One of the downsides of taking a vacation is packing.
Let’s face it; packing is a pain.
Fortunately, there is a way to lighten the pressure of gathering travel essentials and placing them in various bags.
The key: Keep it simple.
Given the astronomical luggage fees imposed by commercial airlines these days it’s best to streamline your packing. Don’t take items that you can find at your travel destination. For example, most hotels feature hair dryers, towels, shampoo and bathrobes, so keep yours at home. If you are worried that your accommodations won’t have certain necessities, call and ask, so you don’t have to pack unnecessary items.
Another factor to consider when packing is the temperature of your vacation destination. If you are headed to Hawaii or some other tropical paradise, forget about bringing along jackets and sweaters. Don’t fall into the trap of packing items you might wear “just in case.” Simply check the weather forecast online, and then pack only the clothes that are appropriate for the conditions you will experience at your destination.
Factoring in your length of stay is also important when you are packing for a trip. The number of days you will be staying at your vacation destination will help determine the amount of clothes you will need to pack. While you’ll want to take a pair of clean underwear for each day you will be away from home, avoid taking extra pants, shirts and skirts, and then deciding which ones to wear when you get to your final destination. Also, you do not need to pack your entire shoe collection. Two to three pairs of shoes should be sufficient, and that includes the pair that you will be wearing when you depart.
Finally, if you are planning on taking an extended holiday, consider washing your clothes on the road. Find a Laundromat, or better yet, book a condo with a washing machine and dryer in the unit. Another option is to stay at an extended stay hotel which features on-site laundry facilities.
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