Anda
Are you planning to head off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to explore bucket-list destinations? Are you keen to immerse yourself in new cultures, see incredible landscapes, and experience thrilling adventures?
Then you’re likely feeling super excited about your upcoming journey. While preparing for your travels is fun, it can also be daunting trying to think of everything you need to take with you.
That’s why I’ve put together these top tips on how to pack successfully for your adventure.
How to pack: Consider the weather
The first step of successful packing is planning for the weather in your chosen destination.
Think about the place(s) you’re heading and start creating a list of clothing and essentials you’ll need according to the climate. After all, what you’d wear for a snowy adventure in Iceland will vary greatly from backpacking across Thailand.
I recommend googling the typical weather conditions for the time of year you’re visiting. Remember to factor the seasons into your planning – as some countries vary greatly in temperature and rainfall at different times of the year.
If the climate is unpredictable, pack layers so that you have options if the weather changes. Some warm countries can be prone to the odd rain shower, so packing a lightweight foldable rain jacket is a great shout. You can store it neatly in your backpack and grab it if the heavens open while you’re exploring.
Travel essentials – Choose the right footwear
The right shoes can really make or break your experience – so wherever you’re heading, comfortable footwear is an absolute must. After all, it’s hard to have the time of your life if you’re struggling with sore feet and blisters!
It’s worth investing in comfy trainers for everyday wear during your travels. I recommend choosing a pair made of breathable material (particularly for hot countries!) with arch support, heel cushioning, and padding around the ankles.
If you’ll be hitting the beach regularly, consider packing some beach shoes. Slip-on styles are really useful on pebble beaches or rocky shorelines, where getting in and out of the sea can be tricky.
For those heading on a hiking adventure, a quality pair of walking boots is a must. They’ll offer your feet much-needed support and protection – so you can hit the trails in comfort!
Pack the essential equipment
Another important factor to consider is the equipment you’ll need for your trip. What to pack will depend on the type of adventure you’re heading on – so make sure you do your research before you jet off!
For example, if you’ll be camping in the wilderness, you may need a tent, pegs, sleeping bag, pad, portable stove, camping chair, and so on. If you’re traveling with an operator these may be provided for you, so check this before you buy.
Those who are heading hiking, cycling, or running off the beaten track might benefit from packing a GPS device. Many models feature satellite technology and inbuilt electronic compasses to help you navigate various routes on the go.
Another essential item to pack (regardless of your destination!) is a first aid kit. While we all like to think nothing will go wrong during our travels, it’s important to be prepared just in case. The NHS explains what to put in a first aid kit, including plasters, dressings, bandages, sterile gloves, scissors, cleansing wipes, and antiseptic cream.
Take your favorite tech
Once you’ve considered the essential equipment, think about any tech and gadgets you’d like to pack that will take your trip to the next level.
Do you love listening to music on your travels? Then pack a quality pair of wireless headphones. Do you like to read during downtime? Then a Kindle is a good shout. Or do you want to take incredible footage of your excursions? Then an action camera is worth taking along for the ride.
GoPros are popular accessories among travelers thanks to their waterproof technology, HD recording, and 5k resolution. You can get incredibly clear footage of each amazing moment – which is perfect for showing friends and family back home!
Choose a model with image stabilization so you can create high-quality videos on any adventure, whether you’re skiing down a mountain in the Alps or swimming with turtles in the Great Barrier Reef.
As well as an action camera, it’s worth packing a premium timepiece for your trip. Choose a brand that creates watches for active adventures, so you know it can withstand your various activities. Longines watches may be ideal as they are built to last, with water-resistant and durable materials.
Prioritize eco-friendly packing
Now more than ever, it’s essential to travel responsibly to minimize our impact on the environment and cut our carbon footprint. As you start planning what to pack, consider how you can make your trip more eco-friendly.
For instance, are there any green alternatives you can use instead of single-use plastic? An easy win is to pack a reusable water bottle that you can take out with you each day, rather than relying on plastic bottles. You could ditch single-use cutlery by taking a bamboo set, as well as avoid plastic bags by packing a canvas tote for shopping trips.
In terms of toiletries, why not opt for brands that provide reusable containers? Companies like Wild are on a mission to “banish single-use plastic from the bathroom” by offering a compostable refill natural deodorant that’s “kind to your skin and the environment”.
You can also protect the environment by going green with your period products. Rather than packing loads of tampons and pads in your bag, opt for a menstrual cup instead. This can be cleaned and reused each time you need it – saving you money and valuable packing space!
How to pack: Categorize a packing list
As you go through all the different types of items you need to take on your travels, open a note on your phone and start compiling a checklist. This will help to make the process less stressful and ensure you don’t forget anything important.
I think it’s useful to break down your checklist into different categories. For example, you may need sections for clothing, shoes, toiletries, tech, medications, travel documents, accessories, and so on. As you think of things you want to take, jot them down on the list in order of importance.
To avoid under or overpacking, consider how long you’re traveling for and the number of items you’ll need. On your list, write how many of each item you plan to pack. Eg. T-shirts x5, Jumpers x2 and so on.
When you start packing, tick each item after you’ve popped it into your bag. This will help you keep track of where you’re at in the p process – which is particularly handy if you need to stop and come back to it later!
While there’s a lot to think about when packing, it’s sure to get you excited about your upcoming travels. By researching the climate of your destination, considering essential equipment, prioritizing comfy footwear, and more, you can be well-prepared for your adventure. I hope you have the trip of a lifetime!