Packing can be a tedious and stressful task and can involve constant organizing and reorganizing especially when space or weight is an issue. You always need to remember – What you need but don’t pack needs to be purchased later. On the other hand, if you overpack, you might end up with an excess baggage fees. So, here are a few tips that might help you pack for your next trip.
Let’s start off with some general tips on how to pack.
Check weather at destination
The first and most important thing to check before you start packing is the weather at the destination. You might not want to get drenched in the pouring rain or freeze during a winter storm. And, the last thing you would want to buy is another jacket. So, keep aside appropriate clothes based on the weather at your destination. And please, NEVER pack jackets or sweaters in the bag. They just occupy too much space. If it’s too hot, just put them on your shoulder or tie them around your waist.
Gather your most important items
Travel documents, travel reservations, boarding passes etc. are some things that you can’t forget. Make sure you have gone through your itinerary twice and pack all the important items you need. This also includes credit cards, foreign currency, cell phones, laptop, chargers etc.
Count the number of days
The number of pairs of clothes that you need to pack should be equal to or just one more than the number of days on your itinerary. Packing unnecessary things is a common mistake that people make and should be avoided.
Purchase travel sized toiletries
Avoid packing things that you get at your destination
Unless are very specific about getting your own toiletries, you should avoid packing things like shampoos, conditioners, soaps, towels etc. These are things that most places offer anyway and you could use this space to pack other essentials.
Choose the right bag
You can travel for upto 6 to 7 days with a single average sized backpack!! Yes, one backpack is enough for upto a week’s travel if you pack smart. If your trip is longer, a carry on suitcase should suffice. Try to avoid purchasing checked bags unless unavoidable. If you are traveling by flight, check the airline’s baggage allowance so that you get an idea of what you can carry. Most budget airlines allow only one one backpack and carry on bag and some of them only allow a backpack. Even if your airline allows a carry on suitcase, do not take one unless very much needed. Always remember that traveling light is comfortable, especially when you visit places where you need to walk a lot with your luggage.
Leave some room for souvenirs
Buying souvenirs at your destination is almost unavoidable. You might end up buying a small magnet or a jumbo sized mug. So, always make sure you have some room left in your bag for souvenirs. You wouldn’t want to miss out on buying something you like due to space or weight issues.
Pack lightweight items
Packing is not only about the space but also the weight. This is not just because of weight restrictions on flights. The lighter your bag is, the less energy you drain. Your back and feet will definitely appreciate it.
Don’t forget your health insurance and medicines
Sometimes, you might be the unlucky one to fall sick while you travel. So, always make sure you have a health insurance with a good coverage. CoverForYou and MoneySuperMarket are some good websites to compare travel insurance prices and get the best deals. Also, make sure you carry some basic medicines when you travel so that you have to run to a pharmacy.
Let’s get into the fun part now. Here is a guide on what essentials you might need for your trip. The list is only to remind you if you have forgotten anything or not. For your convenience, we have put together a printable PDF travel checklist that you can use for your next trip.
DOCUMENTS
– Passports and Identification cards
– Boarding passes / Tickets
– Credit Cards
– Travel money (Always carry some cash when you travel)
– Health insurance documents
– Itinerary
– Printouts of all reservations
– Printout of emergency contacts and their numbers
ELECTRONICS
– Cell Phone
– Laptop (Avoid carrying laptops unless you are planning to work remotely)
– Chargers
– Ear Sets
– Cameras
– Portable chargers (Always carry these)
CLOTHES
– Shirts and TShirts
– Sweaters
– Winter/Rain/Fleece Jackets
– A pair of jeans good for traveling
– Inner wear
– Travel Pants and/or shorts
– Dresses and/or skirts
– Pajamas/SleepWear
– Belt
– Flip Flops
– Good pair of travel shoes (Avoid carrying an extra pair of shoes unless you need one)
– Swim suit
– Socks
– Scarf
TOILETRIES
– Toothbrush
– Toothpaste
– Deo
– Shampoo and Conditioner (If you think your hotel doesn’t provide one)
– Sunscreen
– Shaving cream and Shaving Blade (For men)
– Feminine products
MEDICINES
– Mini travel first aid kit
– Pain and fever relief medicine (e.g. Paracetamol)
– Stomach upset medicine (e.g. Imodium)
– Pain relief medicine (e.g. Ibuprofen)
– Motion sickness medicine (e.g. Dramamine)
– Cold/Flu medicine (e.g. Sudafed)
– Pain relieving cream/spray (e.g. Volini)
MISCELLANEOUS
– Shades
– Headlamp
– Travel lock
– Glasses/Lens (Always carry an extra pair)
– Jewelry (Avoid carrying too much jewelry when you travel)
– Water bottle
– Eye mask
– Ear plug
– Travel pillow
Always remember – “Pack Light”. That IS the most comfortable way of travel. We hope our travel tips and packing checklist are super helpful. Please add your comments below and follow us for more updates. Happy traveling !!!
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