You have been planning for that vacation for some time now. However, just before you leave, there are some things you need to counter check otherwise you might not enjoy as much as you ought to. Let us have a look at those things-
1. Your delicates
If you are headed for vacation, you obviously have a camera, a tablet and probably even a laptop. How have you packed them? You do not want to get to your destination and find that your laptop or camera is broken. If possible, put these things in a smaller bag that you can carry with your hands. That way you know that they are safe and intact. If you have to put them in your suitcase, make sure to use bubble wrap and put them between clothes. This ensures they are well cushioned and will not break even when the bag falls or bumps into something as you pull it along.
2. Pack a few necessities in your hand luggage
Now we all know how many people tend to lose their luggage especially in an airplane mix-up. Carry at least a change of clothe and undergarments in your hand luggage. This way, in case of a mix-up, you can check into a hotel and take a shower, change into some clean clothes and start locating your luggage. Or do you want to wait for your luggage in clothes you probably wore some 23 hours before taking your flight.
3. Weather
It is very essential you check the weather before leaving to a certain place. Do not assume it is going to be hot just because you are going to Florida. It will not cost you a thing to check. However, it will certainly cost you a lot to buy new clothes just because you packed for the wrong weather. Just confirm the weather and make sure you have packed appropriately.
4. Make sure your clothes are all-rounder fashion
Sure, you probably need a nice evening dress but try to leave the statement pieces at home. That fur coat might not be very important; besides, it is not as if you are never coming back. Carry clothes that will fit in every occasion and in every culture. You certainly do not want to carry clothes only to realize you might not get a chance to wear them. Make sure you carry your pajamas or an oversized shirt to sleep in instead of that sequin dress you will not even wear.’
5. Cosmetics
Before you empty your cosmetics drawer, ask yourself whether you really need to. The good things about cosmetics is that you can buy them everywhere in the world. If you are worried, you can goggle and make sure you will find your brand wherever you are going. This will not only save on packing space but also ensure you do not have very heavy luggage. Some cosmetics might even spill and damage your clothes and/ or gadgets. Instead of risking, just buy some after you have arrived. They might even be cheaper over there.
6. Holiday purchases
Before you pack that bag until you have to sit on it to aid in getting it closed, think about all the nice things they sell over there. Think of where you will pack that memento you are definitely going to buy. It is certain that you will come back with more than you left with. Leave enough space to at least pack a couple of clothes and shoes. Also, leave some space for pieces of jewelry you might buy. Instead of buying another suitcase, why not just save some space?
7. Shoes
I do not think am the only one who hates packing shoes but it still has to be done. Make sure you do not pack many pairs because you might not need all of them. Carry only the relevant ones. In case hiking is one of the things you want to do, make sure you have some hiking boots. Also, carry a classy shoe for that posh restaurant you are planning on visiting. Carry one comfortable pair you can wear when moving around in an attempt to sight see. In short, 3 pairs of shoes should be more than enough.
8. Pack your clothes in categories
Before you close that bag, let us have a look at how you have packed. Make sure your shirts are with shirts, pants with pants, dresses with dresses and so on. This will make it very easy to unpack once you have arrived. In case you spill coffee on your shirt, you do not want to remove all your clothes from the suitcase and place them on an airport seat just because you need to find another one. Also, pack the clothes you might need on the way at the top. This way, you do not have to unpack just to look for a jacket or a scarf.
9. Fill in the name tag
There is a reason as to why that bay has a name tag. It is very important that you fill it out before leaving your house. If you lose your luggage, or the airline misplaces it, it becomes very easy for people to locate you. Remember, you might be in other country or state and no one here will recognize your blue scarf like your brother or dad does. You probably won’t lose your luggage but just in case, why not be safe?
10. Medication
Now, if you are on any medication, you must remember to carry it in your hand luggage. Medicine is not like lip flops that you can buy anywhere. Some medications require prescriptions. Always remember to carry your medication lest you fall ill on the way or during the vacation. Same case applies to people with allergies; remember you are going to a place where you probably have no friends or family. If you have sleeping problems or constant headaches, make sure, you buy all the drugs you might need before you actually need them.
11. Restrictions on luggage
No matter how much you feel like you need to carry everything, bear in mind airplanes have luggage restrictions. Check up the luggage restrictions before you even start. Then decide what you are taking with you and what needs to be left behind. The restrictions are very strict and you will be forced to reduce your luggage until it is within the restrictions. Instead of going through all these, why not weigh your luggage at home and not risk leaving something you have obviously deemed important.
12. Where are you essentials and documents?
No matter how much you want to leave, you certainly cannot do that without a passport, or your ticket, or even your money and credit cards. Before you leave the house and head back after a few minutes or hours, please ensure you have all your essentials. Keep your passport within close reach. Make sure you can easily access your money and credit cards for when the need arises. If you are headed to a country that uses a different currency, make sure you have a few shillings in that currency or in dollars.
13. Tick against your list
Assuming you made a packing list, make sure you tick against it to make sure you have not left anything out. Also, make sure you cancel anything from that list that is no longer needed. You could also carry the list to help you in packing when returning home. This will ensure you do not leave any of your stuff behind. Memories of a whole vacation might be ruined if you realize you lost some of your important things.
Vacations are meant to relax and bring joy and fond memories. Small things might however spoil all the fun. Make sure you put these things into consideration before leaving. Only then can you have some peace of mind.