by Jeff Halterin Travel / Travel Tips (submitted 2011-03-13)
What kind of suitcases, what packing methods? What you need to know is what to pack! When you’re getting ready for your trip, the best thing to do is to start a packing list.
What you need to put on that list will depend on your destination and your travel style. I mean, if you’re going to a tropical country, what you’ll need to pack will be completely different from if you’re going to Antarctica…. though it might surprise you that we’d recommend a swimsuit in either case.
You’d always take a swimsuit to a tropical beach, but there are hot springs on Deception Island in the Antarctic Peninsula where you can swim… and who wouldn’t want bragging rights about swimming in Antarctica!
So are you going to be touring cities or going on safari; getting pampered at a spa or visiting a dude ranch? You can pack light in any case, you just need to adjust your wardrobe. If you’re going on a scuba diving trip and taking your own equipment… well, you probably know what you need to take… and that you won’t be packing light!
It takes some planning to pack with today’s security alerts, but if you can pack everything in carry-on luggage, you can avoid airline baggage fees.
For women, here’s what I take…. some combination of five long and short sleeved blouses depending on the climate of our destination. Two pairs of slacks and one skirt for dress up. A light pull over sweater and an outer sweater. One nightgown, underwear for 5 days and a swimsuit. Two pairs of shoes and three or four pairs of socks.
For men… again, some combination of five long and short sleeved shirts. Two pairs of long pants. Shorts if expecting warm weather. Pull over sweater. A swim suit. Underwear for five days. Two pairs of shoes and three or four pairs of socks.
You really don’t need many more clothes than that. Who cares if you wear the same things over and over… you’re on the move… you will never see most of these people again. Wash things out as you travel. Try to find fabrics that drip dry well.
What to pack beyond your clothes? Prescription medications… enough for your trip and a few days extra. Deodorant, aspirin, antacids and cold tablets. Toothpaste and toothbrushes. Shampoo and necessary cosmetics.
Sunglasses and sunscreen. A wide brimmed hat if you will be in the sun, and an umbrella in case of rain. And insect repellent if needed.
A travel alarm clock is always useful. A small daypack can give you room to expand once your arrive. Take a camera with plenty of batteries or a charger. Maybe binoculars. A curling iron for women, a razor for men…. and adaptors for those funny foreign plugs.
We always advise to think carefully before you carry a lot of electronics. If you’re busy touring around, you may not have time to use that laptop computer much… and do you really want to carry it? Check to see if your cell phone even works where you’re going…. or if it does, if you can afford to use it!
Deciding what to pack isn’t hard… most people need to concentrate on what NOT to pack. Make your packing list… then stick with it. If there is something you really do forget to pack… you can probably get it there.
About the Author
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Jeff Halter
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