni Drew" crew have washed their dri-fit shirts, hung them to dry in the hotel room, and worn them the very next day.

Watch your weight. Invest in a hand-held weighing scale. This lightweight gadget (it can't weigh more than 100 grams) lets you check your bag's weight before and after pasalubong shopping. It costs less than P300 at the mall, but feeling no worry at the airport baggage scales? That's priceless!

Roll playing. Instead of folding clothes like you would for the closet, roll them. This saves space and lessens wrinkling. Speaking from personal experience here: This technique helped my friend and I cram four days worth of shopping in Seoul inside our luggage.

Go small. Size matters, at least when it comes to toiletries. Instead of packing entire bottles of shampoo, stick to sachets, which can be stuffed in the nooks and crannies of your bag. For an eco-friendly approach, buy travel-sized bottles at the department store and refill them as needed.

Safety first. Packing light is important, but don't skip the first-aid kit. For shoots, the "Biyahe ni Drew" team always packs a large bag of medicines and bandages. But when we travel alone, we scale it down to small, personalized pouches that fit in the smallest pocket of our backpacks.

"You can purchase a full travel kit that includes everything from basic medications to more severe treatment options," Gabriel la O writes in Kamusta? Magazine. "The downside is it can be a little weightier. Another option is to consult a medical professional and build one yourself, including only the items that are specific to your destination." Click here for his infographic of what medicines one should always pack.

What's one thing we can't live without? Insect repellant!

Pack that! Small items, big effect. Here are travel essentials that will make your life abroad easier:
Electrical adaptors
Sunscreen - Whether you're going to the beach or to a wintry city, the elements will take their toll. Sunscreen is a must, while a moisturizing lotion with sunscreen is a lifesaver in countries with a dry climate.

What not to pack
According to the United States' Transportation Security Administration, the following items are not allowed in your carry-on luggage:
All sharp objects
Sporting goods like baseball bats and hockey sticks
Realistic replicas of firearms
Self-defense sprays (pepper spray)
Flammable items including lighters with lighter fluid

What's not allowed?
Believe it or not, these popular items aren't allowed in carry-on luggage, but are fine to bring in your checked bags. Keep this in mind when packing gifts for loved ones back home!
Gel-type candles
Skin care creams and lotions over 100 ml - These fall under the category of non-flammable liquid, gel or aerosol paint
Perfume over 100 ml - These fall under the category of non-flammable liquid, gel or aerosol paint

Click here for the full list of prohibited items.

But most of all, don't leave home without an open mind and thirst for new experiences! Travel's all about enriching your life and meeting new people, so get out there and do just that. —CM, GMA News

"Backpacking in the Maze, a Wild and Rugged Region in the Heart of the Canyonlands" by The US National Archives is licensed under CC BY 2.0