Seven Packing Faux Pas

Sometimes I think one of the most stressful and confusing things leading up to a vacation is knowing what and how to pack for the upcoming getaway.  Most of us are probably guilty of packing things we never use during our trip and end up wondering why we ever wasted the precious weight bringing it along to begin with.

And what about when you've arrived at your destination, you are standing at the baggage carousel in the airport and you get that terrible feeling in the pit of your stomach because you're all alone now and your bags are nowhere in sight?  Why did you pack everything important in your checked bag?

Well, here are 7 faux pas to avoid when packing for your next vacation.

1. Packing your valuables and medications in your checked bags

First things first, remember the mantra "money, tickets, passport".  This runs through my mind endlessly as I grab my bags and head out the front door.  Always make sure you have these very important items on your body, in your purse or in your carry-on before you leave home.  Of course, these days you might not have the "ticket" on your person, but rather the boarding pass on your phone, but the mantra will still work to make sure you have downloaded your boarding pass and have your phone with you.

Second, any medications you will need to take on a regular basis must always be with you in case your checked bag is delayed.  Another suggestion, leave your meds in their prescription labeled bottles to avoid any misunderstandings in Customs.

Finally, try not to take a lot of valuable items with you, but if you must, keep them close.  Once your checked bags are out of your sight, there is always the chance some unsavory individual will think they like your belongings more than you do.

2. Forgetting to pack your essentials

Make sure to always cover your bases in case your checked bags don't arrive with you.  Carry important items, such as reading glasses or backup contact lenses, cases & drops, with you for comfort on the plane and when you arrive.  Also, always carry at least one change of clothes, extra undies and your bathing suit so that you can survive a couple of days until the rest of your clothes arrive.

3. Packing your camera in your checked bags

Don't pack your camera anywhere you can't get to it.  You never know when that great photo opp is going to happening, and you'll miss out on the chance to snap a great photo if your camera is in your checked bag.  Also, having your camera with you may save it from being damaged.  Remember that baggage handlers have to transfer tons of bags during their workday and are not always so gentle moving your bag from the plane to the cart to the carousel. 

Also, make sure you have your backup power or a charger with you in case you use up the battery faster than you expected.

4. Checking and believing the weather at your destination

If you are like me, you are always checking the weather apps for the forecast for wherever you are heading off to next.  But don't always believe it.  After all, how often do our weather forecasters get it right at home?  I suggest packing layers.  They may say it is going to be in the 80's the whole time you are there, but don't forget the temps may drop when the sun goes down or a short afternoon rain may blow in.  Just make sure to have a light sweater or jacket with you for when that happens.

5. Overpacking

Now I know I just suggested packing layers, but don't go overboard.  Lay out all the clothes you might think you will need while you are away, and then take away half of them.  Worse comes to worse, it is generally cheaper to have your laundry done at the resort than it is to pay those extra bag or weight fees to the airlines.

6. Packing too many shoes

One pair of sandals and one pair of closed-toed shoes are generally all you truly need unless you are partaking of some adventure where you need to bring specialized shoes, such as hiking boots or water shoes, with you.  Maybe for ladies one extra pair of snazzy sandals or pumps for that romantic dinner, but no more.  Pack yourself a durable pair of  "neutral" flip flops or sandals that will go with any outfit.  They are generally light-weight and easy to squeeze into any suitcase.  Wear your second pair of shoes while traveling.  I generally prefer to wear a pair of elastic-laced slip-on sneakers that are easy to take off and put back on at TSA because I prefer to wear socks when walking through airport security.

7. FORGETTING TO PACK YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR

It's inevitable.  No matter how much you plan, the unexpected will happen.   Maybe it is waiting a day or two for your luggage to arrive.  Maybe it is a miscommunication between you & a taxi driver, and you end up taking an unexpected tour of the island.  Or maybe it is a friendly gecko who visits you nightly and thinks it is his job to crawl onto your bed and sing you to sleep every night.  Whatever it may be, you will enjoy your vacation more if you can just take a step back, let it go and laugh.  After all, you could be stuck behind your desk at work instead.  Which is worse?

TRAVEL TIP:  When traveling with a companion, pack half of your clothes in each other's bags.  The odds are small that both bags will be lost, so this way neither one of you is terribly inconvenienced.

Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter. In addition, you'll receive our FREE "Know Before You Go" guide just because. Join today.

Become a Scuba Travel Insider

CONTACT LIZ TO PLAN YOUR CUSTOM VACATION NOW

Save 10% on your purchase when you apply the coupon code:  delightfuldepartures