Packing Smart
There is so much planning before a trip. Since so many of my friends are heading off on Winter Break this month, I thought I’d share some tips for how to pack smart. Also, make sure you revisit my To-Do List for a Trip.
Planning
Write it all down. I have no idea how my husband packs for a trip with no lists. Me…I go overboard. I blame it on being a visual person but in reality, it’s probably because I have a small attention span. Anyway, I keep a packing list and it does not get crossed off until it’s in my bag.
What will you be doing? Will you need goggles and snorkels? Will you need jeans to go horseback riding? Will you need hiking boots? Sometimes it’s easy to forget to pack things for your activities.
Check the weather. Never underestimate how weather can affect your travels. In my planning stage, I look up the average temp of our destination and then I make sure I check it again before I put any clothes into my suitcase.
Packing Light
Think layers. Try to bring clothes that go together so you can layer them.
Washing machine at your condo? Pack for some of the week then wash and reuse others.
Multifunctional clothes. Can that flowy dress also be used as a beach cover-up? Can your cozy cardigan also serve as a robe in the morning?
Reading. Instead of packing several books, load them onto your Kindle or phone.
Scarves. A scarf or shawl is one of the most functional things to bring on a trip. They can be used to cover your shoulders when entering churches, can dress up an outfit for dinner, or can turn into a pillow on a plane.
Pick one color scheme. If everything matches, you can pack so much less.
Little black dress. Never underestimate the power of a little black dress. Never leave home without one!
Safety
Split up your valuables. Don’t put your passport with your credit cards and driver’s license. Never store everything in one spot.
Share your itinerary. It doesn’t matter how old you are. In the craziness of our world today, I like for people to know where I’m expected to be each day. I always send a copy of my itinerary to my mother-in-law as well as my brother. You just never know.
Pictures of your essential documents. Take a picture of your license, passport, credit cards (including the back) and email it to yourself and to a family member or close friend. If these things get stolen while on your trip, it will be easier if you have copies that are easily accessible.
Jewelry. If possible, leave your jewelry at home in a safe location. Vacation is a great time to wear fun costume jewelry. I travel with a fake wedding ring when I go overseas. This way I don’t have to worry about it being stolen, or even just losing it in the ocean.
Medication. Make sure you pack all your medication in your carry-on. You never know when an airline may lose your luggage and you don’t want to waste valuable vacation time dealing with doctors and pharmacists.
Expect the Unexpected
Divide it up. When packing, divide the clothes up so everyone has some clothes in every bag. If a bag is lost, everyone will still have something to wear.
Accessible bathing suits. I always pack our bathing suits and cover-ups in our carry-on bag in case our room is not ready when we arrive. No room…no problem…we’ll be having a cocktail by the pool.
Snacks. Always keep some snacks in your carry-on. Hungry kids = whiny kids (and possibly husbands).
Wrinkles. It’s so hard to avoid wrinkling your clothes when packing. I find it’s always best to roll your clothes instead of folding them. It also saves you lots of room.
Breakables. Have something made of glass, like perfume? I put it in a plastic bag and then place it inside of a shoe. Instant protection.
Plastic baggies. Can’t say enough about them. I use them to pack outfits for the kids, store things that can leak like shampoo, as carriers of seashells, to store things when we go to the beach like cameras. Endless uses!
Make sure you revisit my Being Prepared for Sick Kids on Vacation. With so many germs hanging around right now, it’s a good read to know what to pack.
Enjoy your trips! Can’t say I’m not overflowing with jealousy over here!!
What packing tips do you have?