Some Considerations When Planning What To Pack

by erin on June 7, 2010

Vacations can really be a lot of fun. However, the planning stage is far from it. Locating passports, cramming suitcases full of clothes, finding someone to walk the dog: it almost makes a vacation not even worth it. Actually, it doesn’t. Just a little bit of advice can get you through the planning phase, and right on into the fun phase. First, where on Earth is your passport? If you can’t find it, look into an expedited passport renewal. It’s a little bit more money, but the peace of mind is a huge relief when you’re planning everything else.

Even if you aren’t going out of the country, keeping your passport with you is always a good idea. A passport is a good form of identification, and if your wallet or purse gets stolen, it will prove to be an irreplaceable lifeline. If the dog ate your passport, consider a damaged passport replacement. You’re going to have to do it eventually, so do it now so you don’t have to worry about it later.

Overpacking is so easy to do, and you should do your best not to. When you’re walking fifteen blocks to your hotel and you’re carrying seven bags full of every outfit you own, you will come to appreciate the notion of packing light. First, relax, sit down, and start a check list. Write down everything, no matter how obvious it is, and don’t forget the important stuff, like your passport, travel itinerary, social security card, and all that. It’s generally not a good idea to stuff things into your bag as you think of them, as this could have you panicked and scrambling for your ticket at the airport.

What’s the weather going to be like? What specific activities will you be doing? Where exactly will you be staying? Keep these questions in mind when making your list. Every vacation has a different packing list, and knowing exactly what you need will prevent you from running around looking for your snorkel right before you have to leave. Will you be going to the beach? Don’t forget your beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and flip-flops. If you’re going to a colder climate, bring gloves, a scarf, and warm coats. Will you be camping? Bring bug spray and a sleeping bag.

Do your best to find travel-size versions of all your toiletries. Huge bottles can be bulky, taking up a lot of room in your bag. They also have the potential to explode or leak everywhere. Unless you are going some place extremely remote, you will probably be able to get access to a drug store to restore your supply.

Spend the time to scan and make copies of your important travel papers, like your passport, reservations, tickets, phone numbers, and driver’s license. Email the scans to yourself so you can always access them if you need to. Make copies for family members or the housesitter so they know where to reach you.

All you have to do know is somehow manage to squeeze everything into your suitcase. When you’re packing, carefully consider if you’re going to need this particular item of clothing. If not, just leave it out. Double check and make sure you have your passports. If not, look into an expedited passport renewal or a damaged US passport replacement. Now that you’re good to go, sit back and get ready for an awesome vacation.

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