So…it is finally time for your big trip! All you have left to do is pack…
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| Illustration by Inslee Haynes |
If the prospect of packing for a vacation is enough to make you want to stay home, don’t despair, here are some tips to simplify the process. Go here for a printable PDF file of these tips.
Vacation
Checklist, Part Two
Checklist, Part Two
What
to Pack
to Pack
There is nothing worse than
realizing that you have left some crucial items at home, the following packing
tips should help you to better prepare.
realizing that you have left some crucial items at home, the following packing
tips should help you to better prepare.
- Start by writing a packing list, be sure to check the
weather forecast of the destination you are visiting and take into
consideration the activities and outings you will be going on.
- When packing an item think about how many times you are
going to wear it. If you are not going to wear it more than three times, don’t
pack it!
- Choose clothes that pack well and color co-ordinate. For
example, choose a base color for trousers, skirts & shorts like beige or
khaki and then match with a couple of highlight colors.
- Be aware of local traditions and dress codes, especially if travelling
to Muslim countries.
- Accessorize, accessorize! Ladies scarves or wraps can give
your limited wardrobe extra color. They can easily be used to dress up an
outfit. Also, when visiting places of worship you will need to cover your
shoulders so a wrap is perfect for this situation. Also, a few pairs of
inexpensive earrings are fun to bring and can also change the look of your
outfit.
- Pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Take a few plastic zip lock bags for carrying wet items or
keeping things dry.
- Check the electrical outlets and adapters needed for the
places you are visiting.
- If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair or at least have a
copy of your glasses prescription.
- To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep
medicines in their original labeled containers. If a medication is unusual,
carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take it.
- If you plan to wash some items in your hotel bathroom, take
a travel clothesline, sink stopper & soap. Remember micro fibers dry
quicker than cotton.
- If taking a digital camera clean out your photo card memory
and get a back-up one and spare battery.
- If you have any severe allergies write them out in English
and translate to languages in countries you will be visiting. Write on business
card size card and keep on your person. This is easy to do by using Google
language tools.
What NOT To Pack
Remembering what not to pack can sometimes be as important
as remembering what to pack. Follow this simple rule – don’t bring anything you
would hate to lose. Leave at home:
as remembering what to pack. Follow this simple rule – don’t bring anything you
would hate to lose. Leave at home:
- Valuable or expensive-looking jewellery.
- Irreplaceable family objects.
- All unnecessary credit cards.
Tips for packing your suitcase
- Start by putting your name, address and telephone numbers
inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid
casual observation of your identity or nationality.
- Lock your luggage to prevent theft and tampering.
- When packing, lay out the items you intend to take and
re-evaluate your list to eliminate any unnecessary or single-use items.
- Iron everything before placing it in your suitcase as you
may not always have time to iron clothes when you are on tour. Button all
buttons and zip all zippers to avoid items getting caught on them.
- Pack chronologically, with items to be worn first on the
top. This will make it easier to pull things out of your suitcase and save you
time, handy for when you are on the go.
- Pack items tightly so that clothes do not have too much
space to move around and wrinkle.
- Pack toiletries in plastic bags to avoid spillages.
Individual containers with more than 3oz. of liquids are not permitted to be
taken in your carry on luggage in many airports. They must be placed in your
checked in luggage. Check with your airline or airport for up-to-date security
restrictions.
- To save room pack items in shoes (i.e. rolled socks etc).
- Remember to pack your bag only two-thirds full to leave room
for shopping and souvenirs.
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| Illustration by Inslee Haynes |
Go here for a printable PDF file of the checklist of things to do before you leave…and go here for more of my travel tips.
Happy travels!
(Thank you to Insight
Vacations for providing these suggestions.)
Vacations for providing these suggestions.)
I love your lists. They are concise and they WORK! I instinctively followed these rules on our last trip and it made the travel so much more enjoyable! Have a super day, Sandy! Anita
Contemplating a trip to London/Paris for next year I need to get in touch soon!! xo
Great list, my lady! And, I love the Inslee Haynes illustrations too. That 1st one looks just like me in front of my closet. When I'm travelling, the 1st thing I get out is a clothes rack, I start putting items on, adding, subtracting as the mood strikes me. It allows me to actually get the accessories correct too. Now, when are we leaving?
This is sooo good and helpful. I am all about ziploc bags for just about everything. Don't you LOVE Inslee's work? She is so insanely talented! I have learned the hard way about not packing expensive jewelry, (young and naive)! Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing July 4th.
Fabulous tips again Sandy! Thanks a bunch!!!!!
Perfect suggestions! I totally agree with everything. Unfortunately I always pack my bag very full and I don't leave any space for something to buy. I will consider your tips next time I travel. Greetings