Smart Packing for Long Vacations

Answer 1

Packing for a long vacation may seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be, you just need to be smart about it. Following these helpful tips will ensure that you do not over-pack or under-pack for your upcoming vacation.

The first tip to consider is clothing. When packing your clothes choose items that you can easily mix and match. A shirt that can be worn casually with a pair of shorts and then again with slacks and a jacket offers two outfits with three main articles of clothing. Through careful planning you can mix and match your wardrobe to create several outfits, cutting down on the quantity you will need to load into your already full suitcase. Less is more when flying as an overweight suitcase could cost you extra with the airline.

When packing toiletries consider how you are traveling, airlines have restrictions on the quantity and type of items you are allowed to carry-on. If you are checking your luggage determine what you will need once you arrive at your destination and pack only those items. Consider not packing items that could be purchased upon arriving at your destination. Many hotels now offer travel bags filled with travel essentials such as hair spray, shaving gels, razors, tooth brushes, so check with your hotel and pack only what’s unavailable.

Consider the important documents you may need. What bills may need to be paid, do you need to bring the bills with you or are you set up for online billing? Do you need to bring your laptop to manage your account or are you set up for automatic payments? Remember your passport and drivers license, these items should be pack into a carry-on and not checked. You may be required to show identification at the airport and your hotel. You may want to consider an emergency contact and health insurance card. Depending on where you are traveling and for how long you may even want to consider a copy of your living will, because accidents can happen anywhere.

Packing for a vacation should not be stressful, only bring what you need because vacations are for shopping.