Only a few souls enjoy packing. It’s dull, monotonous, and time-consuming. Most put off the bulk of their holiday packing until the day before their flight. They either stay up late the night before their journey, or they frantically make final arrangements just before they leave. They overlook things, arrange the wrong items, and worry foolishly. Racing around and getting a poor night’s sleep before the start of their vacation will make them weak, concerned, and easily aggravated. By starting their vacation at a greater stress level than required, it will take extra time to unwind — perhaps days. Consequently, by the time they start to truly rest, the vacation may have nearly completed.
Ouch!
Remove this disaster and make the most out of your vacation by using vision and peculiar packing methods. After all, packing needn’t be a horror.
- Get Your Itinerary
Where will you be going on your vacation? This largely defines the bulk of what you need to pack. What is the climate like at the place? Will you need sunblock, sunglasses, and shorts, or is it time to cut out the thermal underwear and electric socks? Ask your travel agent to help you create a written itinerary so that you at least have a vague idea of the events you will be attending and places that you plan on traveling. This helps you to know the particulars of what you may need to pack. - Walk The Fine Line
This is the piece of vacation packing that takes skill: packing adequate requirements without over-packing. Bring mix-and-match outfits, using color coordination that provides shirts and blouses to be worn with recurring pairs of trousers. Pack low sustenance clothing (the kind that doesn’t instantly wrinkle or attract lint like a magnet) and be sure to bring at least one pair of suitable walking shoes. - Travel Checklist
Once you have a great idea of where you will be going and what you need to bring, it’s time to build your master travel checklist. This can be performed simply using a pen and paper, or it can be designed using a word processing program. If you are touring with your spouse or family, create a different heading for each person who is traveling with you. This allows you to generate individual-specific lists. You may also wish to create a category for general items shared by the group. Leave open spaces for items that you will recognize later and add to the list each time you think of something valuable to include. Don’t forget to add a category for your pet, if you are flying with one. - Designated Packing Spot
Set aside a precise location for packing. This can be a complete room or a preferred portion of a room. Nothing enters this divine place unless it is intended to go on vacation with you. Here you can organize your items into piles depending upon their categories. This keeps things simple while stopping you from cluttering the entire house. - Planning The Luggage
Make sure that all luggage is working. Check for broken handles, zippers, and wheels. Avoid using overly fancy luggage that may be charming to thieves. Place identification information on each piece of luggage so that it can be easily returned to you. Attach a bright piece of tape or ribbon to every item of luggage for easy identification. This allows you to quickly distinguish your luggage from other luggage that may be of similar design. Always make a note of exactly how many pieces of luggage are traveling with you at all times. - Begin Packing One Week In Advance
Don’t hesitate. Start packing at least one week before your departure. This allows ample time for dry cleaning and making any new shopping. It also presents several days for you to remember to pack particular items that you might have otherwise overlooked. Remember to pack all valuables and important documents in a small piece of luggage that you can easily keep track of. If you are flying by plane, be sure to make this a carry-on item.
The confidence of knowing that you are perfectly packed and ready to begin your travels will allow you to relax the night before your departure. This starts things out on the right foot, allowing you to get the most out of your well-deserved holiday.
