The destination is chosen, bookings have been made……now it is the dreaded what to take; what do I think I need; what if I need this or that; what’s the weather; what is the local culture & customs…..and let’s face it we live in a time when no one wants to be inconvenienced. From technology putting everything at our finger tips, to the everyday products people use from hair to skin care, make-up, straighteners, let alone the clothes, shoes, boots, bags & all! Over the years as the list of “must-haves” has grown, as well as, the cost to fly….Now we pay for luggage to be checked and look out if it is overweight – ding, ding additional charges. This all adds up, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or family. We all work hard for our money, save for vacations and for some flying away on holiday has meant a lot of thought and time. During which, many make changes to everyday spending and saving. So…Do you then want to give more $$$$ to the airlines – NO! After all of the saving, thought and planning, we want to use our money for the trip itself; to do tours, eat local cuisine, and sample local beverages such as beer & wine but most of all HAVE FUN!
I too always thought that I needed the large suitcase, many choices for attire, including shoes & bags! With travel that sometimes includes more than one city/area or country and can include numerous modes of transportation – came a few “ah ha” moments with lugging those suitcases through airports, train stations, getting them on and stored on the train. Plus all of those cheap flights within destinations in Europe that are advertised do not include checked luggage. These are “one” carry-on only nothing more. Now, for those who know me – you know I do love clothes, shoes, bags, accessories. But when necessary, very surprisingly to some, I can pack 3 weeks’ worth of outfits, including shoes & accessories into a carry-on bag and move around destinations such as Europe with ease. For trips of a week or more, mix and match clothing items are the key to creating a choices & different looks. As well, laundry sheets, that when added to water lather allowing you to rinse out items in your hotel sink.
It all comes down to the packing itself…..what do we really need to take with us? Our attire fully depends on the destination, season, activities/functions and length of stay. So how do we get everything we need (or think we do) including toiletries, footwear, accessories (jewelry, belts, scarves etc) together. Being organized and putting thought into what is needed is key. There are many versions of packing lists one can get on numerous on line sites, or you can create an excel document, with your specific to your personal needs. Once you have all that figured out, then how do you pack to get everything from home to your destination without looking like a wrinkled mess, let alone arriving without items that you need. Depending on destination, length of and reason for trip, you will have to decide whether you will check and pay for a bag, or can get away with a carry-on.
Here are some helpful hints and packing tools that have helped me over the years.
- For all of your personal care items, small travel bottles (100ml) size are great for shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc. There are great little stackable containers, with screw caps, sold at the Dollar Store which are great for skin care items such as cleanser, moisturizer and creams, foundation etc. For other items such as toothpaste & deodorant pick up small travel sizes
- Packing cubes and zipped poaches are great for keeping clothing items not only organized within the suitcase but if items are rolled tightly before being placed in the cubes reduces the chance of wrinkles. Then one can be used for a dirty laundry “hamper” while on holiday.
- Roll your pants, shirts, shorts, dresses, skirts…. If you roll items nice and tight, not only do they pack much easier, they are less likely to wrinkle up while in transport.
- Stuffing shoes, sneakers….whether your traveling with carry-on only, or a large suitcase stuffing items like socks & belts into footwear is a great way to utilize “open” spaces
- Jewelry can be a difficult to keep organized and neat. When traveling with carry-on luggage only I use the following: for earrings, rings, even pendants, I use a pill case (also found at the Dollar Store) there are 7 day/slot cases that are great to store extra jewelry items. These storage cases are also very convenient, as they can be carried in your purse or personal travel bag for safe keeping. For larger items such as watches, necklaces, bracelets I use small drawstring or zipped bags. ! Note to all: Just because we are away from home does this mean that we have to wear the same accessories every day. Travel with items you can mix and match to your outfits as you change them up to give different fresh looks
- Collapsible Water Bottle: a good item to have that you can refill at airports and at your hotel. Saves a lot of money and time buying bottled water along your travels.
- Once everything is in……..one question – Did you leave any room for souvenirs or shopping? When we explore new places, or revisit favourites we have memories and photos, but it is always great to come away with a little something to remember your trip by. For detailed visuals, view the website blog version of this article-www.wanderlustexcursions.ca
Summary: To get ready for a holiday, there are many “To Dos”…deciding what you need; what to pack; how to pack efficiently? But don’t let it stress you, vacations are meant for fun and relaxation. So don’t leave packing to the last minute, put some time and effort into it, make lists, organize outfits etc. Giving a bit of thought and time will take stress out of the picture.