Do’s & Don’ts of Packing
Packing can really be a tedious task for most people, especially those who just can’t afford to leave something behind. No matter how crowded their suitcase gets, they still want to bring everything. Sounds familiar? If you’re one of those who always seem to have a hard time knowing what to bring and what to just leave behind, here are packing tips that can help you with the do’s and don’t of packing:
. Don’t pack all your beauty routine.
. Do pack only what you frequently or regularly use.
So if you have a handful of face washing products, it’s time to choose the ones you use frequently or regularly and just leave the extra ones at home. If you’ll just be spending two nights in the Bahamas, you won’t really need your entire arsenal of shampoo & conditioner or night creams & day creams. Just bring only what you need and what you can use for two days.
Moreover, top hotel chains give out free toiletries. You can just use them This means, you don’t even need to bring your own shampoo (not unless you’re that specific about your hair care).
If it’s possible, take products that can serve multiple purposes like a shampoo/conditioner combo or a tinted moisturizer with SPF (that can also act as a sunblock). If you have your partner or family with you, why not share shampoo and toothpaste with them? You can share these but not your toothpaste and other personal things obviously.
You should also get rid of bulky containers and just place them inside zip-top bags. You can actually put whatever you want in these bags – lotions, hair products, cotton balls and other stuff. Just label them. For spills, put all your liquid-filled baggies inside a large plastic grocery bag but never keep them beside sharp objects.
. Don’t pack jewelry and other valuables.
. Do pack your travel papers and make sure you leave copies of these at home.
For your own safety and sanity, it is not advisable to bring expensive jewelry and large cash overseas. You’ll just be the target of thieves and con-artists. This is especially if you’ll be traveling to unknown territories.
If you persistently want to bring jewelry for special occasions then you can keep it in the hotel safe. Make sure they have insurance to cover for it. There are homeowner policies that don’t cover jewelry if it gets stolen or lost during the travel. It is better to get a separate policy.
If you’ll be buying valuables in your trip, do keep them in your carry-on. There are cases where checked bags mysteriously disappear in the black hole of lost airline luggage.
. Don’t pack clothing you won’t really use.
. Do pack clothes that you only need.
Most of the bulk in traveler’s suitcases comprise of clothes. Only pack what you need to use. If you can do with only one nightgown (since you’ll only be out for two days) then bring only one. If your trip is for leisure purposes then having two pairs of jeans and 4 shirts would suffice. You don’t need to bring matching accessories that go with every pair of clothing. You can also do with only one pair of rubber shoes or sandals, right? Reserve the rest of your luggage space for more important stuff like medicines and toiletries.
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