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If your 'packing for a trip' scenario includes dreadfully waiting for that moment to arrive, when you have to gather 'all-you-can-grab' clothes and stuff them into a bag, having your friend sit on the suitcase while you desperately try to close it. And three over-stuffed bags later remain clueless on if you have taken all items that you need, then you are not alone!
Photo Courtesy: Jeff
While most adults behave like kids in their excitement regarding a vacation, they shun the responsibility of packing with equal glee. So if you are worried about how to pack for a trip, continue reading:
1. Create a Checklist: The first step in understanding how to pack for your trip is to create a checklist. The checklist is like any 'to-do' list you make at home or work and ensures you don't forget anything.
2. Unravel the Journey: Packing for a trip requires information on where you will be travelling, nature of the trip, duration and the number of people you are packing for.
3. Categorise: There are a few major categories that will be common to all your trips, such as clothes, shoes, medicines, gadgets, food and documents. List these down and plan under each.
4. Clothes: While packing for a trip, most people take more clothes than needed. Plan in advance the type of clothing you require, such as do you need formal or casual wear or a mix? How many sets will you require and can you re-use items such as your favourite pair of jeans? Do a weather check on the place you are travelling to and ensure you have the right kind of clothing.
5. Shoes: Shoes take up a lot of space, which is why it is important to be sure regarding how many you need. Also use the space in your shoes to store breakable items and accessories in a cover.
6. Health Kit: This is critical while packing for travel. Pack a small medical kit with bandaid, medicine for fever, nausea, headache and allergies. If you are prone to ailments of the heart or other specific issues, check with your doctor before you travel.
7. Toiletries: It is easiest to forget your toothbrush or comb on a trip for which you have packed just about everything else! Keep an organised toiletry kit with travel sized necessities such as shampoo, paste, soap, shaving kit, toothbrush, perfume, etc.
Photo Courtesy: Ginny
8. Stay Connected: Be it an official trip or a holiday, most people prefer to stay connected through the duration of travel. Ensure to pack your laptop, tablet, camera and phone with their chargers. Keeping track of these items on your checklist can also ensure you don't lose them.
9. Paperwork: Remember to take your tickets, identification documents as well as passport and visa if you are travelling abroad. Take photocopies of vital documents and store them in different parts of your luggage so they may come handy in time of theft or other emergencies.
10. Pack Smart: This step of how to pack your luggage guide helps you lug around less baggage! Place heavy items at the bottom of the bag. Either roll your clothes or lay them flat without folding to make the best use of space. Use nooks and corners of bags to stuff smaller items such as socks and kits. Use airtight bags to reduce the volume of certain items such as blankets. Separate your documents, food and medication in an easily accessible shoulder bag or pouch.
Lastly, check off the items from your checklist as you pack. Agreed that this is a bit of work, but the effort taken here goes a long way in ensuring you have a great trip and only wonderful memories associated with it!
Photo Courtesy: M Car
