Let’s face it, nobody really likes packing. But if you want to enjoy your fabulous vacation, you need to get that suitcase packed ASAP. If you usually have your girlfriend or wife around to help and you don’t know where to start, hopefully, this guide can help take some weight off your shoulders. Not every kind of vacation needs the same stuff, but these tips and tricks can help you figure out the basics:
1) Things to Do in Advance
For the best results, avoid doing things last-minute and in a rush. Some careful preparations are necessary a few steps ahead of time, so you can end up with the best results. Tasks like doing all of your laundry a few days before travel will ensure you have your most-worn items clean and ready to pack. You can’t pack two-weeks’ worth of clean underwear if all of it is sitting at the bottom of your laundry basket. You should also check you have everything you want and need so you can plan shopping trips. Whilst airports are a last-minute option, you might find better deals and more choice elsewhere – plus you won’t have to worry about missing your flight because you forgot to buy yourself some new sunglasses.
2) What to Bring
Whilst packing light is nice, you still need enough items to keep you looking smart and fresh each day, and comfortable in the weather conditions. The first step to packing the correct amount is with the right luggage. To make sure you are packing the correct amount, always check the size and weight restrictions for your flight.
When it comes to choosing what to bring, let’s start with clothing. If you are traveling for seven days, you should probably pack seven pairs of socks and boxers/briefs. That means you have clean underwear for each day – easy right? Then the slightly more difficult part comes to calculating how many shirts/tops you need and how many shorts or pants. Consider how you are going to spend each day of your holiday; if you are spending half of it lounging by the pool or on a beach, you don’t really need seven shirts, as you won’t actually be wearing one for more than a few hours in the evening.
The best way to pack your clothing is to pack things in a simple color palette that can be worn mix and match. If you want to dress up, choose one blazer that can be paired with both jeans, your smart trousers and every shirt and t-shirt you bring. Basic neutrals can be repeatedly worn without being obviously the same outfit each day. For seven days, five t-shirts/shirts and three pairs of shorts or trousers could be enough to get you by.
As for shoes, you should go for one pair of shoes that are both comfortable but stylish. You can wear them in the airport too, so you may only need to pack one more pair of shoes. You may be on your feet a lot, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable too. For designer footwear that will stand out as stylish but be comfortable too, sites like SSENSE are perfect. These Fendi sneakers will look great with any outfit. If you are attending a wedding, then don’t forget to pack a pair of dress shoes, and for beach holidays, throw in a pair of comfortable sandals.
Many people recommend having a separate travel washbag made up so you have all the essentials ready-to-go. This means that when you brush your teeth in the morning, you don’t forget to pack your toothbrush afterward because you already have one packed in your suitcase. Don’t forget that you might want some of the toiletries in your carry-on bag, but remember the restrictions on liquids and use clear bags.
3) How to Pack
Everyone has their own techniques when it comes to packing, but all of them are an organized approach. To maximize space and also keep your shoes protected, stuff your shoes with socks before packing them. The extra pairs of rolled socks can be used to fill gaps and spaces around the edges of your case. Roll and fold techniques will keep clothes smart and neatly arranged. To minimize creasing, your most wrinkle-prone items should be the outermost layer, utilizing the whole space of the suitcase. You can pack these on top, so you don’t forget to hang them as soon as you arrive.
Making a list of what you need to bring is always helpful too. There are certain things that are irreplaceable like your tickets, passport, and any medications. The rest can be purchased upon arrival – so if your packing leads to any mishaps, don’t panic! Hopefully, this guide helps you stay calm and make packing a little less stressful. Enjoy your trip!
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