Daccanomics
Now that Covid restrictions are lifted and we are free to spread our wings and fly again, it’s time we start packing for our next destination. It’s time to unwind and let loose since the last couple of years have been difficult for all of us. But before you start packing your bags and book that uber, make sure you do a checklist. Travelling is more fun when you can roam around freely without having to worry about things.
If you are a travel junkie like me and want to explore many cultures and traditions, you have to spend a lot of time on the road and most of your time packing your suitcase. For some, packing might seem easy but trust me when I say this “it is a lot more difficult than you think”.
There is a lot involved when you start to pack your bag for a trip and even after hours of packing there is a chance that you forget your essentials. Some travellers learn it the hard way, after spending thousands of miles on roads and going on several trips. And for me, I had to learn by forgetting to pack my underwear and travel all across Europe. So let me tell you the secret to packing for a trip the right way and travelling in style.
Getting a Travel Checklist
The best way to be ready for a trip is to make a packing list a month beforehand. Making your packing list in advance will help you find any items you need but don’t already have, saving you time later if you forget something important. This way you don’t have to go crazy at the last minute and scramble for essentials that you might need to travel.
It’s better to have an idea of the local traditions and the overall climate before you start packing so that when you make your reservation, you’ll have a clear sense of what to carry. Clothes, toiletries, travel papers, and any prescriptions should be at the top of your list of necessities. Basically, you need to sort out the things that you couldn’t travel without. Once you are done listing and packing the essentials, you can then move on to non-essential items such as electronics and other accessories.
If you are an influencer or a travel vlogger, you need to be more mindful of what you take with you. Cause you will have to carry different gear and equipment that you will need to shoot your travel vlog. For digital nomads, cameras and electronic items become a priority.
Whether you’re an eco-conscious traveller or a digital nomad, we have a variety of packing lists to ensure you have a pleasant trip.
Booking your stay & packing essentials
Once you’ve organized your packing list, it’s time to book your stay. Since hotel and Airbnb rates tend to increase as your trip nears, it’s best to book early. Applying for an international driver’s license, which might take a few weeks to get, is a good idea if you’re travelling abroad and intend to rent a car. So it’s best to start the application process early.
Meanwhile, if you take prescription medication, try to get an advanced supply from your doctor. This is especially important on longer international trips, as your specific medication may not be available in the country you’re travelling to, so just make sure you check the laws and regulations on bringing medicine into the country beforehand. Check the vaccination requirements for the country you’re visiting and get any if necessary. Once you have your vaccinations and medicines in order, you might want to get travel insurance just to be safe in case of an emergency.
A suitcase that suits your need
The first thing that you will need for a hassle-free trip is a really good suitcase. Make sure to buy one that is sturdy and easy to carry. No more than 22 inches tall and it got to have wheels so that you can stroll easily with it. And if you can choose a bright colour or something that is distinctive, it will be cherry on the top. It will save you some time at the luggage carousel as it will be much easier to locate your bag.
Packing tips to help you travel efficiently and pack effectively
Here are some tips that will help you pack and prepare for your next trip. Following these travel tips will save you time and help you pack smart.
1. Carry What You Need
Sometimes we like to carry things that are absolutely unnecessary that take a lot of space to fit in. I used to carry a lot of clothes and didn’t even wear half of it. So I decided to change my suitcase and buy a smaller one with a structured shell. It helped me carry the things that I needed and not anything extra. Try packing your stuff depending on the number of days you will be on the road and think twice before you pack. Avoid stuff that you can buy easily on your tour.
2. Avoid Extra Clothes
Your wardrobe is the most crucial part of your baggage. You need to make sure you don’t fill your bag with all your clothes and also you take enough so you don’t have to waste time and money buying new clothes. A great way to maintain your wardrobe is following the 5,4,3,2,1 rule if you are planning a short trip. It is very easy to maintain and will help you create more space in your suitcase. Make sure you have 5 sets of underwear and socks along with 4 sets of tops. Choose 3 bottoms from your collection, two pairs of shoes, and one jacket if necessary. If you are going on a business trip make sure to pack a suit or dress.
