As summer approaches you may plan to take some time off to soak in the sun in the garden, or if your climate is less than temperate to dash away to a far off shore. Whether you plan a vacation or staycation you will still need to make sure you pack correctly.
One of the most obvious, but most common things to ruin a holiday is forgetting to pack correctly. Forgot the sun cream, swimming costume, currency, or flip flops and you can find yourself forking out for replacements to last you whilst away from home or paying huge fees on your debit or credit card for transactions.
Make a List
Think of all the places you are going, how long you are going for and what you will be doing. Working back from that you will know what quantities you'll need and any special items to pack, for instance if you are going hiking then be sure to remember your hiking boots and perhaps some sweatshirts for the cooler altitude, whilst a trip to the coast might mean you want to take an inflatable lilo or a snorkel.
Pack together
Going with friends or family? If you co-ordinate your packing between you you can be more efficient with space, as it's always a case of having too much to fit into a space that is too small. There are things you might all need, but you shouldn't need multiple supplies of. For instance, antihistamine tablets, insect repellent and sun cream. If you are going alone there are vessels sold very cheaply in pharmacies for decanting toiletries so you don't need to take the extra value 1litre bottle with you.
Be Sensible
It is exciting to go away and everyone wants to take their whole wardrobe, just in case they need something. Travelling light is the best option, however it doesn't mean you can't still be stylish or have choices on holiday.
Sun dresses and flip flops are great, but when you are in the sun between 12pm and 3pm be sure to cover up as the sun is at its most dangerous. What's more if you burn your shoulders on the first day and have only strapless or thin strapped clothes it will be a very uncomfortable trip, trust me. Simply bringing some plain t shirts will mean that you can cover up when you need to and if they are plain they can go with a number of more holiday specific items. If you go for a t-shirt with a low gsm, made of a lightweight fabric then it will be breathable in the hot weather. Also, a 100% organic cotton, light weight t-shirt would also be ideal for hot weather.
Get Insured
There is nothing worse than thing going wrong when you are a long way from home. Make sure all your valuables are insured as well as your credit card, flights and luggage. The blow of a cancelled flight can be made much worse if you have no insurance to get you a refund or space on another flight.
HAVE FUN!
