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WARM WEATHER GETAWAYS
In today’s air travel climate, it really is best to try and pack lightly. For WARM WEATHER getaways especially, it is feasible to go with just a carry-on (which must fit in the overhead compartment) AND your personal item (which has to fit under the seat ahead of you and can, surprisingly, hold quite a lot). In my travels with friends, we sometimes decide to share one piece of checked luggage, and split the cost of that. This is a good idea if you think you might make a lot of purchases to bring back home or if you are a fashionista and plenty of outfit options are a must. And I feel this, trust me!!
- CONSIDER:
Depending on the airline, it may be more feasible to go with one CHECKED BAG and your PERSONAL ITEM. In some cases, there are fees for bringing CARRY-ONS. For the little bit extra, it might be worth it to do away with the carry-on and opt to pay for a bigger piece of luggage (but not too big. Remember: you have to bring that around with you everywhere upon landing).
- NB:
IF you haven’t traveled via PLANE in the past decade, you will notice that the CARRY-ON SIZE allowance has changed to a MUCH smaller version. Many pieces that used to be sold as “carry-on” would now be considered “checked”, and a whole new product line has been rolled out (pun intended!!) to accommodate this downsizing. It is always a very WISE idea to carefully read the size requirements for each airline, as they vary, before you settle into your packing. Aside from size allowances, which many airlines strictly adhere to via little stands that measure the “fit” of your carry-on pieces, there are weight allowances. You often see people frantically shuffling their belongings around from one bag to another in the middle of the airport as they try to meet these requirements and avoid extra charges. It’s less stressful to avoid this all together by planning ahead.
- You can purchase a hand-held luggage scale. I found mine at Winners in Canada, but you could find one on Amazon, such as this one (which is small enough to pack, so you can also check the weight before returning)
- Aside from your overseas flight, if you have several flights (due to connections etc…), you definitely want to confirm allowances for carry-on AND checked bags. Some major, international airlines allow a 50 pound limit on your checked bag, BUT some are only a 40 pound limit. If your weight exceeds this, you will be charged extra at the check-in. As well, if you have shorter flights (domestic), whether in your homeland or overseas, the planes are smaller and definitely have a lower size and weight capacity for the carry-ons. CHECK in advance!!!! Pack accordingly (unless you don’t mind paying extra).
- In addition to flights, consider that once you arrive, you will have other modes of transportation: taxis, buses, trains, ferries…that you will have to lift your luggage into, onto, and out of. AND if staying in flats, guest houses, Airbnbs, etc… you will often not have elevators, which means lugging things up and down stairs (in heat). As well, the streets, often cobblestone-y or uneven, can be quite challenging to move along, luggage in tow. And a final consideration: storing luggage in between check-in and check-out (if your facility doesn’t offer a hold for you); you will have to take these pieces with you to the restaurants or bars whilst you wait to get situated. OVERALL, I have learned THE HARD WAY, light packing is the most convenient.
CONSIDER:
Depending on the airline, it may be more feasible to go with one CHECKED BAG and your PERSONAL ITEM. In some cases, there are fees for bringing CARRY-ONS. For the little bit extra, it might be worth it to do away with the carry-on and opt to pay for a bigger piece of luggage (but not too big. Remember: you have to bring that around with you everywhere upon landing).
READY, SET… PACK!!!
- I’ve broken this list into handy categories for convenience (based upon my own travel experiences). As well, I’ve included links for some of the travel products to help you easily look into/buy them. For those, I’ve either ordered the EXACT product or one very similar to (and I made sure to choose ones with many positive reviews).
IN THE CARRY-ON
Tip: Put luggage tags on the outside AND the inside (in case the exterior one falls off).
-luggage scale (see above)
-medium size food storage bags
-a few freezer size food storage bags
-clothespins (to double up for line drying AND using on unfinished food/coffee to keep fresh)
-cloth bag for packed shoes (they get dirty!)
-cloth reusable bag (to double up for groceries and/or beach)
-small wine bottle/beer bottle opener
-suction cupped, magnified travel mirror
-a rain poncho (a disposable one that comes in a teensy packet; can be found at most “Dollar” stores)
-light, small souvenirs from your country and mini “thank you” cards (to leave for the hosts/cleaners when you check out, along with a tip if you so choose). IDEAS: pencils, keychains, rubber bracelets (with your country’s emblem/flag)
-CLOTHES. See SUGGESTIONS/LIST below
IN THE PERSONAL BAG (under the seat)
Tip: Put a luggage tag on the outside.
*Suggestion: I ordered this exact “personal bag” from Amazon. It, remarkably, holds a lot AND because of its soft shape, fits nicely under the seat in front of you. It is also easy to wash by hand upon return. Bonus features: There’s a handy sleeve on its back that you can slip over the handle of your carry-on, an exterior pocket for your water bottle, and many compartments to easily access things.
