Just imagine: you’re finally going on this big trip you’ve been planning for months. You’ve packed three times as many clothes as you’d wear if you were at home, and you’ve brought way too many shoes (because, you never know– what if a hot prince asks you out dancing? You NEED your red bottoms that you haven’t worn since last year). But then, just as you’re about to step foot on the plane, you remember: you’ve forgotten to pack any underwear, and it’s a 15 hour flight with layovers. Yikes!!
If you’re anything like the average traveler, chances are that you’ve forgotten a multitude of things when packing for a big trip, and haven’t realized it until it’s too late – like, on the airplane, or at the new destination. Luckily, there are tons of tips for keeping yourself organized and sane when gearing up for a new adventure.
Here are five things you can do to make sure you have all your ducks in order before you set off.
1) Bring All Your Chargers
Make a list of all the electronic devices you’re bringing:
- iPad
- Computer
- Cell phone
- Digital camera
- Apple Watch
- Fitbit
- Tablet
- Gaming device
What have you. And THEN, make sure you have a charger for each of them! If you’re lucky, most of your devices will be in the same family and you can cross-use one cord. However, if you’re going to be out and about a lot, you want to consider how long your phone or camera battery will last.
2) Consider Battery Life
Quick and easy solutions to the battery life problem are battery packs for Samsung, or battery iPhone cases. These types of packs can give your phone almost a whole additional charge, giving you up to almost a full day of taking pictures and playing, without having to worry about finding a plug, or keeping up with a cord.
3) Plan Ahead for International Fees
If you’re traveling overseas, there are a couple of things you need to do to make sure your credit card and phone will work, and these things have to be done before you leave your home country! You don’t want to be stuck in a foreign land with no means of communication. Call your phone company and your bank to see what you need to do to set up your phone and cards for international use. They’ll be able to walk you through every step of the way.
4) Prioritize Comfort Over Fashion
Depending on how far you’re traveling, you want to consider your choice of outfit: gone are the days where people dressed to the nines to get on an airplane. Now, it’s all about comfort, especially if you’ll be on the ride for 3 hours or more. It’s always possible to mix fashion with comfort, though. A nice pair of joggers with some clean tennis shoes (think Keds) and a plain T-shirt will make you look completely put together, while also being comfy enough to take a a nap in.
5) Don’t Forget the Loungewear
Also consider how much walking will be done on your trip. Do you REALLY need to pack heals with you if you’re going on a backpacking trip? Most people don’t have an issue with forgetting to pack awesome outfits, but the daily musts end up being forgotten. Make sure to remember those homely necessities such as:
- Sleep clothes
- Lounge attire
- Extra underwear
- Workout attire
- Your favorite towel
- Lots of socks
Going on a big trip is a huge and exhilarating thrill! And in the midst of all the excitement, we can sometimes lose our common sense. Think about the things you use and wear in your day-to-day life, and start planning from there with a list or excel spreadsheet. That way, you’ll stay organized!
