Easy Packing Tips For Travel For A Stress-Free Vacation

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Packing for vacation doesn’t have to be a scary experience. Well, at least it shouldn’t be. I love going on vacation, but packing is not my favorite thing to do. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed that I am going to forget something that I often freeze up. But then, I go back to my easy packing tips for travel, and it gets better.

I will start out with my favorite tip of all time: have a list, check it twice, and then check it a few times more. I found that if I physically write things down, I am less likely to forget it. I always start with my favorite vacation essentials and work from there.

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Having checklists may seem old-school in light of all of today’s technology, but seeing the result of all your hard work makes it so much enjoyable. You can go to bed the night before your vacation and actually be able to sleep because you know you haven’t forgotten something.

Remember Not To Panic

It may seem very overwhelming, especially if you will be on a longer trip. We were gone for 10 days, and I was absolutely panicked.  But then I remembered how I packed hubby for a 5-day business trip to China with 6 hours’ notice, and I realized that if I could do that, I can pack for anything.

Packing for a vacation doesn’t have to be something you dread doing. It seems like there is so much to do, but with the help of the next tip, you will have everything under control.

Easy Packing Tips For Travel Includes Making A List For Each Person

I keep separate lists for each person, so that I can check things off as I pack them.  It is also easy to see what you have too much of or what you need to go out and buy. I also try to pack things as outfits, which will make the packing for vacation much faster.

I make lists for what electronics gear we are taking with, along with chargers, cords, and cases.  Keeping track of all that stuff can be hard, especially now that I am a travel advisor and need to carry my laptop with me at all times.  I have all my camera equipment as well to keep track of.  Having a separate electronics packing list really comes in handy.

My husband is also a gadget man, so I have to make sure he has his phone cord, iPod cord, and the laptop and charger as well.

Plan On Having Extra Clothing For Emergencies

No matter how careful you are with your lists, you still may come out short.  So I pack extras for accidents and the you-never-know factor. Even the adults can have accidents that require a clean set of clothes. I always pack an outfit for cold weather, even if the weather forecast says 80 degrees.

A collapsible laundry hamper for each person is an easy way to keep the laundry contained.  If you don’t have any of those, green garbage bags work just as well. 

If you are flying, there is always the possibility of missing your flight and having to stay a bit longer. I always pack two outfits in a packing cube so I can put it in my carry-on in case we are stuck somewhere without our luggage. Having it in the packing cubes keeps it together and is easy to toss in.

Have A Bag For Each Person Is A Favorite Easy Packing Tips For Travel

I know that it may seem like everyone should know this, but having a bag for each person is one of those easy packing tips for travel that serves several purposes. For instance, if the hotel you are staying at does not have a lot of drawer space, your bag can serve as storage.

Using packing cubes makes unpacking a snap. I use a piece of painter’s tape and a marker to put on the outside what I packed on the inside. If you are in a hurry, and just need a new shirt, you aren’t digging through everything trying to find it.

I also started having different colored packing cubes for each family member. We are headed to Beaches Resorts in the Fall, and I am already planning ahead with my packing.

Don’t Forget To Have Enough Of Your Medications

I always make sure I have enough of my medication I need to take at least 2 months before our vacation. If I see that my refill is due while we are on vacation, I check with my doctor about doing an emergency dispense so that I have enough.

If you are traveling somewhere that doesn’t have well-stocked pharmacies, you won’t have the stress of trying to scramble and find something in a foreign country.

I also make sure I have copies of my scripts, and I travel with my medication in its original container. I only put in how many I need, plus a few extras, and leave the rest at home for safe keeping.

Remember Vacation Is Supposed To Be Fun!

I cannot stress that enough.  I know that there is a lot to do before hand, and you may seem overwhelmed. Vacations are supposed to be for relaxing, and you shouldn’t be stressed about getting ready for it.  Start making your lists 30 days before you are scheduled to go.

Pack things ahead of time that you won’t need before vacation. Start preparing a first aid kit. Check that your umbrellas are in good working condition.  You can do all these things that can be done ahead of time, in a short amount of time.

Packing for vacation should be the most exciting thing because it means that your vacation is here! My easy packing tips for travel should help you get started, be organized, and ready to go.

More Helpful Vacation Posts

• Get Ready For Vacation With These Simple Tips
• Flying In A Day Early Is A Smart Travel Decision
• Packing tips for traveling with carry-on luggage only
• 20 Essential Travel Packing Tips: How to Pack Like a Pro

Gear To Make Packing Easier For Travel

Hear are a few of my favorite tools to make packing a snap:

Bonus Tip: Just remember, if you do accidently forget something, it’s not the end of the world. You are human, and humans make mistakes. Just remember to budget a little extra for forgotten items.

I hope that you found this post useful, and that these easy packing tips for travel will have you vacation ready and stress-free! Make sure you leave a comment and share your best tips. I love to have conversations.

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