There’s nothing like the excitement that precedes a holiday. To ensure that this feeling remains throughout your holiday, you must make sure you pack your travel bag with everything you need. A holiday can easily be soured by finding that out that you haven’t packed swimwear for the beach or that you’ve brought your hiking shoes but forgotten about the socks. Some people like packing their bags a week in advance while others prefer to do it the night before their flight. Irrespective of who you identify with, here are a few packing tips that you should keep in mind.
Lay Everything Out Before You Start Packing
The first thing to do when you have to pack is to make a list. Avoid pulling things out of your cupboard and putting them straight into the suitcase. Instead, fist, lay out everything you want to take with you on the bed. Plan your outfits for each day and edit your belongings. If you’ve forgotten a belt that goes with a dress, you’ll probably notice it here. This simple exercise minimizes the tendency to overpack and keeps you from forgetting accessories and add-ons.
Follow the Rule of Three
When it comes to footwear, always follow the rule of three. Unless you have specific shoes for different event, you need three pairs of footwear. You need a pair of sneakers for walking around town, a casual sandal or loafers and a pair of formal shoes for restaurant dinners. Try to pick footwear I neutral shades that complements all the outfits you’re carrying along. When it comes to packing them, shoes are bulky and will take up the most space in your travel bag. To make efficient use of space, wear your sneakers which are likely to be your bulkiest pair of shoes and pack the other two in individual shoe bags.
Carry Toilet-Size Toiletries
Many hotels offer complimentary toiletries but to be safe, don’t depend on them. Always carry your own toiletries in travel size packs. Makre sure it complies with the airline’s policy on liquids. You can buy travel size toiletry cases or make your own. Most importantly, make sure they seal tight. To further protect everything else in your bag from a spill, pack the toiletries in Ziplock bags. While we’re talking of toiletries, also try and fit in a light towel in your bags.
Have a Spare Outfit in Your Carry-On
It happens rarely but when it does, it can be disastrous. We’re talking about the airlines losing your bag. Even if the they do return your bag in a day or two, it’s an inconvenience. To keep such issues from lowering your holiday spirit, always carry a spare outfit in your hand baggage. Alternatively, if you’re travelling with a partner, you give each other a little space in your bags to pack a spare outfit.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes can be a game-changer for travel organization. They are available in a variety of sizes. You can pack all your tops in one and your bottoms in another or use smaller packing cubes to organize each day’s outfits. Packing cubes keep your belongings organized and help save space in your bag.
Also Read: A Weekend Trip to the City of Joy, City of Culture, City of History
When you travel, you must ensure that you pack light and at the same time have everything you need in your travel bag. If you do reach your destination and find that you’ve forgotten something don’t let it spoil your mood. For most things, you can pick up a replacement quite easily. Also carry an empty bag or two with you. It comes in handy to carry souvenirs back home. And lastly, carry a bag for all your dirty clothes. Since you’re not likely to be wearing them, you could consider a vacuum bag for this purpose.
