how to pack for a trip
So you're going on a little vacay are you? The mounting excitement and anticipation suddenly come to a screeching halt the day before you leave. Oh, that unpleasant road stop that stands between you and bliss. Packing is like flossing or doing laundry--it's never fun but it must be done.
Time to stop your moaning and groaning, (you're about to get out of dodge after all!) and get to work. We'll start nice and easy and then get down to the grind.
1. Check the weather. Will it be hot? Cold? Hot during the day, but cold at night and early in the morning? Even if I'm going somewhere warm, I bring a light jacket or sweater and leggings. It's always cold on the plane and restaurants and grocery stores tend to crank up their AC during the hot summer months.
2. Make a list. I can't tell you how many times I think, oh! I can't forget to bring _______! Chances are I usually do if I don't write it down. If picking out what to wear stresses you out, then be sure to jot down your pre-planned outfits so you can refer to them during your travels.
Think about what you'll be doing. Will you be active, lounging in your swimsuit, going out to fancy dinners? Plan your wardrobe accordingly for each day/activity. This exercise, although a bit extreme, will help avoid the problem of over-packing. If you're feeling a bit unimaginative, do a quick Pinterest search. Most of the time it's pretty easy to mimic the general concept of an outfit. And sometimes, it's a reminder of those forgotten articles of clothing in the closet that have long been neglected.
Don't forget to bring your accessories: hair ties, clips, earrings, necklaces, watch, etc. Also, think about valuable items you may want to leave behind (ie. a ring with a precious stone).
3. Toiletries + hair tools. This deserves it's own step, especially for females. I usually pack the day before so I can go through my morning and evening routine, packing products & tools as I use them. Will your accommodations have a hair dryer? It's worth it to invest in travel size bottles to avoid using low quality hotel shampoo or having to spend money on a normal size bottle, only to toss it at the end of your trip (or lug it back home in your already overstuffed suitcase!). It's also worth your money to buy a plastic toiletry bag in case of a liquid explosion--it's no fun when you arrive at your destination only to find that your lotion has covered your knickers!
4. Place all contents in your suitcase and re-evaluate. This is about the time where I'm desperately sitting on my suitcase. The reality is, your suitcase isn't getting any bigger and you'll have to make some executive decisions about what you truly need. Scan your suitcase for any repeats (two white shirts that are a different style, similar shoes, etc.). Can you wear the same shirt twice and change up the bottoms, or vice versa? For me, shoes usually take up the most space ( I have big feet and therefore big shoes!), so I try to bring a couple versatile pairs that go with the majority of outfits I've planned. Don't forget, you'll want to save room for items you might purchase on your trip.
5. When flying. Airlines have becomes super stingy with their luggage policies. But they usually allow passengers to carry one personal item along with a carry on. I always bring a backpack and put my purse belongings inside, as well as any extra toiletry items that I want easy access to on the plane (hand lotion, hydrating face spray, etc.), or a long car ride for that matter. In addition, I pack my snacks in here--rice cakes with nut butter, apples, meal bars, energy bites, dark chocolate, you name it! This will save you time, money and very likely, a stomach ache!
Bon voyoge!
