Once the flights are booked and the accommodation is sorted, we’re left with the unenviable task of packing. Some seem to have it down to a fine art but for most of us we probably have visions of sitting on top of our luggage trying in vain to get the zipper to close.
We’ve put together a guide to make sure you can travel light and still have everything you need when you arrive.
A ‘Fit’ to Travel In
You want to be comfortable when traveling but you also want to look good. And if you’re flying it’s impossible to know whether the plane will be too hot or too cold. A stylish track set is the perfect answer to your traveling attire woes—you can unzip or remove the jacket or hoodie to regulate your temperature and you’ll be able to relax in comfort.
Check The Weather
Probably the most important factor in packing the right wardrobe for your weekend away is what the weather is like at the destination. Check your weather app or website and see what the conditions will be like for the duration of your stay.
But even with that forethought, the meteorologists are still known occasionally to get it wrong so you’ll want to pack some versatile pieces that can be layered up or down to cope with sudden downpours or hot/cold snaps. Think thin jackets and sweaters, short and long sleeve t-shirts, a hat, and a versatile pair of shorts.
If you’re heading somewhere cold, wear your warm outerwear, especially a bulky coat to the airport to avoid taking up too much space in your luggage. You can always carry it over your arm if you get too hot while moving around the departure lounge.
If you’re lucky enough to be headed somewhere warmer, don’t forget those shades and your sun lotion with a strong SPF factor. A solid beach hat to protect from the hottest parts of the day is also recommended.
Are You Going Abroad?
If you’re heading out of the country, think about the essentials like your passport, outlet adaptors and some local currency. Nowadays there are several options for easy currency exchange within a personal account and some even come with travel health insurance international as a premium feature.
What’s Your Baggage Allowance?
These days additional baggage allowance can be more expensive than the flight itself, so packing effectively is crucial. But even if you do have checked luggage on your trip, you won’t want to be heaving around a heavy bag full of things you won’t need.
Shoes will eat up space so think carefully how many pairs you need. One to travel in and a smarter pair is usually sufficient and make the most of the space inside your packed shoes by squeezing your underwear into them—it’ll also act as a makeshift shoehorn. If you’re going to the beach, flip-flops take up no space whatsoever.
Microfiber towels take up significantly less space than regular cotton ones and have the added benefit of drying in minutes (rather than hours). Swim trunks and board shorts are one of the most purchased items in vacation destinations because of how often they’re forgotten so make sure you’ve packed yours.
Everything Else
The trick with packing effectively is for each of your clothes to coordinate well with several other pieces. This way you won’t be packing a series of outfits but rather a mix and match mini wardrobe that will be versatile for several occasions.
eBook readers have done away with the need to pack several bulky books and you don’t have to decide ahead of time what you’ll want to read. Food is notoriously expensive at airports, so pick up some snacks for the journey ahead of time.
No one likes packing for a trip but it’s important to get it right. If you follow the advice in this article, you’ll be well prepared for an unforgettable long weekend away with the guys.
