How good are you at packing for the holidays?
Some people are amazing at it or they claim to be. Let’s be honest it can be difficult to be so organised and have it all.
Most of us live in the real world and we have all gone through the nightmare of packing. Just what will I need? How many? And what if I need more?
We can all raise our hands when someone asks have you ever overpacked? I know I can.
Why is packing for the holidays so hard?
Is it the excitement of the vacation or the list of things we want to do that just seem to take over our mind? Suddenly, packing for the holidays seems overwhelming.
Whatever it is, we all wish we could have a black hole for a bag. One that fits everything we want to bring along. Unfortunately such a bag does not exist. However, there would be a market for such a thing. Oh wait, that bag would also come in handy for the return trip home. No more panic of buying something and worrying if it will fit in the suitcase.
Don’t get me started on the weight restrictions that airlines have. Different airlines have their own interpretation of how big the bag can be. Should we all have a room full of different bag sizes, one for each airline? Wow that would be a nightmare in itself.
No, I cannot help you with bag sizes or even bags at all. It seems as if the airlines seem to change that on a regular basis. They want to squeeze more money from the passengers any way they can. Is it allowed to take a bottle of water on or not? How much liquid is allowed?
The best thing you can do is read the small print of each airline and the current bag size, weight allowance and what you are allowed to bring in hand luggage. Inform yourself before you book your trip.
What should I be packing?
We are only talking about packing the things you need for your trip.
Everyone is different and the destination varies as well. Summer and winter destinations, adventure or city breaks. Long haul and short trips. Family holidays and solo travels. All kinds of everything. Then there are also cruise holidays and bus tours.
How could you cater to every single scenario in one post?
Let’s break it down to one thing.
What do you need to pack to ensure you have what you need?
Now the fun begins. Take out a piece of paper, or device, whichever you prefer. I am still a pen and paper gal.
Thinking about your last holiday and the location where you stayed. Write down the things that you used or needed while you were there.
- What items did you pack and never use or need? Was there anything that you forgot to pack and realised how vital it really was?
- Your passport and travel documents or course.
- Phone, laptop or tablet.
- Chargers and plug adaptors.
- Backup battery.
- Medical supply – prescription medication, plasters, cream etc.
- Bathroom items. – toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush etc. (scrunchies, hair band etc.)
The list is personal to your needs so add any others you can think of here.
What did you pack the last time?
Think about what you had and what you really needed on your last vacation.
- Were the clothes you travelled in comfortable? If they were, list why and maybe keep that in mind for future travelling days.
- What kind of pjs or nightwear did you use? Extra t shirts and light pants or shorts. Maybe having the option of t shirts as pjs adds an extra item of clothing. Or have something to wear while the other tops are being washed.
- Having clothes that can be easily washed in between wearing either hand wash or laundromat.
- Where are you travelling to? Does your home away from home have a washing machine or facilities? If so this allows you to pack less clothing as you can just wash and re-wear clothes. Who cares if it is the same thing you wore before. As long as they are clean.
- Have you been on a weekend vacation lately or gone visiting family or friends? What was it that you brought along or what was needed.
This could help you find out the things that you use or need.
- Have you hosted family or friends staying with you? Did someone have personal things along that made you stop and think that was a great idea. Add that to your list.
Sometimes it is the little things that can make your holiday stress free and relaxing.
We all need some rest and relaxation and holidays are the place to get that and more. They can be exciting and adventurous and stressful at the best of times. Why not try and remove some of the stress before hand.
What to pack for your next holidays
Bring pen and paper or add a note on your phone, send an email to yourself whatever way works for you. But the next trip you are on. Take a moment to write down the things that you forgot but would need and the important things you have. Anything to help you the next time.
No one can have it all and sometimes the fun of holidays is the things that go wrong. They can be the best stories to tell afterwards. You just have to get through the moment first.
Things can always happen and if some embarrassing or scary things are avoided then that is a win.
You can think you have it all packed and thought of everything and then you arrive at the destination and the airline loses your bag.
Maybe it is an idea to pack a few things in hand luggage to tie you over at least with some extra clothes.
Talking with other holidaymakers is also a bonus in exchanging tips or ideas of things.
Packing for the holidays does not have to be so stressful.
Enjoy the holidays and make some memories.
