OK, this won’t be all about how important it is to pack properly for a trip. You already know that without any doubt. However, even some seasoned travelers still put a lot of junk in their suitcases, and then overpay for the extra weight of their bags. This and many other details about packing should be addressed.
Page Contents
Documents
First of all, you need to have your documents where they’ll be safe. And here’s a quick trick: make a package with all the copies and put it separately from the main stuff. In case your suitcases get lost or your bag gets stolen, you’ll have proof of your identity and will be able to contact law enforcement agencies and consulates for help.
What documents are always appropriate to bring with you:
- passport / international passport;
- insurance policy;
- identification code (if it is issued in our country);
- train or any other tickets;
- hotel reservation;
- driver’s license (if available).
If you are traveling with a child, do not forget the birth certificate and notarized consent of one of the parents.
Cash
Source: blog.klm.com
The next item that also often flies right out of your mind is cash. Take care in advance to stock up on money in the currency of the country you are traveling to. You don’t have to take everything off your card, but at least 25% of the total travel budget should be transferred to cash.
Don’t forget that some countries require a 6-month bank statement for entry. It is better to prepare it in advance.
Medication
This is the most difficult, but also the most important item. Each country has its own restrictions on the transportation of drugs. If you have to take any medication regularly, ask your family doctor to write you a special certificate.
In addition, don’t forget to take painkillers, antihistamines, and antipyretics with you. Also, your first-aid kit should contain remedies for burns, insect bites, antiseptics, absorbent cotton, and bandages.
Hygiene Products
Of course, most hotels provide free hygiene kits. But it is still better to take with you at least a small tourist set, so as not to regret it later. Put in your suitcase some toilet paper or tissues, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, soap, razor, shampoo, and cotton pads.
Do not forget that you can’t take containers for liquids with a volume of more than 100 ml into the airplane. Even perfumes, makeup removers, shower gels, etc. fall under the ban.
Clothing and Footwear
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At this stage, most tourists make the same mistakes. The first of them is to pack the whole closet into a suitcase and hope that everything will come in handy. Experience shows that 3-4 sets of clothes is quite enough for a week. It is best to take 4 tops and two bottoms, and then combine everything.
This rule applies to shoes as well. You don’t need 10 pairs of sneakers. That’s extra weight you’ll have to carry. It’s unlikely you’ll need to climb mountains, have dinner with hedge fund reps, and then bike around New York City. Which means a huge selection of shoes isn’t necessary.
Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and underwear. It’s a good idea to stock up on compression socks to ease the flight and minimize leg fatigue.
Gadgets
You know the drill here. Put a power bank, charger, and headphones in your bag. It is also advisable to bring a flashlight, it can come in handy on the road.
If you are not sure about the security of the country you are traveling to, you can buy a portable siren in advance. This is a very handy keychain-shaped thing, pressing which triggers a loud alarm that attracts people’s attention and can save you from criminals.
How Not to Forget Anything
To pack everything you need without missing a thing, follow these tips:
- create a list of things you are going to take with you in advance (take your time and analyze everything you put in);
- pack your suitcase at least 24 hours before the start of your trip so that you can buy what you need and not have to do everything hastily;
- have a scale to weigh your suitcase once you’ve packed it (this may prompt you to pull out an iron, your seventeenth pair of shoes, or some other ” super-important” item;
- ask your loved ones for help ─ show them your list and consult them to see if you’ve forgotten anything;
- check everything again a few hours before your trip so you don’t have to worry about it later.
Source: cabinzero.com
Conclusion
Thoughtful packing before a trip has several key advantages. Firstly, it ensures that you have all the things you need, reducing the risk of getting caught lacking something important (like documents or medication). Second, it helps control the overall weight of your luggage, saving you from extra fees at the airport. And finally, organized packing reduces stress and makes the trip more enjoyable as a whole.
So don’t be lazy, and take this matter seriously! That way the entire journey will be easier and more enjoyable.
