Packing tips for your next trip

Packing tips for your next trip

The key to successful packing is planning. Think about the why, where, when and how of your trip such as the climate, your activities, lodgings and how you're getting there. Also, who else is making the trip with you. Before packing make a list of everything you will need for each person. Remember less is best.

First lay out one outfit for each day of the trip and then see what you can eliminate by mix and matching outfits. Mix and matching makes for lighter suitcases. If you're traveling in the car, no one else will know that you have worn those shorts 3 times this week. If you are traveling for more than a week, it is worth an hour of your time and a couple of dollars to visit a Laundromat. You can wash your one week's worth of clothing and wear it again. Bring several big plastic bags with you on your trip for dirty/wet clothes and shoes.

Remember, when in doubt, leave it out. If you are camping, odds are you will not need a coat and tie. Do not pack something on the off chance you might need it. Also, do not duplicate items. One bottle of shampoo and one tube of toothpaste are plenty. If you run out of something, you can always buy more. Over-packing is one of the ways to suck the energy right out of a trip.

The best clothes to pack are wrinkle-resistant and wash and wear. They are the easiest clothes to care for by far. Choose bright colors and patterns to hide stains. Avoid black and white as they will show even the smallest specks of dirt. Pack comfortable, all purpose shoes for everyone. Your feet are the most important ones to keep happy when you have many days of walking and exploring.

Traveling with a baby will require some additional items. Investigate what crib supplies are available at your destination so you don't have to pack everything. A stroller is a must for tooling around with a baby and accessories. For toddlers, a baby backpack is a good idea, especially if you plan on doing a lot of walking.

Infants and toddlers need extra protection from the elements so always have a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent on hand for them. Pack small amounts of food, formula, and diapers and buy more when you arrive.

Other handy items are: a battery powered travel alarm (with fresh batteries), sewing kit, nail clipper, pocketknife, flashlight, small pack of tissues, and pre-moistened towelettes or baby wipes.

If you will need special equipment for your recreation (bicycles, golf clubs, etc.), see if it is available for rent at your destination. The cost of equipment rental varies greatly. If rental costs are prohibitive, you might be better off bringing your own equipment. You must weigh the cost of renting equipment against the hassle of trying to pack it. Now that most airlines charge extra for that extra bag it might be cheaper to rent golf clubs than taking your own.

When traveling by car you need only to keep your itinerary, maps, cooler, and entertainment items with you. You can pull over to get anything else you might need from your luggage. If you have to check your luggage on a plane or train, it is a good idea to keep some basic items with you. You must have your tickets/ itinerary with you at all times. It is also a good idea to carry deodorant, a toothbrush, medications, and clean underwear in a small travel on bag on the plane, just in case you are delayed or separated from your luggage. Commercial carriers are usually good about retrieving lost luggage, but it is terrible to be stuck somewhere without a toothbrush or clean underwear.

If your camping another use for those large trash bags is to put your entire suitcases and/or other items in till you get home so that unwanted guests can be removed outside before bringing everything into the house. Nothing worse than opening up your suitcase in your bedroom at home to find a creepy crawler found his way into your bags.

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