Travel Packing Tips

A trip well planned gives unlimited joy and avoids hassles. At the outset study the terrain and climate of the place you are visiting, pack your clothes accordingly. Besides this, stack a pocket torch, map, pens, pencils, erasers, blank white papers, slippers, undergarments, napkins (if you are a woman and expecting your period), few over the counter common medicines with first aid box, cap, scarf, shaving kit, watch, passport with visa endorsements (if traveling abroad), medical certificates, socks, shoes, handkerchiefs, laptop (if required), camera with charger, pen drive, mobile with charger, tickets, family photo (if attached), hotel bookings confirmation letters/email prints. License, sufficient copies of all documents duly attested, few copies of your photos, Spectacles/goggles, contact lenses, toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue cleaner, floss, comb, hair oil, shampoo sachet, money (if required in the visiting country’s currency), purse, etc. Make sure that all these items are crosschecked. Pack these items in a very proper manner for easy access later. Try to travel light. Keep important documents in your handbag. If possible use a leather sleeve.

As I begin to pack my suitcase for any trip, the first thing that I do is figure out everything that I “need” to bring, and put it in one pile. Next, I choose the things I “want” to bring and put those things in a separate pile. After I have done this I “roll” my clothes from my “needs” pile and place them in the suitcase.

Rolling your clothes rather then folding them always makes more room in your suitcase. If there is any room left, I then add the things from my “want” to bring pile. Make sure that you put any liquid items in a zip lock bag so that if it does open up during your trip you won’t have toothpaste or shampoo all over your clothes.

Also, don’t forget to save room in your suitcase for souvenirs that you will want to bring home!

When you are planning a trip, it is important to make a list so you don’t forget anything. Start by planning how many days you will be away, and activities for each day. Then plan an outfit for each activity. Be comprehensive – include undergarments, shoes and jewellery in your plan.

Pack the things you will need last in the bottom of your suitcase, and things you will need first at the top. Make a separate list of things that you will carry separately from your suitcase that you cannot do without. Such things might include your passport and airline tickets, if you are flying, and any prescription medications you will need that would be difficult to obtain out of town.

You may also want to include such electronics as a laptop computer, cellular phone or PDA, if you are travelling for business. Good planning will make for a worry free trip free of unpleasant surprises.