Traveler’s Guide: Packing

This is a guide based on my experiences. I have traveled to many places (most states on the east coast, Canada, etc.) I have gone on road trips, flights, and a cruise. This is my guide to packing suitcases and what to take when. This is mostly based off my experiences and my mother’s ideas that she has passed down to me.

First, you make a checklist. Check the weather in advance for where you are going and plan appropriately. If you are going for a week, make sure you pack an outfit for each day at least. If you are like me, you bring a couple extra outfits just in case. If it tropical, bring mainly shorts, sandals, and t-shirts. However, always bring a set of fancier clothes (you have no idea if you will be going to a fancy restaurant while you are there) and some warmer clothes too. Bring at least one pair of jeans and a sweatshirt in case of emergencies and cold nights.

Next, think ahead. For example, if you are staying someplace overnight before your plane flight or continuing your car ride, bring an overnight bag. Bring the stuff you need for that night in the hotel so you don’t have to haul all your luggage in. Make sure you save up money for spending and whatnot.

Then, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BIG ENOUGH SUITCASE!! If you need to, do a prepack. Take all the stuff you plan to take and put it in the suitcase. Plus, make sure you have extra room. Everyone buys souvenirs on their vacation so you need to leave room for stuff you will be buying.

If you are traveling by flight, make sure to bring your most valuables in your carry on. If you don’t know already, airports will treat your luggage like garbage. My mother once bought me a snow globe and by the time she got home, it was smashed. She even wrapped it up properly. So, phones, laptops, headphones, books, etc., pack them in your carry on. Make sure you also bring stuff to do, even for short flights. You will be cramped into a small bit of room without much to do. If you are missing out on school for the trip, get your work in advance and work on that. Reading is also a great time passer as well as music listening. MAKE SURE YOU GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY. You need time to check in, go through security, and you still better be sitting at the gate with at least 10-20 minutes to spare. In case anything happens while you are checking in or going through security, you need that extra time to get to that gate. I believe we normally plan for about 2-3 hours in advance when it comes to getting to the airport.

                If you are traveling by car, make sure you have some sort of pillow or blanket nearby and able to reach. Traveling in a car makes you very sleepy and it’s great to just sleep the time away. Another thing, wear flip flops or sandals in the car, even if it is winter. I promise, it is worth the little bit outside the car. When you are in the car, you can take off your flip flops and it feels much better. Make sure you bring a drink/ snack and entertainment on this as well. If you have room, make something that is sorta like a carry on and put it by your feet. Have snacks, books, music, etc. inside.

                Finally, double check. Right before you leave the house, go over each day in your head. What you will need for each day and what is extremely important. Make sure you have all your bathroom essentials as well as your outfits and sleepwear. Get all your stuff around in the front seat/carry on. Remember that the ride is part of your vacation and it will give you a lot more memories than you think. Even though it is boring, it is an exciting part of the trip. Cherish the journey there. EXTRA TIP: Try to get crazy color/pattern luggage. It’s easier to find at the luggage return at the airport.