Tips for vacation packing

Packing for a vacation is not an easy task. One or two weeks away and you’re supposed to know exactly what you’re going to need for the entire time. Unless you have suddenly acquired a crystal ball, this means you’re going to have to do some serious forward-thinking and pre-planning, which quite frankly takes the fun out of pre-vacation time!

Effective packing comes down to preparation, organisation, and research. It doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? Well, no, it’s not the most fun part of a vacation, but getting it right at this stage means more fun whilst you’re away, and surely that’s worth investing a little time in?

Research

Look at the weather in the place you’re heading to, and do some research into what is classed as suitable attire. If you’re heading somewhere totally different to where you’ve been before, such as the Middle East or maybe the Far East, then online is your fast track to advice and information. Check out our Singapore travel blog for those Far Eastern city breaks, to give you an idea of weather conditions at your visiting time, and the kind of clothes you will need. This information will form the basis for your packing needs!

Be rational and ruthless

Do you really need four pairs of heels for a week-long vacation? Your heart might be saying ‘yes’, but listen to your head, because it is more than likely saying ‘no’. Be ruthless with your packing needs, think carefully and honestly about what you need and how much of it you need – excess luggage is expensive these days especially on budget flights, and that money could be spent elsewhere, such as whilst you’re away! And if you really think about it, the less you bring, the more you’ll be able to buy when you’re there 😉

Mix and match is your friend

I always find that mix and match items are the way to go, especially if the season isn’t in full swing yet. For instance, if you’re heading to a destination where it’s not quite summer yet, but it’s not cold either, layering is the best advice. Mix and match items can be dressed up or dressed down, and when you throw on some jewellery for the ladies, or a cool pair of shoes for the guys, you can change a look instantly. This also saves you packing room too.

Are you going to shop whilst you’re away?

This is partially linked to being rational and ruthless, but ask yourself this question, and if the answer is ‘yes’ then you need to save some room for the items you’re going to be bringing back. You’re unlikely to be bringing back any beauty products (unless you’re visiting korea), such as shampoo, conditioner etc, which you brought with you on your outbound journey, so you will save some room there, but you need to make sure you have enough weight allowance on your return journey in order to allow yourself some shopping time whilst you’re away.

Roll, don’t fold

This was a tip given to me by a friend a few years ago and it certainly works in cutting down on creases, and giving more room in your case. If you fold things, you take up more room, and your clothes are more likely to slide across your case when it’s tipped up, however if you roll then this alleviates both of these problems. This is essentially one of the most important tips for the budget travelers in a world where check-ins can cost an arm or a leg.

Packing isn’t fun, you need to make peace with this idea and move on, however it is a necessary evil to a fun-filled vacation.