PACKING TIPS

As I was packing for our 4-month trip to Mexico, I thought this would be a good time to share tips that I have gleaned from other blogs, friends, plus lessons I have learned myself.

Here are some tips and not necessarily in order of importance:

1.       Travel plug adapter (depending on where you are travelling)

2.       Diva cup: For the ladies, an alternative to pads/tampons

3.       Kindle or eBook Reader. Saves on weight and having to find English books on the road

4.       iPhone/Smartphone, charger, and headphones. If you unlock your phone you can buy cheap SIM cards and plans for well less than $10.00 a month

5.       Mini flashlight

6.       Camera or use your phone

7.       Copy front and back of your credit cards, debit cards, drivers licence, health insurance card. If any of these are lost, the important numbers are on the back of most cards. When my wallet was stolen, having a copy of these documents saved a lot time and frustration.

8.       You should also have a paper with your blood type, allergies, chronic illnesses, and medicinal intolerances. You can also add an ICE (in case of emergency) person’s name and contact number.

9.       Solid shampoo by Lush

10.   Pack in two basic colors. I usually pack black and white with some colour thrown in.

11.   Buy some inexpensive plastic rain ponchos that fold down to nothing.

12.   Scarves are very versatile. They will brighten up your wardrobe and can keep you warm if needed.

13.   Do not take expensive jewellery. Either take some inexpensive baubles and bangles or buy some along the way
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14.   Drip dry underwear that dries overnight. Try www.exofficio.comor go to my travel store where you can purchase the same items for less.

15.   Wear your heavy sweater or a coat on the plane. It can act as your pillow or a blanket and won’t take up room in your suitcase.

16.   Small medical kit: Band-Aids; Dramamine, Imodium, Benadryl, aspirin, and any medicine that you are taking. Most countries will have whatever you need.

17.    Toiletries: Pack small amounts of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste, and soap. Again, you will be able to purchase these items just about anywhere you travel. Toothbrush, toenail clipper, and nail file.

18.   Doorstop for more security in your accommodation. Lee Valley has a reasonably priced one.

19.   A small foldable bag for use on the way home as a second suitcase to put all those purchases.

20.   PacSafe backpack. I used this backpack in Europe. It is lightweight and has pickpocket proof features. You can find the link on my travel store. Very reasonable price as well.

21.   Zip-lock bags to keep dirty laundry in or to keep liquid items from spilling in your suitcase.

So pack light and you might have room in your suitcase to bring back a few small souvenirs. As one blog put it, “If you are on a multi-city itinerary you can rest assured that one city doesn’t wire ahead to the next to describe what you wore…”