Oh, the joys of travelling: waking up early in the morning to be at the airport three-and-a-half hours in advance, arguing with the ticket agent about how big your carry-on luggage is, being checked through security and having all of your belongings searched, waiting two hours in the gate area, and worrying about whether you packed all of the essentials. Like we said: what a joy.

Well, although most of these problems might be out of your control, the last one could be avoided. So, when you plan your next trip to Mauritius or Thailand, you’ll be free and clear when it comes to your luggage.

CHOOSE LUGGAGE WISELY

The first rule of packing involves knowing how to choose good luggage. This involves determining whether or not your suitcase is going to rip, break and if it can be easily opened. You need top-quality for peace of mind.

Make sure the luggage you choose has water-resistant material inside. Many people have opened their suitcases only to discover a puddle of liquid sitting at the bottom and eating away at their expensive clothes.

A quick tip: Line the bottom of your suitcase with a few plastic bags, which can later be used as laundry bags.

PACK ONLY THE ESSENTIALS

When going on a trip for more than five days, you will need to carefully assess which items are essential. You wouldn’t want to be stuck on your third day with nothing but dirty underwear. The following is a checklist of all of the essentials you will need to pack right for any trip:

Toiletries

Toothbrush, mouthwash, toothpaste, floss (traveling abroad doesn’t mean your breath has to start stinking like the local farm animals), comb, nail clippers, shaving cream, razor, cotton balls, cologne, and moisturizer. If you’re not picky about shampoos and conditioners, then don’t bother packing your own; hotels usually provide them.

Hot climate essentials

When traveling to warmer climates, remember to bring plenty of sunscreen to practice proper skin care. Just in case you get a nasty burn, bring along some burn cream or spray. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses too.

Important documents

In order to pack right for any trip, you must not forget to bring the following documents: plane ticket, driver’s license, passport, health insurance card, calling card, credit cards, traveler’s checks, and a couple of business cards (you never know what kind of contacts you might make). You will also discover (if you haven’t already) that hotels can forget who you are when checking in, so bring your confirmation number and reservation documents with you.

Garments

Bring ample amounts of socks and underwear. If you’re going on a business trip then focus on formal wear and bring a couple of casual items for your own comfort. Otherwise, if traveling for pleasure, pack all of your T-shirts and G-strings, and have fun. Bringing a light jacket can also help during those rainy days, or bring a snow jacket if traveling to the majestic north.

IMPORTANT BUT NONESSENTIAL ITEMS

Although not as important as the essential items, you may want to carefully consider some nonessential items as well. Here are some more things to consider when packing for a trip.

Watch/alarm clock

We once stayed at a hotel that had a unique art-nouveau alarm clock for us to use. Real fancy stuff. Unfortunately, overnight, the power went out and the alarm clock was reset. We looked like a fool when we showed up for our meeting an hour late the next morning. We learned a valuable lesson that day: Bring your own watch or travel alarm clock. To be extra careful, ask for a wake-up call if the hotel provides it.

Pack of gum

Chewing gum can do three important things: refresh your breath, repress hunger for a while and depressurize your ears while flying at 30,000 feet.

Your favorite MP3 player

Many hotels now include docking stations for MP3 players in their rooms, as do many rental cars. If you have such a device, it’ll help you pass the time while possibly giving you a topic of conversation with a random stranger.

Medication

You don’t want to be stuck with an awful headache or heartburn during your whole trip. Here are some meds you might need: Tylenol, Aspirin, antacids, and Imodium (for upset stomach).

Bug repellent

While recently traveling to the Caribbean, we discovered that mosquitoes are not only native to New York. They are even more vicious down south (and harder to see since they’re extremely small critters). You may also encounter sand mites and fleas. Thus, make sure to pack bug repellent and creams.

Entertainment

Magazines, playing cards or mini electronic games will come in handy to help pass the time during your five-hour flight or if you’re bored and alone in your hotel room.

Camera

Whether still or moving pictures, you will thank yourself in a few years when reminiscing about yourself in front of some of the world’s most stunning modern architecture. 

 

QUICK TRAVEL TIPS

• When traveling from a cold to a hot destination, make sure to choose garments that are logical for the trip. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt with bottom-detachable cargo pants is the type of outfit you should wear for the first and last days of travel.
• When packing, fold your shirts flat and roll all of your pants and ties to avoid wrinkling. Make sure to optimize and maximize your luggage space, and leave a bit of room for potential souvenirs and gifts that you can pack on your way back home.
• Bring two pieces of picture identification. You will be asked to provide these when checking in, going through security and even when you’re boarding the plane.
• With the current situation of higher airport security, make sure not to carry any sharp or pointy objects in your carry-on bag.
• Do not drink coffee, tea, soft drinks, or iced tea while flying unless you’d like to visit the washroom every half hour. Drink water instead.
• Buy travel, baggage, health, or cancellation insurance. It will save you a ton of headaches in the long run.
• Remember which time zone you are traveling to, and appropriately adjust your watch before you arrive.
• Get plenty of sleep. Traveling drains your body of energy and can be very stressful.
• Exercise whenever you have the chance, unless gaining a potbelly within a week is on your to-do list.

READY, SET, GO!

The more you travel, the more experienced you’ll get. Let this guide help you prepare for the first few trips and, before you know it, you’ll have the best stress-free travel experience of your life. Bon voyage — you’re now ready to go.

Sourced from: www.askmen.com

Written by: Harry Marks