I loathe packing and my idea of packing is dumping whatever is within my reach with nary a thought if I actually need the thing or not. I usually end up buying a lot of stuff in my destination, which makes me so irritable… well, the money I spent could well go to other things like souvenirs etc. And not only that, my clothes end up so rumpled and who’d want to wear clothes that make you look like you’re just out of bed.
That was then. After some mishaps I’ve finally learned to have some patience with packing and its actually good I experienced those unfortunate things in traveling so now I am more diligent in packing. Funny though it was my husband who taught me the art of packing. He’s so meticulous when it comes to packing and since he travels really often he knows what should be done..I always keep this in mind – “Bring everything you need and make sure its wearable when it gets there.”
Here’s some important reminders when packing for a trip:
- Be organized. Make a list (yes! a list..) Do check out my list below, it might be of some help.
- Roll clothes not fold. This will minimize wrinkles. You can roll three to four pieces together. You can also wrap each bundle in dry cleaning bags.
- Use those small compartments in you luggage. Fill all crevices. Chunky fashion accessories and other small items usually fit in these slots. Your socks could go into your shoes, saves space right?
- Get yourself those small pill/medicine organizers. Great for your medication and buy another one for your small accessories like rings and earrings. That way they would avoid being tangled up and getting lost.
- If you are taking the plane then use the bulkier shoe, and just pack lightweight shoes like sandals and flip flops.
- Have a ready toiletry bag. Tote bags works best. Put your travel friendly makeup, and have some mini-bottles of perfume and lotions. Fill them only up to 2/3 full to prevent leaking especially if your taking the plane where there is air pressure.
- Bring dry cleaning bags. These are very handy in preventing crinkles on your clothes and can be used for soiled clothes packing once your trip is over. if you don’t have dry cleaning bags, clear plastic bags can be used too.
- Make sure you have some identifying marks on a luggage, a ribbon, a large nametag whatever you fancy. A lot of luggages look the same and when people are in a hurry, switching luggages can be a possibility. So make your luggage look distinct.
Here’s my Packing List:
IMPORTANT (stuff you wouldn’t dare forget 
)
- Airplane tickets
- Copies of any reservation confirmations
- Passport or photo ID
- Photocopy of passport, driver’s license
- Credit/debit cards, cash, traveler’s checks
- Travel insurance documents (optional, only if it applies)
- Guides/Maps/Itinerary
- Your address book
CLOTHING /ACCESSORIES/GADGETS:
Going to the Beach? Then have this on your list:
- Swimsuits (at least 2 per person)
- Sun block and Sun Burn Reliever (the one with aloe vera)
- Sunglasses (a hat would be handy too..)
- Goggles and any other water gear necessary
- Flip-flops
- Beach toys (if you’re going with the kids)
- Beach towels
- Beach bag
Going to a City? Here’s some of your must-haves aside from your clothes:
- walking shoes (flip flops or sandals)
- city MAP (this is just so handy!)
- include an evening dress or your “little black dress”.
Traveling with a Baby? Hmmm, Get a bigger luggage. Lol! When my daughter was smaller her luggage was actually bigger than mine..
- Diapers
- Diaper rash cream , baby wipes, powder, lotion, soap, shampoo, petroleum jelly
- Stroller
- Baby carrier
- Formula & baby food
- Baby’s vitamins
- Bottles, nipples, bottle caps
- Sippy cup
- Bibs
- Pediatrician’s phone number
- Special tableware (baby spoons, bowls, etc.) – hotels don’t usually provide them.
- Coloring books, hand-held video games, iPod with kiddie songs uploaded. Whatever to keep them occupied on long trips.
Toiletries: use small refillable containers for lotions, colognes, mouthwashes etc., if you’re trip is just short.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
- Face wash, toner and moisturizer
- Body lotion
- Deodorant
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Razor & shaving cream
- Lip balm
- Comb or brush
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Pain-relief medicine
- Prescription medicines
- Medicine for motion sickness
- Slippers
- Clear plastic bags
Your Gadgets:
- Your notebook/PDA (plus charger)
- Camera (plus extra batteries or charger)
- Video camera (plus extra batteries or charger)
- Mini-notebook for jotting down memories
- Books/magazines for the plane or downtime
- Maps and books on your travel destination
- iPod (plus charger)
- Outlet adaptor for traveling abroad
Be sure to check the weather reports too. It might be handy to bring some hats, umbrella, scarf and waterproof socks if you anticipate cold and rainy weather.
hello mommy…got you nominated here:
http://www.pinaymommyonline.com/2008/05/top-10-emerging-influential-blogs-in.html
pinaymommys last blog post..Pacquaio vs Diaz – Pacquiao won!
Wow! Great list in summary. Thanks for the tips.
Reenas last blog post..Blogging in Phase by Phase
Don’t know how it is in the rest of the world, but a new rule here in Europe is that you can’t have more than 100ml of any liquid with you – so no bottles or tubes of shampoo, soap, creams, perfumes etc. that hold more than 100ml.
This is apparently for security reasons (they probably think it’s a way to hide acids or something to use as a weapon and hijack the plane?), and they make you throw away anything that doesn’t comply with this rule. But as we passed through the gates we looked back and saw the security guards taking our stuff out of the bins and keeping it for themselves! Unbelievable! And we were stranded at our camp without soap because it was a Sunday and all the shops were closed >:(
Luckily the perfume my dad had bought my mom was 100ml and so she didn’t have to throw it away. But the moral of the story is, if you’re traveling in Europe, pack solid soap and shampoo (or use the miniature traveling bottles), and make sure everything liquid is in bottles or tubes labeled 100ml or less. And make sure the amount of stuff they can hold IS labeled, or it will be thrown away too.
Sillas last blog post..The Dream Job
hi silla, nice tip! glad you raised it.. its the same here in the Philippines and in most Asian countries. Though if you put it in your luggage for plane deposit, they will allow you to bring it if the amount is reasonable. How much is reasonable I don’t really know..
When going out always do not forget to bring sunscreen or sunless tanning products just incase you want to get a tan and does not want to get baked under the sun.