Warm Vacation Packing Tips?

Packing Tips for a Tropical Vacation

• Answer:

  You've scheduled your tropical vacation, cleared your calendar, and waved "bon voyage" to envious coworkers. But suddenly reality hits---it's time to pack. Can you possibly select everything you need for your dream vacation and fit it into a few bags? Yes, you can, with a little planning, a "Stack and Pack" strategy, and some handy checklists. Stack and Pack Your Clothes Make a chart listing the activities for every day of your vacation and number each one. For example, day one may include (1) sightseeing, (2) snorkeling, and (3) a romantic dinner. Day two may be (4) lounge on the beach, (5) lunch in the cabana club, and (6) sunset cruise. Copy each number onto a separate sheet of paper and list the articles of clothing you need for that activity. Spread the numbered papers on the floor or bed. Now, "stack" the outfit for that activity on the piece of paper, from shoes to lingerie and accessories. For the items you'll be wearing more than once or combining with other outfits, check them off the list if they're already stacked elsewhere. Stacking the entire outfit guarantees you won't leave anything behind. Clothes for the tropics should be breathable and lightweight. Pack basics (in a pale, sun-reflecting palate) as well as sundresses and sarongs in fun colors and patterns to celebrate your surroundings. Bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or windy shorelines. Once you're done stacking, start packing. Shoes can be nested with accessories stuffed in the toes to save space. Some clothes are more compact when rolled. Weigh your bags and rebalance the load if they're over fifty pounds to avoid additional charges. Use checklists to pack nonclothes items. Checklists Whether this is your first trip to the tropics or you've visited many times, make sure nothing is left behind in the last-minute rush by using checklists: ROUTINE ITEMS: [ ] Tickets, reservations, itineraries [ ] Medications and vitamins [ ] Toiletries [ ] Remedies for headache and stomach upset [ ] Cosmetics [ ] Hair care items [ ] Feminine hygiene products [ ] Maps and guidebooks [ ] GPS [ ] Reading materials [ ] Any gifts, cards, or items for a special occasion [ ] Cash [ ] Jacket [ ] Spare glasses or contacts [ ] Camera gear, batteries, and chargers [ ] Cell phone and charger [ ] Umbrella [ ] Ear plugs, snoring remedy, or other sleep necessities FOREIGN TRAVEL: [ ] Passports [ ] Language dictionary [ ] Adaptors for electronic gear and appliances [ ] Paper copies of identification BEACH ITEMS: [ ] Sunglasses [ ] Beach mat [ ] Beach Bag [ ] Sunscreen with high SPF [ ] Sunburn remedy [ ] Snorkel gear and swim shirt [ ] Scuba gear [ ] Underwater camera and charger [ ] Sun Hat [ ] Reservations and guidebooks [ ] Pareu or sarong Your Carry-On The bag you carry on should be easy to roll or carry and light enough to lift over your head into the bin. According to advice on the Magellan's travel site, "...as a general rule, the carry-on bag should not exceed 45 linear inches (add up the length, width and height of your bag to obtain the linear inches). The general weight limit is 40 pounds." Your carry-on should include more than just the items you want on the plane. Pack an outfit to don immediately upon your arrival. If you're not dressed for the heat and humidity, claiming bags, renting a car, and waiting to check in can be misery. Pack medications, birth control, rings for your destination wedding, or any other can't-do-without items in your carry-on to avoid disaster in the event of lost or delayed luggage. Remember airline regulations for items you carry on. Liquids must be transported in containers that are three ounces or less. The containers must all fit in a sandwich-size plastic bag. (There are no restrictions for items in your checked bags as long as they are legal to transport.) The TSA website provides complete details and the latest information. No need to wait until your tropical destination to start relaxing. You can relax now knowing that you're well-packed and ready for anything.