Are you getting ready to embark on your next big adventure? Whether you’re heading overseas or simply planning a weekend getaway, packing is one of the most important parts of the journey! To make sure you have everything you need, and minimize the risk of forgetting something essential, here’s The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Your Next Adventure.
Think About What Adventures You’re Planning
Before you get started packing, it’s important to think about all of the activities you’ll be taking part in on your travels. Different trips require different items, so make sure you take the time to think about the kind of activities you’ll be doing.
For example, if you’re planning a beach holiday, you’ll likely need items such as swimwear, beach towels, hats, and sunscreen. You may also want to consider items such as snorkelling gear, boat rides, fun water activities, and long walks on the beach.
Likewise, if you’re planning an outdoor adventure such a hiking trip, you’ll be needing items like hiking boots, walking poles, a daypack, and a good waterproof jacket.
Make A List
Now that you’ve taken the time to think about the type of activities you’re planning, it’s time to make a list of all the items you’ll looking for.
Write down a detailed list of clothing, footwear, accessories, toiletries, electronics, stationary, documents, and necessities like medicines. This will help you stay organised as you get ready to pack, as well as make sure you don’t forget any essentials.
Pack Clothes Appropriate to the Climate
When packing your clothes, it’s important to pack items suitable to the climate you’ll be travelling to. For example, if you’re jetsetting to a cooler part of the globe, pack items such as multiple layers of clothes that you can add and remove depending on the season. This could include items such as t-shirts, light jumpers, sweaters, jackets, and boots.
On the other hand, if you’re packing for the heat of summer, you’ll want lightweight clothing items, short-sleeved tops and t-shirts, shorts, sandals (or other closed toes shoes), hats, and even a wicking sleeping bag for any overnight adventures!
Important Clothing Items to Pack for Any Adventure:
• Comfortable footwear
• Underwear
• Socks
• T-shirts
• Shorts or jeans
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Light jumper or hoodie
• Hat
• A comfy pair of pyjamas
• Swimwear
Pack Tools and Supplies Suitable to Your Activities
Depending on the activities you plan to do, there are also certain supplies needed in order to make sure you get the most out of your adventure!
For example, if you’re planning a beach trip, make sure you bring items such as towels, buckets, and spades. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure such as a camping trip, start collecting supplies and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bags, cookware, a cooler, and an all-important and reliable first aid kit.
On the other hand, if you’re planning a leisurely break, make sure you leave extra room for any souvenirs, trinkets, books, or cultural artifacts you’d love to bring home with you.
Important Supplies to Pack for Any Adventure
• A travel scarf
• Chargers, plug adapters and any other necessary electronics
• Small toiletries like wet wipes, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
• Medical supplies such as pain relief tablets and a First Aid kit
• Guidebooks, maps or printed copies of hotel addresses
• Cash, cards and in some case, local currency
• A pen or two
• Sunscreen
Be Considerate of Your Travel Companions
It’s also always important to be considerate of your traveling companions. You’d likely want to bring enough items to last you the entire duration of your trip, without having to worry about overloading your friend’s bag.
This means you may want to consider packing a small foldaway bag, for extra items you may need in case of any unplanned activities, or simply to make sure you don’t end up having to borrow from your friends.
Packing Your Bag
Once you have all your items prepared, it’s time to start packing. However, being organized doesn’t just mean making a list. It’s important to think about how you’ll be packing your suitcase properly.
Few things are worse than struggling with a heaving suitcase. Instead, make sure you think strategically when packing your items. Roll clothes rather that folding them, to ensure they won’t wrinkle after a long journey. Utilise the different compartments of your bag to store small items like passports, cash, and souvenirs.
Also, when packing heavier items, such as books or electronics, make sure you distribute their weight evenly throughout your suitcase and always keep your passport, wallet and phone in a pocket or pouch near the top of your bag to avoid rummaging through the overstuffed luggage each time you need to access them.
Tips to Make Packing Easier
• Avoid bringing unnecessary items – only pack the items you know you will use
• Stick to a colour palette – choose a neutral colour palette when packing and this way, you can mix and match all your items for multiple outfits
• Choose the right type of bag – for a trip of 1-2 weeks think about carrying a suitcase, a weekender bag, or a larger adventure bag, depending on the type of activities you’re planning
• Only take what you need – if there are any items you don’t think you’ll need, you must leave them at home
• Store items in Ziploc bags – use Ziploc baggies to organise all tiny items like toiletries, electronic cables, and plugs
• Utilise your coat pockets – if you’re wearing a coat, be sure to utilise its pockets to store items you may need easy access to
• Wear your bulkiest items – instead of packing them away, wear your bulkiest items, such as jackets and gloves, during your journey
Getting ready for your next big adventure is an exciting yet sometimes daunting task. However, with The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Your Next Adventure, you can feel confident of having everything you need and nothing that you don’t.
Follow the simple tips outlined, plan carefully and make sure you don’t forget your passport, and you’re good to go. Have a great trip!
