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| Vacation Tip #1: Pack Light |
Seems obvious doesn't it? But it's always a challenge to pack as light as you know you should because you want to look your best when on you're on vacation. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the load and still look good. The first is to coordinate your vacation wardrobe, because the more coordinated your wardrobe the less clothes you will require.
Select classic pieces in complementary colors that can be mixed and matched to provide you with a range of looks. A single pair of slacks, 1 pair of shorts, and a skirt is all you will need. These classic items can be combined with a few exotic tops, belts, scarves, wraps and costume jewelery depending on the occasion. And...
By coordinating your vacation wardrobe you will also reduce the number of shoes you need to pack, which is a great way to reduce bulk.
Here's another of our closely guarded vacation packing tips: Pack old underwear that can be thrown away after use, and by so doing you'll free up space on your return trip for the souvenirs you will inevitably want bring back.
Which brings us to the second of our essential vacation packing tips...
| Vacation Tip #2: Don't Pack Valuables |
If you can't live without your pearl necklace, your grandmother's ring, or your designer watch, then don't pack them, or bring them with you on vacation.
What with the possibility of misplaced luggage, petty theft, and items you simply forgot to repack, most savvy travelers tend to pack costume jewelry whether or not their room has a safe. Additionally...
You don't want to wear flashy items while on vacation anyway, because doing so will just attract pickpockets and undesirables. It's just not worth the risk.
There is nothing that can spoil your vacation quicker than loosing something irreplaceable. So reduce your stress and leave it behind, or...
Purchase travel insurance for anything of value that is also a vacation must, like your camera, because your homeowners' policy may not cover items that have been lost or stolen while you are no vacation.
And so on to the third of our vacation packing tips...
| Vacation Tip #3: Carry On Essentials Only |
Pack essentials - passport, travel documents, money, a complete change of clothes, a good book, and perhaps your bathing suite and a pair of flip-flops if you are going on a Caribbean vacation - in your carry on luggage.
Delayed luggage, which usually gets delivered to you the very next day, is a lot easier to tolerate if you are in possession of a change of clothes, your medications and essential grooming items, money and all your travel documents. This way you can breeze through any challenge the journey troughs your way.
Which of course leads us to the fourth of our vacation packing tips...
| Vacation Tip #4: Epack Travel Documents |
Prior to packing it's an excellent idea to photocopy or PDF all your travel documents, passport, visa card info and contact numbers etc., and epack them on your email server by sending yourself an email with these document files attached. That way should anything happen you will have access to all the information you need so that you can arrange replacements without delay.
Also, remove all non-essential credit cards, and forms of identification from your wallet. All you need to carry with you is: 1 credit card for everyday use; 1 credit card for backup, which should be stored in a completely different location; and your bankcard for cash.
Make sure to notify your bank and credit card company that you'll be traveling. They tend to get very nervous these days when they see unusual charges from outside your hometown or country. You don't want to have your credit card canceled by some well-meaning bank employee.
And now the fifth and final of our vacation planning tips...
| Vacation Tip #5: Leave Your Laptop at Home |
Vacations should be a time to relax and rejuvenate. Checking your office email does little to help you unwind, so leave your laptop at home.
You need a minimum of 10 day to relax before you reap the benefits of a vacation; it takes that long for the body and mind to relax. The office will not come to a grinding halt if you leave the office at the office while you're on vacation.
Computers control our lives enough without taking them on vacation with you, even if it is for the seeming harmless pursuits of keeping in touch with friends or playing games online.
Instead pack a good book, perhaps one about your destination. If you must communicate with friends and family, go old-school and send them a postcard.
The idea is to focus on immersing yourself completely in the exotic culture you have chosen to explore, use your vacation as a time to reconnect with the love of your life, and relax. If you do, you’ll be better equipped to handle life's little challenges when you return home.
By following these 5 basic vacation-packing tips you'll be well on your way to having the best travel and vacation experience possible, and your cares will fall away faster.
So, we end where we should have begun with the most important word regarding vacation planning and vacation-packing tips, relax.
