WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR HOLIDAY
Packing for your holiday needn’t be a stressful affair and shouldn’t take too long. How many of us spend days packing only to forget what we originally put in our suitcase and end up taking far too much?
To simplify things write a list a couple of weeks before you travel, giving yourself time to purchase any holiday essentials. Then leave the packing until two or three days before you leave.
A handy trip for frequent travellers is to keep a list of things you always take on holiday and review it for next time when you return from your trip. This might seem a bit excessive but organisation is the key to successful packing!
Top Packing Tips
- Sun creams and aftersun lotion. Not just for hotter climates, but anywhere where you’ll be exposed to direct sunlight. On holiday you’re likely to be outdoors more and so your skin will be exposed to the sun for a lot longer than normal.
- Essential toiletries. Don’t fill your case with too many toiletries if you’re going to a country where you’re likely to be able to purchase what you need there. Toiletries can take up a lot of weight and space and even the most carefully packed bottle of shampoo will often end up bursting and leaking in your luggage. If you’re staying somewhere with a cleaning service it’s a nice gesture to leave any unwanted toiletries for the cleaner/maid.
- Clothes and shoes. A familiar tip not just for the ladies – when packing lay all your clothes out before putting them in your case and then put half back in the wardrobe. A difficult task but you know you won’t need twenty-three tops and sixteen pairs of trousers! Plus, this makes room for any new purchases you may make on holiday. Shoes – sensible please if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking.
- Reading material. Most of us enjoy a good book whilst on holiday. It gives us the chance to relax and unwind. Always take a guidebook for the area you’re visiting and try to make time to research where you’re going before you get there. This ensures you make best use of your precious holiday time.
If you don’t speak the language of the country you’re visiting a phrasebook will be useful. Locals always appreciate visitors making an attempt to speak their language, rather than insulting them by assuming everyone in the world speaks English.
- First aid. Always carry a basic first aid kit with you which should include antiseptic cream, plasters, insect repellent, painkillers, upset stomach remedies, rehydration salts and antihistamine tablets. Remember to pack any prescription medicines you usually take and if necessary keep some in your hand luggage.
- Equipment. Depending on the type of holiday you’re going on you might need to remember to pack skis, golf clubs or a surf or snow board. If you’re taking a young child you’ll probably be taking their pushchair. Check if your accommodation supplies a hairdryer as these take up excess space in your suitcase. Don’t forget your camera and video recorder (and the cables to charge the batteries). If you can’t live without your mobile phone remember to take its charger. And don’t forget to take travel plugs.
Above all, when packing stick to the basics and essentials and enjoy your holiday.