Travel Tips: Packing for your holiday

Tips: Packing for your holiday

  

Packing for a long holiday is always fun and in no time you have bulging pile of clothing suitable for every occasion and weather condition from blistering heat to arctic blizzards.

Lugging huge suitcases is cumbersome and you are likely to end up at the chiropractor on your return home.

I once stayed in a tiny B&B in Amsterdam where the staircase could more appropriately be called a ladder. It took all my energy to hoist my case up to the third floor attic (the cheapest room which in fact resembled a broom cupboard both in size and decor). On departure I considered tossing my case out the window but feared killing a passing cyclist.

Here are some of tips on sensible packing I have learned over the years which I think you will find helpful.

Check the weather at your destination and choose your wardrobe accordingly. For hot climates you should pack cool cotton and loose fitting garments. For colder climes take warm underwear and a pure wool sweater, coat and scarf. You can take off layers of clothing if you enter a heated restaurant or museum.

Make a list of all items you will need well before you start packing. You can keep adding to it and then tick off the items as you pack them. This way you will not forget socks, belts and bathing costumes.

My rule of thumb is to put aside the items I intend to pack and then returning one third back to my wardrobe. How do I know this? In the past I have returned home to find one third of my gear untouched. The next trick is to pick a suitcase you can manage – preferably with wheels that work – unlike the supermarket trolley I regularly land up with.

Stick to one main colour when packing so that most clothes and accesories can be mixed and matched as you go along. Lay out your choice of clothes on your bed and you will soon see if any item does not fit in. One colour and some white items usually work well together. My favourite combination is blue and white – it can look both casual and smart according to the location.

Pick out items that are crease resistant and take along a cake of bar soap or a container of washing powder for rinsing out socks and underwear and anything else you might want to wear again. Most hotels have in-room irons or they can be requested – usually free. The best way to dry washing quickly is to place it in a towel, roll it up and squeeze lightly to remove the bulk of the water. A hairdryer can also do the job in an emergency. This way you need pack less clothing and your suitcase will not smell of soiled clothing.  

Check the dress code of the hotel or resort where you are staying. They might require more formal wear at night - wearing jeans with torn knees could see you dining on room service and missing out on all the fun.

Always pack a hat or cap – it will protect from both the sun and the cold. Sensible shoes are also a must. Ensure that liquids are placed in zip-lock bags to prevent leakage all over your clothes.

Do not pack jewellery, cameras and valuables in your suitcase and don’t even think of taking a laptop unless you really need it – you are just inviting a theft. When in doubt wear an old inexpensive watch, take along costume jewellery and carry your camera at all times. Make sure that expensive items are insured for All Risks.

Keep it light; keep it simple and ‘Bon Voyage’

By John Ridler, Thompsons Holidays

Travel Tips: Before you travel

Here are a few tips for making sure that your holiday goes smoothly. 

Make 2 copies of your passport, visas, Forex documents and air tickets– leave 1 set in your suitcase and another with a friend back home. This saves valuable time if your documents are lost.

Take Forex in the form of a bank card. You can draw money at ATM’s and also pay for services and goods as you travel – this is safer as it saves walking around with a lot of cash. The card can be recharged from SA if you are running short of cash. Cards on sale at Standard Bank, Bidvest Bank and many others. As always, protect your pin number.

Carry important medication in your hand luggage in case your luggage goes astray. Carry copies of prescriptions for critical medication in case you take ill while away.

Always take out medical insurance. Also ensure that expensive items like cameras are covered by your travel policy or your all-risks policy at home.

Act street wise. Criminals prey on unsuspecting travellers and are masters at distracting you in unlikely places while they rifle through bags and wallets.

Always carry a clean pair of underclothes and a clean shirt/blouse to tide you over if your luggage is lost.

The ban on carrying large quantities of LAGs (Liquids, Aerosols and Gels) still applies.

You are allowed to carry small quantities (not more than 50ml) and all your LAGs must fit into a 1 Litre (20cm X 20cm) transparent, re-sealable container. Anything in excess will be destroyed so be careful not to have to wave your favourite perfume good bye before you even start your journey. For up to date information speak to your travel agent or go to the Airports Company website on www.airports.co.za 

Beware of high costs if you use your phone overseas. Phone cards can be purchased in advance. Turn off your phone and leave a message that you are away and suggest to the caller that they send you a SMS in the case of an emergency.

Speak to your cellphone provider for tips or buy an overseas SIM card before you depart.

This gives you a bundle of calls and messages for a set fee.

Travelling with  kids

Children tire easily – take a stroller. Most airlines will carry them free of charge.

Take along a few small snacks for kids – there might be long breaks between meals and stores might not be handy when kids are hungry.

Kids get bored on an aircraft – take along a book or a simple card game that will keep them amused.

Post by John Ridler, Thompsons Holidays