We’ve all been there: a vacation that starts great but then gets derailed by a lack of planning and a poorly packed suitcase. Before you know it, the best part of your trip is behind you, and you have to face the fact that your perfect getaway has turned into a stressful nightmare of missed connections and lost luggage even if you have the perfect place to stay. Avoid these common packing mistakes with our checklist tips for packing for any adventure.
Don’t put all your travel documents in one place
Packing all your travel documents in one place is not a good idea. It’s always better to put them in separate places so that you still have the other documents if something happens to one. For example, put your passport in a hidden pocket and keep it separate from the rest.
When planning an international trip, it’s good practice to ensure you have all your tickets ready beforehand. If anything goes wrong with one or two things, you can at least get through security and enjoy yourself on vacation without worrying about what could go wrong next.
Invest in a good water-resistant backpack
It’s best to make sure your backpack is waterproof. A water resistant backpack will also help you if you get caught in the rain because it can protect your belongings from getting wet, especially if you have any valuables. Waterproof backpacks are designed to be more durable than regular ones, meaning they can take more punishment and remain intact even after being tossed around or dropped on the ground. If possible, try getting one made of durable material such as nylon or canvas since this type of material is known for its strength and ability to withstand pressure without tearing apart easily.
Pack some snacks
It’s important to pack some snacks for your trip, but don’t go overboard. You don’t want to be that person who brought three bags of chips and a jar of peanut butter on a plane ride. Your best bet is to packs healthy foods that are easy to transport and won’t go bad. Some ideas:
- Trail mix (nuts, seeds, and dried fruit)
- Protein bars (without too much sugar)
- Granola bars (again, watch out for added sugar)
Bring a portable speaker and your favorite tunes
This one is pretty much a no-brainer. If you are traveling with family or friends, bringing your own portable speaker allows everyone to enjoy their favorite tunes without using the hotel’s crappy device. Plus, if you’re planning on doing some work while on vacation, having your own music playing can be really helpful in setting the right mood for getting things done. As a bonus, if you have kids who like to annoy their parents by asking questions 24/7 during car rides, having your speaker makes it so that no one has to hear their questions repeatedly.
Make a capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a small, carefully curated selection of clothes you can wear repeatedly. It eliminates the stress and confusion of deciding what to wear each day and allows you to easily put together outfits that look good on their own or in combination with other pieces in your wardrobe.
Creating a capsule wardrobe keeps things simple for your travels by preventing you from packing too much. Selecting pieces also helps ensure that everything fits together beautifully, making it easier to build outfits from scratch when you arrive at your destination.
Conclusion
We hope you’re excited to use our checklist as you start packing and planning your next trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an adventure across the globe, we know these packing checklist tips will help make it an amazing experience.