Whether you’re piling into the car for a road trip or boarding a plane to cross the country, there’s one task sure to give every traveler a sense of dread — packing. The good news is packing doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
With these simple packing tips, preparing for your fall trip will be a breeze.
Check the Weather
It’s important to prepare for the weather you’re likely to face while on vacation. Take time to research the general weather there in winter, as well as any multi-day forecasts in the days before you leave.
As much as possible, you want to know if you should expect rain, low temperatures, or any other conditions requiring special consideration.
It’s always best to err on the side of being over-prepared if you can make it work in your bags. Remember, not everywhere is going to be freezing cold in winter so you may need to prepare for some warm days, too.
Plan for Your Activities
Keep in mind any activities you’re going to participate in when packing. There’s nothing more disheartening than preparing to go on a planned day and realizing you don’t have the right clothes or shoes.
You’re faced with the choice of not going, spending money on new items you may not be able to fit in your bag home, or wearing ill-suited clothing for the day.
Bring Some Bedding
While flying may be the fastest way to get where you’re going, traveling by car has its own perks. In addition to often being much less expensive, particularly for a big family, driving can afford you additional space for packing.
If you’re going to be staying in hotels and have room to spare, consider packing some pillows and blankets to ensure you get a good night’s sleep all vacation long.
Image via Flickr by Joe Shlabotnik
Pack Versatile Clothes
When space is at a premium, clothes that can be worn in a variety of settings are a necessity. Athleisure wear is perfect for a winter vacation in a temperate climate like a visit to the south.
Not only is it designed to allow you to get active, but it also looks great so you can wear it when spending the day relaxing as well while still looking fantastic. When one outfit can do both it makes it easier to condense your wardrobe down to fit into your bag.
Medication
Some of the biggest traveling fears are concerns about losing important medication that you’ll need while you’re away. The simple fix is to always keep any important medication in your carry-on bag if you’re flying.
That way, even if your bag is lost in transit you still have access to the medication you need. It’s a small measure to take but can save you a massive headache in the event that your bags are lost.
Packing may not be the most glamorous part of a vacation, but it is one of the most important.
By following these tips, you make the process as easy as possible and ensure that nothing is overlooked. A little extra effort in packing pays off with a lot of peace of mind and fun on your vacation.
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