There’s something thrilling about packing for a holiday, isn’t there? The anticipation of the places we’ll visit, the people we’ll meet, and the overall experience is undeniably exciting. But sometimes, that very excitement can cloud our judgement a little bit and result in us forgetting to pack some essential items.
Smart packing is always essential for a stress-free holiday, as it allows us to be prepared for any possible scenario and have everything we might possibly need in a foreign country. This blog can be considered a guide for all things packing-related. We’ll discuss the essential and optional items you should pack for your trip and offer pro tips for optimizing your packing process in the smartest and most efficient way possible.
Plan Your Packing List
Before you start packing, take a moment to ask yourself a few questions: How long is my trip going to last? What will the weather be like at my destination? Correctly assessing the duration of your trip and the specific climate conditions will help you determine the amount and type of clothes you’ll need. For example, a couple-days-long summer getaway will require a different wardrobe than winter trips.
Only a few things will make the trip-planning process easier than creating a detailed list. Make sure to sit down a couple of days before you start planning, take your time, and write down everything you might need for your holiday. This will help you create an organized list and avoid forgetting anything – remembering that you didn’t pack your shoes on the way to the airport won’t be fun!
Essentials
Let’s start with what you should keep closest to you while travelling. Gathering your documents should be the first thing you do after you decide on the date and destination, as you won’t be able to cross the border without them. Here are the essential documents you’ll need for when you’re going abroad:
- Passport
- Visa
- Insurance documents
- Booking confirmations
- Emergency contact information
Once you’ve made sure that all of these documents are in place, you can safely start gathering things you’ll be packing in the suitcase. Also, don’t forget to keep the papers in your hand luggage, as you’ll need them right after you get off the plane, too.
Clothing and Accessories
Picking clothes is where researching the weather conditions comes in handy. Let the climate dictate whether you should pack light or warm, as you don’t want to find yourself freezing in the mountains or overheating at the beach. Determine your itinerary, too, so that you have appropriate clothes for various occasions.
You’ll probably have to walk a lot while on holiday, that’s why wearing the right shoes should be your priority. Make sure you have the most comfortable shoes for walking and some formal ones if you’re planning to attend any black-tie events.
There are no musts for accessories, as everyone packs what they think they’ll need the most. However, we can still advise you on which accessories will generally make your trip more comfortable. For example, a personalized travel watch will be a valuable addition to your luggage, as it will allow you to efficiently track time and stay on schedule if necessary. Things Engraved’s extensive collection of personalized travel accessories also features a list of custom-made items designed to change your holiday for the better.
Health and Safety
It’s no fun getting sick on vacation, which is why it’s crucial to create at least a small kit with all the essential medicines. Pack some pain relievers and allergy meds, as well as any prescription medications you must take. Sunscreen with SPF is also important when you’re travelling in warm countries to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Some other health-related items include:
- Band-aids
- Thermometer
- Cold medication
- Antiseptic/disinfectant wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
Determine if you’ll require any special items for specific trips. For example, Things Engraved’s compass will be your valuable companion if you travel in the wilderness. You can also pack altitude sickness pills for your flight or if you plan to visit the mountains.
Personal Care
While you can purchase most personal care items in any city, it’s still a good idea to have them packed to avoid spending time and money in markets and pharmacies. Travel-sized toiletries, like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion are light and don’t take up too much space, allowing you to pack more efficiently. Skincare essentials like a face cleanser and moisturizer will help you look fresh all the time. You must also not forget to pack:
- Makeup
- Dental care (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash)
- Deodorant
- Haircare (brush, ties and clips, styling products)
Electronics
Gadgets are essential for any modern traveller. Your headphones will keep you company during a long flight, allowing you to pass the time watching movies or listening to music, whereas your laptop and tablet will allow you to work if you’ve got any tasks to get done while you’re away. If you’re not an experienced traveller, map applications on your phone will help you navigate in a foreign place much more quickly and efficiently than physical maps.
On the other hand, packing a lot of electronics means you have many devices that will inevitably run out of batteries. That’s exactly why chargers and power banks will be your best friends during trips, helping you keep your gadgets alive and well at all times.
Comfort and Convenience
Unless you have specific luggage restrictions, you can allow yourself to pack some items that are not exactly essential but will definitely make your holiday much more comfortable; however, only after you’ve made sure you packed all the essentials and still have enough space in your bag. For example, a neck pillow will help you stay cozy during your flight, and with the help of a personalized thermos or Personalized Travel Tumbler, you’ll be able to enjoy your hot beverages on the go.
How to Pack Smart
As discussed previously, making a detailed list according to your itinerary is the first step of packing. Determine what items you’re placing in your hand and check-in luggage. Once you’ve decided what you’re taking with you, start putting the heaviest items at the bottom of your suitcase for even weight distribution. Afterwards, start placing small and thin items around them. Wearing your bulkiest pair of shoes on a flight and rolling the clothes instead of folding them will help you save a great deal of space in your suitcase.
Final Notes
As you can see, trip planning and packing are not as easy as they might seem and require quite a lot of time and attention to detail. The general rule of thumb is to start with the essentials, like documents and other items you’ll keep in your handbag and then continue picking out clothing, accessories, and any other health- or personal care-related things.
Once you’ve ensured you’ve packed everything that you will need, you can move on to the things you simply want to take with you. From custom travel coffee mugs to convenient tote bags, you can find a variety of personalized items and accessories at Things Engraved.