Vacation Packing - Don't Panic, Plan
Let's face it you look foreward to going on vacation and getting away from work, but before you leave home there has to be some packing - and no one loves packing!
However a bit of planning reduces the stress - after all remember you are going on holiday!
What to Pack
Clothing
The trick is mix and match and layering. Every top and bottom should do with each other. Several tops should layer to make a warmer outfit.
Try to take items with more than 1 use: men's bathers can also be shorts, a women's tankini top can double as a top. A T-Shirt can go under or over other layers. A sarong can be a skirt, dress, shawl, towel, bag. Satin pj's can double as a women's dress up outfit!
Take several thin layers rather than 1 heavy coat or sweater. Layer with silk, merino or poly-prop thermal underwear and lightweight but warm outer layer plus a waterproof layer if you need to.
If you are traveling to a totally different climate on holiday avoid taking in appropriate clothing just for the first and last days. If you are leaving the snowy north for tropical climates - give your jacket and warm clothing to a friend at the airport and ask them to pick you and bring the clothing with them!
Take old clothes and discard them - use the space created for souvenirs!
Travel Gear
Vids on Packing
What to Pack it In
Choosing a Bag
Lots of people start with the bag - I prefer to start with what I need to take - I don't want to take more stuff just to fill up the bag!Ideally you want a bag of carry on size - even if it will be a bit heavy to actually carry on - the usual limit these days is 7kg.
No don't take a bag bigger than you need in case you buy stuff. Either discard to make room or buy an extra bag when you do the shopping splurge and plan that to be at the end of the trip.
What type of bag?
If you are going to be doing a lot of walking and staying in hotels which don't supply bellhops than seriously look at something that fits comfortably on your back. Pull along luggage is OK for airports and short distances but they don't work well on rough street surfaces, hurt your back if you have to drag them too far and are awkward on stairs and on and off public transport.
More Resources on Packing
- Vacation Packing Tips
- More packing tips for your next vacation
Great Stuff on Amazon
Do Not Leave Home Without
Passport if traveling overseas
Money and Cards
Tickets including receipts for E-Tickets
Insurance
Important Phone Numbers - not just on your phone - in case you loose it but also on paper or online
Letting someone know your dates and contact email/number.
Reader Feedback
Let me know about your travel packing tips and tricks - I'd love to hear from you!
|
Music-Resource
Hi Lissie, Nice Vacation Packing lens. Nice tips on the post-it module. ~Music Resource~ Posted March 17, 2008 |
|
lissie
It's a security -try going with one carryon bag and enjoy the freedom! Thanks for visiting Posted March 17, 2008 |
|
Retro_Loco
Great packing tips! Can't wait to see more. I am notorious for over packing. I just can't help it! I hope you'll visit Vintage Aprons one day! Posted March 17, 2008 |
More of Lissie's Travel Articles
- Italy Travel Tips & Advice
- taly is a long time favorite of tourists, 2000 years ago during the Roman Empire there were plenty of tourists, and the Pope in Rome ensured a steady stream of pilgrims for the last 1000 years..It was however the advent of the Grand Tour in the 1660's which seriously put tourism on the map in what would become Italy.
- Managing your Travel Money
- So you have saved your money and are now off on your trip of a life time, or even just the 4 week vacation in Europe you've dreamed of..You've saved your money, you've bought your air tickets. You are in count-down mode. You have $10,000's of dollars to fund your trip - but how to you carry it? Your mother took all hers in Travelers Checques - is that what you should do? Well sorry mum - probably not!
- Internet Access for your Laptop when Traveling
- The Internet is becoming ubiquitous - especially in the Western World and taking a laptop traveling with you should make it easier to access cyberspace. Unfortunately this is not always the case!
