Packing for a holiday can be an art for some; a challenge for others. Here are a few things you should consider when packing for any trip.
Suitcase or rucksack?
This really depends on where you’re going. Hotel and beach for two weeks? Suitcase! You’ll be able to store it under your bed and have all your items in one place.
Trekking across cities and grabbing trains? You may need a rucksack! Having a rucksack means you’ll find it easier to carry. You don’t want to be the one in your group struggling to get a suitcase up a cobbled road…
Microfiber towel
The first item I pack when travelling! One of the biggest space-fillers when going on holiday is the humble towel. It doesn’t matter how you fold it, roll it or stuff it, they always seem to take up a wealth of space. Swapping for a microfiber towel will save you lots of space and perhaps more importantly – weight.
Take two pairs of shoes
Two pairs of shoes – one pair for walking and everyday wear, one pair for the evening. Shoes are a space-stealer; ask yourself did you really need all those pairs of shoes on your last holiday? Make sure you break them in before you go away, the last thing you want is blisters.
Tablet instead of books
Nothing beats a good book, but you won’t want to cart them around in your bag. If you’ve got a tablet or e-book reader, look into putting some of your favourites on there.
Travel Insurance
Of course, something you should never forget when travelling – travel insurance. It’s better to be prepared for those unexpected moments – especially if you’re prone to accidents!
So there we have it, 5 things to consider when packing for your next trip. Whether you’re lounging on a sunbed for two weeks or trekking the continent, these are the items you’ll be very glad you packed.
This post was contributed by James Jackman. James was a physics undergraduate student at the University of Manchester. He has a keen interest in writing articles, graphic design and science communication.