If you’re excited about going on vacation somewhere far away, you’re probably focusing on what you’ll do when you arrive, what you’ll see, and how much better it would be to look around and take something away from work.
However, before you go to your destination, it is important to pack carefully, so you make the most of your luggage. Consider the following common packing mistakes that many travelers make that you want to avoid because you ticked this task off your to-do list.
Mistake: Choosing a suitcase that is too big
Although it is normal to pick a large suitcase so that you can easily fit in your gear and there is space left to buy clothes or souvenirs etc., be careful not to get too big. Remember that you need to carry a suitcase around when you travel, which can be annoying and cause drama.
Also, you may only be allowed to carry a suitcase of a certain size and weight on planes and other transports, which means that a large bag may be rejected or you may have to pay for extra luggage due to your accumulated weight. Choose the next size from your initial choice of a suitcase and you are sure that the size will be able to work with some planning and clinging. The smaller the bag you carry with you, the easier your trip will be.
Mistake: Failed to pack versatile clothing
Another common mistake many travelers make when packing is not thinking about and planning which clothing items will go with others. You want to choose a gear that will match multiple other pieces so that you can get a lot of clothing from a few things. For example, some fun graphic tees can be paired with shorts or skirts to go around all day, paired with jeans for casual night out or barbecue party or leggings for comfort in transit.
You will also want to choose clothes that are versatile to work with for many occasions, so that they can be arranged for accessories, heels, a beautiful bag and more casual time as needed. Think of the versatility of weather and temperature.
Mistake: Speed up the packing process
We are all busy and on vacation, often doubling, because we try to do more work and other things than usual before we go away. However, regardless of how much is on your plate, try to determine what will pack well before you leave. One common mistake people make is rushing the packing process and forgetting items or packing things they don’t need.
The more time you allow yourself to create a checklist, choose the gear, pack it in your bag and then go through everything again to find things that you can leave a second thought, the better. Give yourself time to be smart, detail-oriented and thoughtful in your packing, so you don’t waste space in your bag or get caught without important items while away.
Mistake: Not learning about local culture and customs at the destination
Before you embark on a journey to a new place, especially one known for its very different culture and customs, stop and think about how the differences in clothing may translate. That is, you have to cover your shoulders, arms, neck, legs or other parts to avoid entering buildings or creating scenes or even being arrested?
Do you need to pack a shawl or other covering for some destinations and not for others, or make sure you have some long trousers or a long skirt etc? It is better and easier to plan for these needs in advance when packing than to face problems once you reach your destination.
Mistake: Carrying brand new shoes with you
Most of us enjoy buying new shoes and going on vacation can be a great excuse to add to our stock. However, it is not wise to take shoes with you that you have never worn before. What you want is a trip from shoes that are damaged by painful blisters or wrinkled toes, etc. that are not as comfortable as you might expect. For example, always take at least a few days or where possible to wear shoes before packing.
The better you can avoid these mistakes and other mistakes related to packing for long distance travel, the smoother things will go for you and you will be able to concentrate on exploding while exploring a different destination.