The Art of Packing by Marlene Kirton-Marlin Travel, Brandon
After extensive planning, studying all of the brochures and discussions about where to go, you’ve finally got your destination all mapped out. The most difficult and dreaded decision left now is what to pack! If we forget something, not to worry, we can always get it when we get there, right? Depending where you are traveling to, this can put a major crimp in your travel budget.
We save diligently for the opportunity to explore the world, so here are some tips to help to optimize your vacation spending by learning the fine Art of Packing.
Let’s determine what type of packer you are.
Neat: You will crease your pants, pack your shirts and delicate fabrics between
tissue paper, and have all of your shoes packed in color co-ordinated
shoe bags.
Vaguely Tidy: This is a mix of styles. You start packing with care, then realize
you are running out of time so everything else is haphazardly thrown in
so that you can leave on time!
Disaster: The contents of your closet and drawers are swept up in a messy
bundle and jammed into your suitcase. You work on the premise that
it’s going to be crushed anyway by the time you get wherever you are
going!
It would all be very well to travel with clothes to suit every possible situation you encounter, but there is one thing you have to reckon with: Baggage allowance.
This is something the airlines are strict in enforcing. We all have friends who smugly announce how much luggage they had and never had to pay a cent. For each one of those, there are two more who appreciated that the excess baggage charge made their airline ticket look like a bargain.
So what is your next step?
Don’t pack in technicolour. Try to choose colours and clothes that mix and match. It is well known that most women travel with everything but the kitchen sink but I really think the issue is the shoes. Why can men travel with one pair of shoes for all occasions yet women can achieve their baggage allowance in shoes alone! Choose what you would like to take and reduce by 30%! You have to leave room for those wonderful souvenirs!
If you are off to a hot, tropical locale, choose cool cottons or linens, sarongs and a couple of swimsuits. While the local cervesa may be a bargain, sundry items like suntan lotion and film can be very expensive so be sure to take these with you.
For cooler or variable climates, choose clothing that you can layer. And no matter where you travel to, comfortable shoes are an absolute must. Choose clothing with zipper pockets that make access more difficult for locals with “sticky fingers”.
When we travel with our children we pack a small carryon bag just for them. Wheels are essential so they can be in charge of their own luggage! Sitting in a confined space can make the best child cranky and a few well planned distractions will go a long way to making the flight more pleasant for you and for those sitting around you. Pack one or two travel games, their favorite stuffed toy and a coloring or activity book. I always keep several items separate for the return trip home. Food is another great distraction. Pack snack size treats and small bottles of water or juice boxes. Remember, many of the airlines no longer offer food service so adults may also find themselves dipping into the children’s treats!
Keep valuables and essentials in your carryon bag. If your luggage doesn’t choose the same destination as you, be prepared to enjoy the first day or two
of your vacation without it.
It is important to always keep your medication, especially prescription medication, in your carryon luggage. I also pack a zip lock bag with an assortment of over the counter basics that may not be available at my destination.
Don’t overstuff your carry on luggage. Many airlines have a weight and size restriction and will ask you to unload items at the airport or insist that you check your bag to the cargo hold.
Make sure that you label each piece of luggage, both inside and out, with your name and telephone number, but not your home address. If an address is needed, then put your office address down. And remove old claim checks to avoid confusion.
Not sure what your baggage allowance is? Check with your Marlin Travel professional or review the details enclosed in your travel documents.
Happy packing and Bon Voyage!