Booking a vacation is always an exciting moment. You can’t help but get excited about the time away so you can relax and refresh, or spend the time exploring a new destination and culture. Of course, as the trip nears, the reality that you need to prepare starts to dawn on you, which can then cause stress and even panic as you start wondering what you need to pack.
There are many who are guilty of over-packing, then there are those travelers who notoriously under-pack or bring the wrong items on vacation. If you fit into any of these categories, then you know better than anyone how frustrating it can be to arrive at your destination not feeling prepared or being stuck lugging around way too much luggage. In order to make your next vacation much smoother, here are some packing tips and advice that you can put to good use.
Loose and Lightweight Clothing is Your Friend
Obviously, the weather at the destination is going to determine what you need to pack, but in general, packing loose lightweight clothing is usually the best plan. This type of clothing won’t cling to you, is comfortable to trek around in, and is ideal for layering. Take a look at the trendy plus size tunics from Perfectly Priscilla, as these are a great example of a lightweight and loose style of clothing. You can easily pop a cardigan or jacket over the tunic and look stylish, or you can even use the tunic as a beach cover-up, getting multiple uses out of it.
The great thing about lightweight clothing is that it also takes up less space in your luggage and is easier to pack. And as an added tip, be sure to roll rather than fold your clothes. They will take up less room in the suitcase and it helps to prevent wrinkles.
Don’t Be a Slave to Fashionable Footwear
Another tip has to do with footwear. There are plenty of shoes that are fashionable and trendy but aren’t exactly the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear. While there is nothing wrong with these for short periods of time, but a vacation may not be the ideal time to wear them. If you plan on doing a lot of walking, sightseeing, and tours then you want to be sure you bring a pair of comfortable shoes that you’ve worn before.
Make a List of Essentials
Essentials are the items that you can’t just pick up at your destination or don’t want to have to worry about, so it’s a good idea to make a list so nothing is forgotten. This includes things such as medication, sunglasses, prescription glasses, a small travel-sized first aid kit, sunscreen, daily vitamins, and supplements, etc.
Weigh Your Luggage
Before you leave for the airport, preferably the day before so you aren’t rushing, you will also want to weigh your bag and be sure it doesn’t exceed the airline limits. If it does, you’ll end up having to pay an added fee, which can be quite high.
An Organized Traveler
Packing doesn’t have to be stressful and nor does it have to be frustrating. Just approach it in an organized manner and without feeling rushed, so you are sure to remember all the basics.
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Syl
Great tips, especially with the shoes! In the excitement of packing and trying to look “cute” for all the pictures, it’s easy to forget the amount of walking that actually happens. Happy traveling!
Carmen Edelson
You’re so right, and footwear is one of the most important things!
Candy
All great tips! As I became a frequent traveler all of these tips became very important to me. Especially the lightweight clothing. I finally found an awesome brand that specializes in chic travel attire and they are my go-to for all my travels. And I keep those fashion shoes at home now 🙂
Dana Howard Freeman
It is all about the right footwear! It takes up the most room and needs to be comfortable.
Carmen Edelson
I’m glad we’re on the same page, Dana!
Jenia
I keep saying I’m too old for uncomfortable shoes 🙂 I find that my comfiest ones also tend to take the least space.
Carmen Edelson
I totally know what you mean, Jenia! Ha 😉
Heather
Exactly my thoughts on packing! It’s my absolute least favorite thing about traveling. Unpacking? No problem, all goes in the dirty clothes. Packing though…ugh! I used to be the overpacker, but not anymore! Totally agree with your thin, layering philosophy as well as your philosophy on shoes! And I LOVE my shoes! Funny, a pair of Toms is in my suitcase EVERY time!
Carmen Edelson
Ha, I love Toms! Great minds 😉
Daniel
I am getting better at packing for long haul and not taking everything (not that bad, I havent taken the Kitchen sink yet). I used to have a bag which weighed about 24kg full of stuff for a two week trip but got it down to 11kg now 🙂
Carmen Edelson
Wow, that is improvement!
Faith
Footwear is such an important one isn’t it?? My fave is Birkenstocks, fashionable perhaps not, but so so comfortable that I don’t care. TOMS are great too!
Carmen Edelson
There are some updated and fashionable Birkenstocks now!
Amy
I HATE having to worry about luggage weight requirements. We recently flew an airline that only allowed 17 kg per bag. Ugh.
Carmen Edelson
Oh no, what a nightmare!
Kreete
Yes! I agree with the comfortable shoes! I don’t know how some can drag several pairs of high heels and other shoes with them on travels 😀 Oversized tunics are always a good idea too and so comfy!
Carmen Edelson
I know, it’s crazy!
Mel Butler
My way of thinking when it comes to packing. Loose and lightweight clothing are always on the top of the list for summer or weekend holidays as I hate anything that will cling to me. I definitely think about what is essential too before I head off.
Carmen Edelson
Absolutely! Planning ahead is key.
melody pittman
Great tips. I really need to listen to the one about footwear, I pack way too many pairs and never end up using them.
Carmen Edelson
I know!! I definitely struggle with footwear the most.
Safari Travel Plus
Hey Carmen,
First time reading your articles and i have to say they are packed with useful information and things travelers often take for granted. Most people will often carry stuff for the sake of carrying them and that only adds to your luggage and baggage cost when often you will not use the items carried or it would cost less to buy the same item once you get to your destination.
Carmen Edelson
Thank you so much! I totally agree.