What should I pack?  What type of clothing will I need?  Should I pack something for the flight?
The answer to this question will depend on where you are vacationing.  In this unit I will be discussing what things to look for and what countries are known for their climates, as well as what tricks you can use in packing.


I have one hard and fast rule about traveling.  I never bring along anything in my suitcase that I don’t want to lose.  When I went to Hawaii, I bought a couple souvenirs, which I packed, but upon coming home, there was a search note in my checked case, and my video on Hawaiian culture and my dashboard hula girl I had bought, as a gift for a family member were gone.  So much for honor within the ranks of security personnel!

 
Carry-on packing

I always travel for a vacation to see friends, relax, or investigate the world, but never for work.  However you travel, one thing is for sure.  You will always need a carry-on bag and a bag to store overhead or a bag to check, or both.

Overheads are a way for us to make sure a trip doesn’t start out wrong.  Many of us have had our luggage find us at our hotel the next day because it was lost enroute. I have had this happen several times, so I know how having a day or two of back ups is invaluable!

These are the items I pack in my overhead or purse:

  • 2 pairs of socks
  • 2 pairs of underwear
  • A pair of shorts or pants, depending on my destination.
  • Tote
  • Liquid’s Pouch
  • Sweater or light blanket for the plane
  • Eye Cream
  • Lip Balm
  • Moisturizer
  • Make-up
  • Mints or gum
  • Deoderant​
  • Kleenix travelers
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Tablet or computer
  • Make sure your apps and software are updated and downloaded before you board. Look into the hundreds of travel apps before your flight to help you plan your trip and keep you busy on the flight.
  • Phone
  • Headphones
  • Electronic Chargers & Adapters
  • Don’t forget to pack any chargers for devices that you bring in your carry-on! Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need an adapter for your plugs.


I usually carry a big purse or bag which can be stored under the seat so I can keep these items near me for safety purposes and convenience.  In this I put all of my important documents, equipment, medications and valuables.  Below is a list of thees items I keep close to me.


These are the most important things to remember:

  • Important Documents – I always carry these on my person in a way that someone can’t steal them.  But just in case, having a copy isn’t a bad idea.  I had my passport stolen in Germany, so I am always very careful.

        ​1. Passport

        2. Visa or mastercard

        3. Bankcard

        4. Travel card protecter

        5. Airline ticket

  • Jewelry – I never carry any important jewelry on trips period. It’s not worth the worry and hassle involved in keeping them safe.
  • Camera and laptop or notebook – They are always with me wherever I go, either in my purse or my hand held carry on.
  • Travel Insurance – Having been trained in the travel industry, I would not even think of going on a big vacation without insurance.  When you add up everything, it’s a big investment, and like a car, should be covered.
  • Medications – Carrying medications is always tricky.  Always check with the country you are going to, making sure they are not considered a controlled substance there.  Having said that, keep them with you at all times, as well as proof of prescription.  I keep a small container for everyday over the counter items with me, such as ibuprofen, Tums, and Airborne.


Electronics to keep safe with you:

  • Smartphone
  • Underwater camera
  • Selfie stick
  • Battery charger
  • Electronic converter


Items to make travel more comfortable and safe

  • Blow up pillow or neck support
  • Collapsable water bottle
  • Eye Mask 
  • Light blanket or scarf
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Ear plugs
  • Compression Socks RejuvaHealth knee-highs
  • Snacks
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wipes


This is my checklist for a 10 day trip for a Checked Bag

Clothing 

  • 5 pairs of socks
  • 5 pairs of undies
  • 1 evening dress
  • 3-4 pairs of shorts
  • Small travel towel
  • Washcloth
  • Nightclothes
  • Robe
  • Evening shoes
  • Sweater
  • Long plant or jeans
  • Sunglasses


Toiletries 

  • Tooth Floss 
  • Toothbrush 
  • Toothpaste
  • Small bottle of mouthwash
  • Hair gel
  • Hairspray
  • Makeup
  • Deoderant
  • Travel soap
  • Small bottle combination hairsoap and conditioner 
  • Hairbrush
  • First aid kit
  • Plastic zip bags


Electronics

  • Blowdryer
  • Extra batteries
  • Door alarm


Add one of these groups when packing for special trips

Packing For a Tropical Vacation

  • ​2 swimsuits
  • A sarong
  • 2 beach dresses
  • Sand shoes
  • Flip flops
  • Snorkel gear
  • Beach towel
  • Fold up insulated food bag
  • Collapsable hat
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunscreen 
  • Waterproof watch
  • Motion sick patches


Packing For a European Vacation

  • Hiking or sport shoes​
  • Sweatshirt
  • Scarf for shoulders to visit churches
  • Zip off dress trousers for church visits
  • Eurail pass
  • Hostel pass
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Rain poncho
  • Fake wedding ring
  • ​Lightweight fold uo backpack


Here is a free download for packing a suitcase for travel

http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2015/06/free-printable-ultimate-packing.html

How To Pack
There are several options for packing an organized suitcase, but this is the one that I like the best.  It allows you the option of changing your mind for the day, but not have to rummage through your suitcase like we all have done when we are on a trip and haven't had the luxury to unpack our suitcase.  It involves using clear collapsable zip pouches to keep all of your clothes and supplies in.  On my trip to Hawaii, I found that I had to repack four times for the amount of places I had visited.  If I had just found this hack earlier, I might have saved myself a lot of hassle.  Clear pouches keep out the moisture of a humid climate as well as keeping all of your items organized.  Going to Florida in January/February for a 10 day vacation, I bought myself a case for toiletries and personal hygiene, one for socks and underwear, a large one for shorts, another for tops, one for beach dresses, and another for beachwear.  I always bring my snorkel gear with me, if there is any chance of snorkeling, and at least one pair of shoes, flip flops and sand shoes.  Those I pack in the pockets of my suitcase as they are too big and bulky for the cases.  My sister however, uses the roll up technique and rolls all of her clothing, as well as teat of her family's into little tootsie rolls for trips to save space and prevent wrinkles.


http://aproverbs31wife.com/packing-an-organized-suitcase/ 

 

http://indulgy.com/post/1K5qQUo913/how-to-pack-a-suitcase
 

Contact Info

Travel and The

Solo Woman

Packing For A Trip

Come see the world with me!
​​​Next month I will be talking about electronic technology for the traveler.
See you on Sunday, 
February 3, at 6:00 PM!
​​​Happy travels! Ciao!  😎

Come see the world withme,
footloose and fancy free!