What
to Pack When Traveling, Pt. II
With
today's heightened security in airports, it is perfectly natural
to want to have your luggage with you when you travel. You want
to be certain everything you packed for your business trip or
vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guarantee that. For
extended trips, however, travelers are likely to pack more, ultimately
forcing them to check in some of their luggage.
It
is important, therefore, to pack efficiently and smartly any bags
that must be checked up front. Whether flying on a weekend trip
or an extended stay overseas, know what is necessary to take and
what is not as essential.
Clothing:
Consider the trip, the places you plan to visit and the length
of your absence from home. How many changes of clothing are necessary,
and what types of clothing can you expect to wear? Sometimes,
you might find you have packed too much for a trip, resulting
in wrinkled clothing upon arrival. Or, you might find you have
packed too many formal items for a trip that didn't require it.
Before
you open your suitcase, determine exactly what is on the itinerary.
Consult weather reports for your destination and, if possible,
research attractions and restaurants for any dress requirements.
If you are headed to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, you might
find all you need is your swimsuit and one nice outfit! Check
with your hotel in advance, too, to determine what laundry services
are available or nearby. You may be able to pack half as much
if you have such access.
Accessories:
Do you really need to pack an iron? Can you live a few weeks without
your laptop? Despite the gadgetry designed to make our lives easier,
it is not difficult to find that too many gadgets on a short trip
will prove to be aggravating. Thankfully, as hotels evolve even
the "economy" accommodations offer enough amenities
so travelers need not pack everything and the kitchen sink. Coffee
makers, irons, hair dryers, and other home necessities are made
available, though it is always a good idea to check with your
hotel to see what is offered and what is not. For those traveling
overseas, if you need to take electrical appliances, make sure
you have the proper adapters so the plugs will fit.
Personal
Grooming:
When we forget things like soap and shampoos, those little bottles
at the hotel are a blessing, yet you might not feel there is enough
to suit your needs. Does this mean you should pack economy size
bottles of everything? While the large bottles are nice, they
are not always necessary for a trip, and sometimes those bottles
can prove dangerous. Packed with clothing, there is always the
risk of damage, and opening your suitcase to find every outfit
soaked with mouthwash and smelling minty fresh.
Determine
what essentials you need to pack - shampoo, makeup, toothpaste,
etc. - and pack in a suitcase with a separate compartment. Medium
size plastic bottles, no more than ten fluid ounces, is a good
gauge. Make sure the bottles are not completely filled, in the
event of temperature changes in cargo that may cause the plastic
to expand or burst. Better yet, pack all bottles in an extra plastic
bag to help ensure protection from leaks.
Knowing
what to pack and how much is beneficial to your enjoying a vacation.
The less encumbered you are by luggage, the less worry of damage,
theft, or loss.
Kathryn
Lively is a freelance writer who writes content for many travel
related websites, including Park Atlanta (http://www.parkatlanta.com),
long-term parking for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, and The Grand
Summit Hotel of New Jersey (http://www.grandsummit.com).
Article
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