It’s hard
to think of everything when you are packing for a vacation. I always seem to get there and think “I wish I had thought to bring ….” It’s not that we “forget” to pack things, sometimes we just don’t think of things. Sometimes it isn’t “packing” it’s just “things” related to travel you may not think about – until you need or want it of course! I thought it would be fun this week to do a “Did you think of this?” list for you. Did you think of this for packing?
Rolling your clothes – Rolling clothes before putting them in your suitcase will help prevent wrinkles and it will also take up less space. I have rolled my clothes for years and you’d be surprised what a difference it makes. If you just can’t bear the thought of rolling all of your clothes, or you really love to iron during your vacation, at least roll 1 outfit and put it in your carry-on with you! This way you won’ t have to go to dinner when you arrive in your destination in wrinkled clothes, or to dinner the first night of a cruise in wrinkled clothes because you did not have time to iron before the early seating.
Downey Wrinkle Release – Do you see a pattern here? I hate to iron anytime, but especially on vacation! You can buy a travel size bottle of this in the trial section of your local drug store or Walmart. Not only does it help with wrinkles, it can help with keeping your clothes smelling fresh after you unpack them, especially if your suitcase was left in the rain on the tarmac at the airport. Yes, that has happened to me.
Dryer Sheets – I know there are some of you that will insist on folding and ironing. That’s okay… put a dryer sheet in each suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Ziploc Bags – Bringing a few Ziploc bags on vacation takes up no space and will serve you well. If you are on a cruise you can use them when going on shore excursions so you can keep water and sand away from your phone, camera, cash, passport etc. If you are staying at a beach resort you can use them at the beach to keep sand and water at bay. A gallon Ziploc bag comes in handy for throwing your flip flops or water shoes in to keep any residual sand out of your suitcase. You can also use Ziploc bags for make-shift vacuum packing. Place clothing items in the bag (works especially well with swim suits, underwear, socks, and workout clothes), compress the bag (I have been known to sit on it!), and Ziploc the bag. Presto! Compressed packing equals more room in the suitcase. I always carry quart and gallon size bags.
Pill Containers aren’t just for pills. You can use them to organize earrings or smaller rings. They are also great for keeping fine chains untangled if you don’t want to bring your jewelry boxes or pouches.
Surge Protectors with USB outlets, or Multi Chargers with USB outlets – I have never seen a resort room with enough outlets and in a cruise ship cabin – you are lucky if there is more than one even accessible to you! Who doesn’t travel with more than just one electronic that needs to be charged or plugged in these days? There are some very simple ones and some very fancy ones that have plugs that rotate 360 degrees. All that really matters is that they are small, compact, and will be extremely useful!
Portable USB Chargers will charge your phone just when you need it. Remember, phones aren’t just for calling anymore; they are cameras, photo albums, or gaming centers for some people. For example, when you are sitting in the airport waiting on that delayed flight, or waiting for embarkation or disembarkation of your cruise ship, on that boring transfer ride to your resort while you stop at 3 others if you didn’t take my advice to upgrade your transfers, you can power up your device and have at it!
Travel Size Hand Sanitizer comes in very handy when you are out exploring your destination or on a cruise ship excursion. Let’s face it, not all people have the same idea of personal hygiene that we do! It’s also likely you could be at a crowded resort or attraction and there is no convenient place to wash your hands, or there is no soap available. I’m not suggesting this take the place of good ole fashioned hand washing, but simply suggesting it in a pinch.
Hopefully a couple of these ideas will be helpful on your future vacation experiences!
Happy Travels,