3. Keep Your Toiletries Separate
If you are carrying toiletries you need to keep it in a separate clear plastic bag. Keep your toiletries bag light and TSA-compliant. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule makes it easy to remember: liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, and they must be stored in one quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Keep your toiletries bag on top of your suitcase so that you don’t have to take out everything and repack when TSA wants to have a look.
4. Use Carry-On Bag For Personal Items
Prepare a carry-on bag with all the personal items you need on your flight with you to make your journey pleasant. Keep an extra set of clothing and essential toiletries in your carry-on bag just in case your luggage is misplaced or lost. Keep your carry-on bag lightweight and easy to carry.
It is best if you consider using a small daypack, shoulder bag, or waist pack as your personal carry-on item.
Before you start packing…
It’s a good idea to check the weather before you start packing so you can adapt your packing list accordingly. One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is forgetting to do this before packing. If you intend to bring flip-flops and shorts on a rainy day, you’ll be unprepared and drenched when it rains. Additionally, over-packing with a ton of rain gear when it turns out to be sunny will merely add weight without adding any benefit.
Once your packing list is finalized and you’re prepared for the weather then it’s time to pack your bags. Start by laying out everything you think you need and try cutting it down to half. You can also separate your items into piles of things that you can pack early and that you still need to use.
Keep some items aside for last-minute packings, such as toiletries, your laptop, chargers, and other items you might use up till the day of your trip. Make sure to keep a check on the weight of your luggage, and only pack the things that you will need.
Below are some of the carry-on essentials you will need:
● Don’t forget to pack something warm for the plane. The temperatures can often drop and it’s always a good idea or have a warm pair of socks and a sweatshirt handy.
● Ensure that your liquids meet the airline requirements and that they are packed into a clear, zip-top bag – they should include a mini toothpaste and toothbrush, lip balm, hand cream, face wipes and mini deodorant.
● Make sure that all your valuables and electronics are well-protected, and that the cords of your laptop or phone chargers are not tangled. Place them in your shoes, in spare sunglass cases or in a little plastic zip-lock bag for safekeeping.
● This is pretty self-explanatory, but be sure to have your passport, itinerary, wallet, cash and cards all close at hand.
● A long flight can get particularly noisy (crying babies, snoring man next to you and engine noise) so you may want to consider either a pair of earplugs or some headphones to drown out the unwanted noise.
Depending on your trip and destination always pack a capsule wardrobe. Like we said before, don’t fill your luggage with loads of clothes. Instead, use the 5,4,3,2,1 rule and take clothes that are durable and easy to wash.
Keep your clothes versatile so that you can mix and match them every day and still look fresh off the boat. Carry clothes that are neutral and solid in colour because they can be worn in any season and with almost anything.
How To Travel In Style
When travelling avoid your regular day-to-day clothes. Don’t step outside wearing the same old t-shirt that you wore back home. Try something different. Some might say not to carry the designer pieces but I would argue with it. While travelling you will take a lot of pictures so why not look picture-perfect all the time?
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to flaunt your style. While travelling you will be exposed to people of different cultures. Looking your best will help you give off good vibes and embrace people and their culture. So it’s better to be on top of your game.
When it comes to travelling it’s often very impractical to pack heels because you will be doing a lot of exploring and walking around. So girls avoid taking heels with you unless you are determined to do it.
Fashion accessories can help you stand out among the crowd. These little accessories don’t take up a lot of space and yet make you look fab. It could be a watch, a wristband or a necklace. It can also be a great departing gift if you fall in love on one of these trips.
Travelling is not just about going to different places. It’s about knowing different cultures, tasting different foods, meeting new people and most importantly finding yourself. So, if you are travelling in 2023 make sure you travel stress-free and have a fabulous trip that you can reminisce about for a long time.
