What To Pack For Your Holiday of a Lifetime.
If you are about to embark on a trip of a lifetime, you’ll need to ensure that you have everything required. Don’t just set off without being absolutely sure that you’re covered on all fronts. Take a look at the list below where you’ll find a practical guideline of essentials, no matter where in the world you are going.
Warm Clothes
You never know what the weather is going to be like no matter where you are going. Assumptions won’t work, as it could change in the blink of an eye, especially given ever-growing climate concern. Tha tin mind, make sure that you are taking warm clothes. You want to be packing sweaters, jeans, boots, scarves, hats, gloves. There isn’t anything better than knowing you have the right gear.
Just because you need things like hats and scarves, doesn’t mean that they can’t be stylish. Spend some time picking out outfits and then putting them into piles. This way, you will know exactly what you want to take, and what you want to leave at home. Of course, if you’re hitting a hot and sticky island destination, a light cardigan and wind/rain jacket might be sufficient.
Summer Clothes
The same applies in reverse, you’ll need to have summer clothes for when the weather is gorgeous and hot. Even if you’re going somewhere that is typically considered cooler, you’ll need to strip back the layers to t-shirts at some point. So, make sure that you have shorts, vests, short sleeves, summer dresses, sarongs and scarves, and anything that counts as light and breezy. The sea, the sun and the sand are all wonderful things, and if you are heading out on a beach holiday don’t forget wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen — your skin deserves looking after.
Summer clothes are pretty easy to pack and hot weather travel does make it easier to travel light. Just remember that anything tight is going to retain body heat a lot more than something that allows the free flow of air, so keep this in mind when you are packing. Also, the fabrics, as light cotton is the only way in humid weather.
Appropriate Footwear
You need to think about the type of footwear to take on your trip with you. If you are going on a hiking or walking holiday, then sandals and flip flops are obviously not going to be the best option. Instead, you are going to need high-quality — ideally worn-in — walking boots to protect your feet as best you can from things like blisters and sweat rashes. Your feet can get a sweat rash if you are not careful. On the other hand, if you are not going to be doing a lot of difficult walking but are rather going to be focused on doing things like sightseeing, then you will need normal shoes such as Birkenstock or sneakers. Anything comfortable will be good for this, as long as you don’t mind them being a little worn out by the end of the holiday.
You can even buy new shoes for the trip if you think that this is necessary. Making sure that you have the appropriate footwear is essential generally. You don’t want to be wearing big boots on the beach in the same way you don’t want to be climbing a mountain in heels, so think about this before you pack. Another pointer, you only need 3–4 pairs of shoes max. They’re heavy and take a lot of space, so think this one through.
Navigation and Maps
If you want to do things the old fashioned way and not rely solely on technology, then you should take a map with you. If you go online, you will find plenty of places that have maps for sale of different areas and countries. Make sure that you know how to read a map though because it can be confusing if you don’t know what you are looking at. It’s hard enough to navigate your way through a new place, so ensure that you have looked at this beforehand and are ready before you embark. Also excellent for hiking trails and off the grid experiences.
Your Phone, and if you’re me, your Mac
Your phone is basically your best friend. You won’t want to leave it at home in case there is an emergency, or you just to check in with your friends and family and of course, social media. But, you want to make sure that you’ve got the right amount of data to be able to do this because being stuck somewhere new without any, isn’t going to be a fun experience. Check out what all the providers can offer you including companies like SMARTY, and choose the best plan. Look at the price of the plan, what you get, where you can use it, and don’t be tricked into buying something that isn’t what you need.
Making sure that you have your phone on you at all times is going to be important, just switch off data roaming to avoid a giant big bill on arrival home. We know that a lot of you are probably going to want to get away from technology, but being able to be in touch when necessary, is essential.
A Camera
Taking pictures is a wonderful way of remembering where you have been. Your phone has a camera on it, but this is often purely for taking pictures and capturing wonderful moments. Remember to be in the moment through. Don’t get too wrapped up in and forget to enjoy the place that you’re in. It’s great to want to remember things, but you don’t want to look back and wish that you had enjoyed it more whilst there.
Socks, Socks, Socks
You probably read that and thought ‘really? Socks?!’ but they are going to be essential to you. If the floor is hot in your accommodation? Socks. If it’s cold? Socks. If your feet are sweating? Socks. In the plane? Socks. Socks are going to be there for you no matter what, so always have at least one pair per day, maybe even two. Socks protect your feet from all kinds of things and stop you from ruining your shoes and making them smelly. They are also helpful in reducing the risk of getting blisters if you are walking for hours at a time. Don’t think that just because you are going somewhere hot, you won’t need them, because while barefoot is wonderful, socks around the house, are better.
I hope you’ll find this list helpful when next packing. Good luck, and happy and safe travels x.
*** Pics sourced.
Originally published at http://theincidentaltourist.com on December 18, 2019.
