The long-awaited moment of vacation is coming and it’s time to pack your things. How can you take everything you need and not end up with ten suitcases? As an experienced tourist, I share six mistakes that are most often made when packing.
Not taking care of your health
I always put safety first! The first thing you need to buy before going on vacation is insurance policy! No one is insured against an accident; injuries or severe poisoning that will require medical intervention are quite likely.
Having saved a couple of thousand on insurance, in an emergency we can pay much more and leave our vacation with an empty wallet.
Be sure to pack a first aid kit! If you take medications regularly, it is better to take extra than to look for a pharmacy in an unfamiliar city. And in a sparsely populated resort and on the islands, the necessary medicine may not be available... So, my advice is don’t take risks!
What should be in the first aid kit
I’ll give you a small universal cheat sheet, add according to your own health condition:
- bandage;
- brilliant green, iodine or chlorhexidine;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- bactericidal patch;
- activated carbon, "Smecta";
- aspirin;
- pain reliever;
- panthenol.
Don’t forget that in some countries there are endemic diseases for which you need to be vaccinated in advance!
Place all documents in suitcase
Luggage can get lost, so we put passports, policies, powers of attorney for children and other documents in the bag. Hand luggage is always with us! For reliability, I advise you to scan or photograph all documents; copies should be duplicated:
- by e-mail;
- carry in your purse and leave the originals in the hotel safe;
- leave it on your phone and tablet.
If you lose your passport, you should be able to prove your identity to the police or consulate.
Do not check in jewelry, keys, contact lenses or glasses.
Take away your entire wardrobe
When getting ready, it seems to us that for two weeks we will constantly change clothes and change outfits. No! This is a mistake that leads to a heavy bag, too much luggage, and in the end you come home and realize that everything was in vain. What should you take with you?
- Choose things that go together. It is better to create multi-layered ensembles and remember the rule of three colors.
- Instead of a second sweater, take a blanket. A blanket is a great multifunctional item! It replaces a bedspread, cardigan and blanket.
- If you are planning an evening out, you will need a dress.
- For excursions, we choose comfortable and practical clothes, for example, a tracksuit, shorts with T-shirts (they won’t take up much space, you can take 5-6 pieces).
- Beachwear: swimsuits (no more than three), pareo, hat.
- For cool evenings, jeans are preferable.
- A sundress or a light dress - for walking in the heat.
- Cardigan for when it gets cold.
Give preference to wrinkle-resistant fabrics. On vacation, you won’t want to pick up an iron again, and it’s not always possible.
Warm and heavy things should be left on you. Firstly, this way we lighten the suitcase, and secondly, they will most likely be needed on the plane and at the airport.
Too many shoes
The bare minimum is three pairs!
- Sneakers or sneakers for excursions, flights and hiking.
- Flip-flops for the beach and cafes.
- Sandals or sandals with platform or flat soles. They can also become “going out” shoes.
Never take new shoes with you! She will rub calluses and ruin walks.
Hiding equipment in a suitcase
To protect expensive cameras, phones, tablets and chargers, never check them in your luggage! No one is insured against loss. Don't forget to take the following in your hand luggage:
- telephones;
- tablet;
- charging;
- headphones;
- power bank;
- spare battery.
Only business people who will be working on vacation take laptops with them.
Year's supply of cosmetics
Many hotels provide individual sets of toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunblock, shampoo and shaving foam. If you only use certain brands, then pour into a small container, and to prevent anything from spilling, cover the neck with cling film. This trick will help you avoid total dry cleaning of your items.
When it comes to cosmetics, take only the essentials; often, instead of applying complex makeup, it’s easier to wear trendy sunglasses!
Vacations should be fun! Don’t get carried away by photographs and constant changes in fashionable clothes, it’s better to look around, enjoy the beautiful views and wonderful weather.