*Make a little “airplane kit” (in a small pouch/baggie that you can easily pull from your bag’s side pocket/pouch):
-ear plugs -wireless earbuds (for your electronic device)
-”old fashioned” wired earbuds (for the plane’s entertainment system)
-gum and mints -disinfectant wipes -hand sanitizer -SLEEP MASK
-medication needed for in-flight (Gravol, Advil, etc…)
In the Personal Bag:
–metal water bottle (go through security with it EMPTY, but then find a water filling station and fill it up. -a few granola bars
-journal and pen – glasses & sunglasses (with cleaning cloth)
-PLASTIC FOLDER (with two pockets inside) for: itinerary printout with info for accommodations/transportation bookings; COPIES of: birth certificate, credit card, PASSPORT, health insurance plan, etc…
-AIRPORT APPROVED CLEAR POUCH/BAG FOR TOILETRIES (keep this at the very top of the inside of your bag so you can easily grab it at the security belt). See SUGGESTIONS/LIST below.
-make-up and toiletries (that aren’t liquid based) See SUGGESTIONS/LIST below
-TRAVEL SIZED FOLDER: Passport; boarding passes (if printed); all cards (credit, health, travel health plan, driver’s license….). Once you are situated at your accommodation, you can hide this and take only what you need with you in your crossbody/fanny pack when going out
-RFID card/passport protectors (for extra safety). https://a.co/d/8d1C6uR
– a multi-country ADAPTER with USB ports for charging your phone or electronic devices. https://a.co/d/9oLLyTx
-extra charging cord for your phone
-medical kit (soft cloth). See below for Suggestions/List
NB: Keep the medical kit in here, vs the carry-on, because sometimes if the flight is full, the overhead cabins run out of space and they will take your carry-on as you board and put it in the luggage hold (then you pick it up on the tarmac upon landing). You can always replace most of your belongings if things go missing, BUT you can’t replace prescription medication etc… (at least, not without great effort).
-pill boxes (put in medical kit and/or in purse) https://a.co/d/aFnHBWT
–toothbrush (in its container) in an inside pocket (so you can brush your teeth upon landing, if you like to freshen up before leaving airport)
-at least one outfit, one pair of sandles (compartment at bottom of bag for these), pjs, undies (this is in case your carry-on or checked bag gets lost or delayed)
CROSSBODY PURSE
In addition to your allowed carry-on pieces above, you can have a small purse/fanny pack ON your body. You can hold a lot in this too. If you find a nice enough crossbody one, it will be the only purse you need for the entire trip (thus saving space in your carry-on for something else).
I ordered this one from Amazon, and continue to get many compliments on it! https://a.co/d/9Jur8Dn
SUGGESTIONS for what to put in this:
- It comes with little slots inside for your credit cards (they fit in there even with the RTID sleeves on them) and cash, AND a passport fits nicely into it
- PHONE!!!
- I put some make-up basics in here (so they’re handy for freshening up while in transit): lip gloss (which doubles up on cheeks too for dewy look!); lip balm; eye liner, lipstick.
- I have a teensy medical tin (the smallest Altoids tin is perfect) with Advil, Tylenol, Gravol, etc… and ALTOIDS) that fits nicely into this.
- Tissue, hand sanitizer, cough drops….
WARDROBE!!!
- TIP: In the weeks leading up to your departure date, clear a space where you can LAY all your possible items out, so you can SEE how things will coordinate and work together in order to minimize what you bring.
- OTHER TIPS:
- Once you’ve decided on what you will pack, choose your “on the plane” outfit. This should be COMFORTABLE and LAYERED (because it may be cold when you leave but warm when you land). MY PREFERENCE: loose fitting jeans that have a stretch to them (because I can wear them during my vacay too, and wear them for the return flight); a tank top under a tee; a light sweater; jean jacket. (ALTERNATIVE CHOICE: a MAXI dress). I have several layers for staying warm and sleeping. The jean jacket makes a good lap blanket.
- Wear the bulkiest shoes (to save packing space). I prefer to wear running shoes and socks. If I’m not doing a trip that will involve a lot of terrain type hiking, I wear a pair of trendy-ish white runners (with good arch support and lots of cushion), so they can double up for long walking days AND look cute if wearing to go out. They also keep my feet warm on the flight, as I am often cold when trying to sleep while in the air. (ALTERNATIVE: Slides, with socks. If you think you won’t wear running shoes during your trip. It depends on the kind of trip you’re on).
- Review WEATHER FORECAST daily in the week before. Then, physically pack the items about 2 days before you leave (but leave unzipped so the clothes stay fresh smelling). This allows for any last minute changes should the forecast change.
