Picture this: it’s the day before your holiday. An overflowing suitcase sits on your floor, packing tips forgotten, clothes are strewn about the room, and you’re on the verge of a total meltdown. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
Packing for a vacation is, truly, an art. There’s a fine line between packing way too much and far too little. Finding that balance can feel like it takes a lifetime to perfect.
If you’ve got an impending holiday and packing’s got you totally stumped, we’re here to help! Here are our top 5 packing tips for your next holiday.
1. Pack Outfits, Not Items
Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of packing is predicting which things you’ll really need on your trip, and which you won’t. Do you need to bring your patterned palazzo pants? Will you really wear that chiffon button up? We all know that utter heartbreak when you realize, mid vacation, that you forgot to pack that one item that your outfit really needs. That’s why our first tip is to pack outfits, not items.
Start by making a list of all the activities you’re certain you’ll be doing on your vacation. Then, choose outfits according to activities. When it comes to packing, place all the items for each outfit in a single stack. That way, you’ll be able to ensure that your entire outfit is together.
2. Think Versatile
A great way to keep your suitcase size to a minimum is to only pack clothing that can do double duty. While a brightly colored coat may look absolutely fabulous, if you can’t wear it with multiple different outfits, it’s probably not a good choice.
As a rule, only pack items that you can wear at least twice, if not more. Jeans are great for this. A single pair of jeans can last 4-5 wears, whereas a pair of linen pants will likely get wrinkled and rumpled after just one. Basic t-shirts and sweaters can be mixed and matched throughout your trip, too.
If we’ve got you picturing a drab wardrobe of neutrals and denim, think again! A great way to keep it interesting while still ensuring versatility is to pick a color palette, and then pack according to that. Plus, you can add a little spice with some fun, lightweight jewelry or a brightly colored scarf. That way, you’ll achieve versatility without sacrificing personality.
3. Keep Footwear Practical
Footwear can be the absolute hardest thing to pack. It’s bulky, heavy, and can take up tons of precious space in your cargo. As such, it’s imperative to keep footwear practical. Holiday vacations can often have you leaving the hotel after breakfast and not returning until after dark. If you can’t spend a whole day in your shoes, they’re probably not right for your trip.
A good rule of thumb is to pack one pair of street shoes, one pair of dress shoes, and one pair of shoes for any special activities. If you’re going tropical, that may be a pair of sandals; for a camping trip, pack your best hiking shoes.
4. Keep Your Valuables with You
Airlines are notorious for losing people’s luggage, and if your trip is planned during a holiday season, the risks are even higher. A study by Air Travel Consumer Reports showed that Southwest Airlines lost nearly 50,000 bags between November of 2018 and August of 2019.
If you’re traveling by air and need to check a bag, pack all of your valuables in your carryon luggage. That includes things like:
- Prescription medications
- Electronics such as laptops and tablets
- Important jewelry
- Passport
- Credit cards and cash
It’s also a good idea to pack a change of clothes, a phone charger, and a toothbrush with you. In case your luggage is sent to the wrong destination, you’ll survive the night without it.
No matter what you pack (or don’t), the most important thing to remember when it comes to packing tips is to have fun and relax! No one will know whether you packed the wrong top or you left your best shoes at home. A good attitude is the most important packing item for any holiday. Kick back, relax, and enjoy your time away!
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