Traveling can be wonderful once a person finishes planning everything that they are going to do and what they will need for their time away. Packing can be an experience that most people hate, because it is time consuming and most likely everyone will forget to pack something that they absolutely need!
Here are 6 steps that will help a person pack for vacation:
- Choosing Luggage
The luggage that a person chooses for their vacation will affect how and what they pack. Rolling luggage is a great option, because it means that people can wheel it along through the airport instead of carrying it. This can save people from hurting their backs before their vacation even starts. The piece of luggage that a person picks should be versatile and lightweight. Versatility is necessary, so a person can fit whatever they want in it and the less it weighs is better to keep the luggage within the weight limit when packed.
- Organize All the Items
Keeping the inside of luggage organized is key to a good vacation, plus with the right tools, a person can fit more inside. Clothing can be arranged in compression sacs to reduce the amount of space that is needed. These compression sacs can mean the difference of a family taking five suitcases or only two.
Clothes that Everyone Should Pack
- Lightweight clothing that can be layered if necessary
- Sweater or fleece jacket
- T-shirts or tank tops
- Pants and shorts (depending on the season)
- Socks
- Walking shoes and flip flops or sandals
- Rain jacket or windbreaker
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Swimsuit
- Add a Toiletry Bag
Toiletries should be taken in a regular suitcase, unless a person plans on taking smaller sizes that are TSA compliant for carry-ons.
Items to Pack in a Toiletry Bag
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Hair brush and comb
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Make up
- Face wash
- Feminine hygiene items
- Hair gel or hair spray
- Razor and shaving cream
- Small first aid kit
- Pack a Personal Carry-On Bag
The purpose of a personal carry-on bag is to have things in there that a person will need for their flight. Experienced travelers will know to pack an extra outfit and their medications in this bag in case their checked luggage is lost. This is also where everyone should place all their electronic devices including their camera and charging cords.
People may also want to pack a travel pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, and a blanket to use during their travels. Books, magazines, and travel games can keep everyone occupied as they are traveling to and from their destination. A travel journal and pen come in handy as well to document the entire trip.
- Gather Travel Documents and Money
A travel organizer is a great place to keep all the travel documents that a person will need for their vacation. This organizer should go in a personal carry-on bag, so that it can be accessed at any time it is needed.
Items People May Need for Their Trip
- Passport
- Identification if a passport is not needed
- Loyalty cards for airline and hotel
- Credit cards or cash
- Health insurance cards
- Travel insurance information
- Itinerary and reservation information
- Emergency contacts
- Tickets for transportation, attractions, and other things
- Guide maps and books
- Plan Travel Security
Tourists are prime targets for thieves, so everyone will want to make sure that they protect themselves by bringing a money belt, neck wallet, leg wallet, and travel locks. The wallets will keep money and credit cards hidden, while a lock can secure what is inside a person’s luggage when it is in a hotel room.
Once a person has everything put together for their trip, they will have one more thing to do. A person’s home will need to be prepped for everyone to be away for the length of their vacation. Before everyone walks out the door, they will want to do the following:
- Have mail held at the post office
- Arrange care for a pet
- Pre-pay any bills
- Stop newspaper delivery
- Collect assignments for children if they will be missing school
- Empty the refrigerator of food and drink that will expire
- Unplug all unnecessary appliances
- Turn off the heat or air conditioning or at least turn it down
- Turn down the hot water tank
- Lock all the doors and windows
- Set some lights on timers
- Leave a key and a copy of the itinerary with a family member or friend
A little pre-planning is all that is needed when a person is packing for their vacation. The above list can be used as a guideline for everyone and people can add their own extras to it as well. Of course, it also helps to start the packing process a few days prior to departure, so that no one is rushing around at the last minute trying to remember what they need.
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