- SPACE SAVING PACKING TIPS:
- ROLL the clothes as tightly as possible (also helps prevent wrinkles)
- Sunhat- fill it with ROLLED bathing suits, bikinis, socks, undies… then turn it so the bump faces up and the brim is laying flat (and you can then pack things atop the brim)
PIECES OF CLOTHING
- If going on a 2 week getaway (using just a carry-on and personal item), you could aim to pack about 1 week’s worth of outfits. If you are booking Airbnbs, chances are good that at least one of them will have a washing machine. In fact, I try to book a place around the mid-way part of the trip that has this feature so I can wash my outfits and be ready to go for the 2nd half!
- For excessive heat, COTTON or LINEN really is best (for your pants, skirts, tops, and dresses)
- Here are the items you could bring, in no particular order:
PANTS
-comfy pair for flight (and to also wear on vacay)
-2 pairs to wear out at night (on cooler nights)
SKIRTS
–3 (for day and night)
SUNDRESSES
– 5 (for day and night)
TOPS
-a few tee style
-several strappy/tube style
SOCKS
-2 pairs of crew or anklet (wear one on the flight)
PJs (1 pair)
UNDIES
-7 pairs (you can wash by hand and hang dry)
BRAS
-2 with adjustable straps (to racerback or strapless) in white or tan or black (make sure they work with the outfits you’re packing_
-stick on cups
JEAN JACKET or LIGHT SWEATER
-can wear on plane
LONG SLEEVE WHITE COTTON OR LINEN BUTTON DOWN TOP
-to wear out at night or during the day if your arms get sunburned
BEACH WEAR
-2-3 bathing suits/bikinis (they don’t take up a lot of room; consider how much beach time there might be?)
-1-2 coverups (these can double up for wearing to lounge in at your accommodation; if one is a sarong, you can wear in flight as a giant scarf then as a blanket)
-SUNHAT and/or BASEBALL CAP (cover your head in the heat!)-flip flops/slides: easy to throw in your day/beach bag & can be worn as slippers in the flat/villa. Slides are trendier but take up more space (unless you wear them on the plane)
-sunglasses (packed in the personal item)
FOOTWEAR
-RUNNING SHOES (that you could wear for the flight)
-2 pairs comfortable, CUSHIONED sandals (good quality, so your feet don’t blister). Black and tan/brown and gold are neutral colours that
will work well with your different outfits.
NOTE: MOST OF YOUR DAYS ARE SPENT WALKING. Aside from maybe a few planned days of rest chillin’ at a beach or pool, you will be on your feet all the time. Your feet and entire body will thank you if you choose wisely here (and you don’t even have to sacrifice style because the casual footwear look is trending!). Pack two different pairs so you can alternate (in case you do blister). Unless you have a specific NIGHTCLUB in mind, where clubwear is a requirement, most of the pubs and restaurants have a relaxed vibe, where you can still dress nicely to hit the town at night, but have more practical shoes. So many streets are uneven and cobblestoned. Look FABULOUS in FLATS!
I LOVE this pair of sandals (BRONTE model) from Liberte. They were comfortable, STYLISH, and I never once blistered because the leather is so soft. They come in black, white, and tan (all with black soles).
ACCESSORIES
-belt
-hair ties/scrunchies/clips/claws/pins etc…(I pack these in my make-up bag which goes in my personal bag)
-GLASSES (prescription and sun)
-JEWELRY: I prefer to travel very lightly with this. I wear 1 to 2 rings and one necklace that goes with everything and that I don’t have to take off in water etc… . With the kind of travel I do, there is an “on the go” element that leaves too much room for forgetting or losing things. Plus, you can BUY jewelry there as beautiful keepsakes of your travels. This is exactly what I do.
- It might seem IMPOSSIBLE to fit ALL of the above in a carry-on AND a personal item. It CAN work, though! But of course, you can always check a smaller piece of extra luggage (as I suggested above, and split cost and space with your travel companion(s) ). This will leave some room for purchases too.
* TOILETRIES
- LIQUIDS ( airport approved clear bag as per above)
–each bottle MUST BE 4oz or less!
Suggestions of necessities:
–saline; eye/ear drops (can buy one bottle that works for both); mascara; lip gloss; shampoo; conditioner; facial cleanser; sunscreen for face (NOTE: IF you are checking one bag, you can buy 1-2 full size bottles of sunscreen to share and put these in that); toothpaste; hair oil; aloe vera gel; eye cream; hairspray; bodywash (only if you’re particular. I either use my shampoo OR whatever the accommodations provide)
B) SOLIDS & Misc.
-deodorant -make-up -lip balm -perfume balm -baby wipes (for the “poop kit” LOL) -Qtips -facial cleanser pads -razor -tweezers
-brush and comb (travel sized) -contact lenses
MEDICAL KIT (In a SOFT CLOTH bag for easy packing)
-Ibuprofen -Acetaminophen -Allergy (liquid gel capsules)
-Gravol (anti-nauseant) -anti-diarrhea pills
-Cold and Flu (and/or Sinus) meds (powder packets OR pills)
-Alcohol wipes -bandaids
-Vitamins (especially vita C)
-asthma inhaler
-any prescription meds
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