PACKING TIPS!!!

You have booked a 7- Day cruise to Alaska!  Now what!!!!  Packing for a lengthy trip can be a daunting task.  Especially if you are like me and want to be prepared for ANYTHING!  It just might be cold in the evenings so I must have that sweater or sweatshirt!  I am a notorious "over packer" and yes, I can admit it.  I guess it is the Mom in me wanting to be prepared for ANY situation! If you are driving to your destination, the weight of your suitcase should not be an issue.  However, if you are flying, self-control in regards to packing is a must!  Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your suitcase!





TIP #1

If you need to purchase new luggage, buy a set that "nests" together.  When you are unpacked at your destination, you can nest them together and save space!  Also, do NOT buy a HUGE, MONSTROUSLY large bag.  You will want to over-pack it and it WILL be too heavy to fly with! (Max is 50 pounds before they charge you extra!)  Make sure the retractable handle and wheels are of sturdy construction. 



TIP # 2

Roll your clothes, do not fold them.  This will save you space and will help reduce wrinkles upon arrival.  Roll small items such as socks and underwear and place them neatly in a Ziploc bag.  Place that bag inside a pair of shoes.  This helps the shoes maintain their shape and save space.
 


TIP #3

Make a packing list.  How many days and nights will you be there?  Is the destination cold or hot?  Is there a big swing in the temperature from day to night?  Is there a special occasion you are celebrating that requires specific clothing? (for example, formal night on a cruise).  Do you need to refill any medications prior to departure?  Plan out your outfits before hand.  Wear the same pair of sandals with 2 different outfits to save space.  (This can be hard for us gals who have lots of cute shoes!) 

 

TIP # 5

Travel Size it!  Do not pack full size of any toiletries.  Use refillable bottles where you can and purchase Travel Size of items where you can't.  Place bottles with liquids in side a plastic bag to prevent leaks.  If you need to carry on any items, be sure they are the allowable size.  All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.  Also, do not check your important medications.  Take these in your carry on in case of lost luggage!




TIP # 6

LAYER.  Dress and pack in layers.  For on-the-road, dress in layers for the multiple climates you may pass through.  For your suitcase, pack in layers as well.  Shoes should go on the bottom and around the sides. Then place clothing items from heaviest to lightest.  Remember to roll your clothes to save space.




TIP # 7

Try "roughing" it.  When you are on vacation, you are out of your daily routine.  Embrace a carefree attitude and scale down.  Perhaps you do not need to pack your curling iron AND flat iron.  Choose 1 and go with it!  Scale your makeup bag down to just the basics.  Do you really need to wear a Smokey Eye while snorkeling?  Pack jewelry that goes with most of the clothing you have packed.  Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!

TIP # 8

Pack your Patience and Have Fun!  Sometimes things happen. (This is why we protect our vacation with Travel Insurance!)  Sometimes you have to wait in line.  Sometimes it does rain and plans get changed.  Remember, this is your vacation and it is within your control to either react positively or negatively to a situation.  Embrace each moment and don't let the small stuff get in the way of your fun! 


HAPPY TRAVELS!!!!