Don’t be caught in the Caribbean without a swimsuit or must have medications in Europe. Packing mishaps range from inconvenient to disastrous, but most are preventable. We’ve created an ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time and be prepared for anything!
When packing for a vacation there are a few things to keep in mind and a few basic questions you should consider before you even begin packing that will make packing so much easier!
Where are you going? What’s the temperature? Are you going to a rainy climate? Are you going to a hot, tropical climate? Are you traveling domestically or internationally? Depending on the weather, climate and destination, your suitcase will look a little different.
What are you doing on the trip? Is it a relaxing beach getaway or an adventure-filled hiking trip? Your activities have a significant impact on what you should bring. How many days/nights are you staying? Don’t over-pack, especially if you have to carry your own luggage and you don’t want to have to pay for a checked bag if you can avoid it.
Are there things you don’t need to bring from home because it will be easily accessible to get to your destination?
Next, you need to decide if you’ll be checking your bag or taking only a carry-on and use our list based on that decision. You might want to consider not checking a bag if you can where you’ll have layovers since the likelihood of your bag getting lost goes up with every connection.
If you decide to carry on, keep the TSA rules in mind. If you’re carrying on, keep your toiletry bag light and TSA-compliant. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule makes it easy to remember: liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, and they must be stored in one quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Read the TSA rules regarding what you can pack in a carry-on bag.
If you’re able to pack light, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. Neutral-colored clothing is very versatile. You can wear these items more than once when your suitcase space is limited. Add one or two fun colors and patterns to mix in and brighten your travel wardrobe.
If you are purchasing new clothes for your vacation think about investing in clothing that do double-duty like multi-use wraps, crushable hats, self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers, wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, and compressible jackets.
When creating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you should plan to pack one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.
And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit.
Don’t forget about your small carry-on bag for travel necessities.
Carry on ideas:
· Collapsible water bottle
· Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer
· Medications
· Phone charger
· Headphones or Earbuds
· Travel documents
· All valuables
· Entertainment (books, download music and/or movies to your portable device)
· Snacks (most airlines are not serving meals or substantial snacks right now and it might be quite a while until you can eat when you land)
And don’t forget to add to your carry on the items that you’ll absolutely need upon arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise or need to leave your luggage with bell services and won’t have access to it for several hours:
· Location appropriate clothes (based on the destination and the weather)
· A change of underwear
· Toothbrush, toothpaste and facial wipes
Packing isn’t a one size fits all model, so be sure to consider the details of your trip. Reading to get started packing?
To get The Ultimate Packing List please go to our website, www.crimsonworldtravel.com to download your copy!