Travel Essentials
Are you going somewhere? You need to pack? Don't forget to bring whatever you absolutely use on daily basis. Then, take into account: - How long you'll be gone.
- If you'll be able to buy stuff while you're there.
- How often you'll have to carry your stuff.
- Any difficult conditions you may encounter.
- What you'll be doing while you're there.
Traveling Somewhere Adventurous?
Make sure you bring along your gear for Camping and Hiking, Water Sports, Skiing, or Cruises. Mostly, bring your clothing that you'll need.
Have a safe trip!
Clothing
Clothing is a fairly obvious thing to pack for a trip; after all, you want to be comfortable,  not too hot or too cold, protected from the elements, and if possible, not too smelly. Choosing clothes for a trip can be a difficult task for many people, especially if you will be doing many different activities. (For example, on a cruise, you might need sportswear for daytime adventure excursions, casual clothes for days on board the ship, and a nice outfit or two for dressy nights.) Obviously, your needs will vary based on time of year, where you're going, what you plan to do there, and how much you're willing to pack.
Recently, however, new synthetic materials have made wash-and-wear clothes lighter and easier than ever. Quick-dry fabrics can be a godsend on your trip. Another way to simplify your packing is to choose a colors scheme and pack only those colors; this way everything will match! Here are a few essentials to think about packing, especially if you're planning to pack light.
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Travel socks and travel underwear are great for people who don't mind doing a little laundry every other night of their trip in exchange for carrying less luggage. They are easy to wash in a sink and dry overnight, ready to go in the morning! |
A good pair of zip-off pants may not be the most stylish item in your wardrobe, but it will be the most versatile! Great for climates prone to quick weather changes and all-day adventures; pants for cool mornings and evenings, shorts for midday! |
Shirts with sleeves that can be rolled up or down are also a good bet for quickly changing climates. They're also handy if you plan to be touring in a conservative, religious area; many historical houses of worship require covered arms. |
A lightweight rain jacket -- preferably one that can fold into its own carry pouch -- is great to toss in a backpack, whether you're just going on a day trip near your house or a three week trek along the Appalachian Trail. |
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Whether you're headed to Costa Rica, Cairo, or Canada, a hat is a crucial piece of travel gear. It will keep off the sun in the desert, protect you from rain in the tropics, and conserve body heat in the frozen north. |
Sturdy shoes are a must for any vacation. You don't want to miss the sites because you were plagued by blisters! Close-toed shoes provide more support than sandals and are usually more comfortable, but you need to judge for yourself.
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For the ladies: make sure you have a good bra! Poor support can cause back pain and fatigue, especially if you're well endowed. Pick out two or three sturdy bras in neutral colors -- white, nude, and black are classic. |
If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors in a cold area, silk thermals are a must! Soft, comfortable and warm, silk thermals will keep you cozy for hours out in the snow. Many are even machine-washable. |
Live in Comfort
Washing Up
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Nothing feels as good as a hot shower after a long day of travel, so don't forget travel-sized toiletries to make the experience better! |
Soap leaves and hand sanitizing gel let you "wash" your hands in restrooms where even running water is hard to find.
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A small bottle of multi-purpose soap can be shampoo, toothpaste, and even laundry detergent in a pinch.
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If you're going to need to do your hair, bring a tiny, foldable travel hair dryer instead of a full sized one to save weight.
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Fun and Business on the Go
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Personal audio and video devices can keep you entertained on even the longest flights. |
PDAs are all-in-one gadgets to help you stay connected on the road. |
Books, magazines, and book lights give you something to do when you're tired of LCD screens. |
Cameras are better for capturing memories than any souvenir trinket. |
At Home and Abroad
Keep Your Family Happy and Safe
Tip for Group Travel - Pack a set of each person's clothing in everyone else's suitcase in case you lose a suitcase.
- Email yourself a PDF of your important documents, itinerary, phone numbers, copies of passports, etc. This way, in case you lose absolutely everything, you can still access your important information at any computer with an Internet connection.
External Links
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