MY PACKING AND TRAVEL TIPS

#EPISODE 2

TOP 15 PACKING AND TRAVEL TIPS

In the recent Rajasthan trip, I learned and used some packing and travel tips. I wish to share some of them with you. This episode is about, how I packed and what I learned from my mistakes. Almost all the tips you may know already. So, let us get started!

Packing perfectly is not always my thing. I will always do packing as my last thing at the last moment. Either I miss something or I will overpack. (p.s. I enjoy packing that way as it gives me a thrill!!) So definitely, my packing will always be a mess, until this time.

This time also I packed few hours before travel, but smartly. I traveled to Rajasthan on a 10 days trip, by train, from Chennai. It took a day and a half to reach there and vice versa. So, I packed accordingly.

   1. READ THE ITINERARY GIVEN: 

First thing I did and recommend is to read an itinerary given by the tour company, you are going with. It gives an idea of what and how to pack. From the itinerary, I knew that I am having more road trips, so I packed accordingly. Sometimes, they will mention some of the musts to be packed in the lists.

   2. CHECK WEATHER REPORTS:

The very next thing, I recommend as a must is to study the weather reports of the destination and the time you are reaching there. It will help a lot for packing outfits. If colder destination/monsoon time, you may pack layers, sweaters. If summers, you may pack some light clothes. In my case, I learned that Rajasthan will be hotter during daytime and colder during nights.

   3. MAKE A LIST:

Preparing a proper list may also help with quick packing without stress. I never made a list before. When I did, I realized that packing is easier and fun. I suggest preparing your own list because you know what you want. (p.s. My favorite part is to strike out the things I packed). If you are in a rush, take a copy or give a glance at Pinterest.

   4. DO NOT OVERPACK:

Always do not overpack, remember that you are going to carry your own luggage in India (if you do not want porters) and it is stressful. Pack lightly, according to the weather you studied. I packed light clothes, especially cotton and a sweater. Packing light might also help to repack. Use some dryer sheets, as it gives a good smell to the clothes.

   5. SAVE ROOM FOR SHOPPING:

Always save some space in your bags for shopping items. (whether you go shopping or not.) I saved some space and it turned out to be more helpful when I returned back.

   6. MAKE USE OF THE HOTEL SERVICES:

Take a look at the services provided by the hotel you are staying. Whether it is a laundry service or a spa, either paid or free service. It may help you sometimes.

   7. PACK SEPARATELY:

Make sure to pack your toiletries, makeup items and carry on essentials separately depending on your style, as it may help to find things easily. Pack things that you definitely use.

To prevent spilling of the liquid items, pack it separately in a zip-lock bag.

I do not put makeup when I travel. I packed what I use and separately.

As I am traveling for a day and a half, I packed all my needs in a separate bag. I carried moisturizer as a must because I traveled in an a/c coach and is very drying.

   8. BRING MEDICATIONS:

Having first aid or the basic medication is always a must. It helps us when we are sick. If you are regularly having medicines, do not forget and stock up with the needs. In my case, cold catches me (haha!) very soon when I travel.

   9. SECURE YOUR LUGGAGE:

I suggest you secure your luggage with the pins provided in almost all bags or with the small locks like this.

It makes us relieved from our bags getting stolen. Attaching a name tag also helps, if we lost our bags.

   10. HAVE CHANGE ALWAYS:

You may find difficult to get a change of the currency everywhere. So, keeping change helps.

   11. GET A COPY OF YOUR ID PROOF, TICKETS:

Have a copy of all important documents like ID proof, tickets, etc., It is a must when TT comes for checking. Having a photo snaps on your mobile also helps.

   12. WEAR COMFORTABLE OUTFIT & SHOES:

It is really relaxing when travel meets comfort. Always travel with the comfortable outfits with a pair of shoes. I do not wear shoes often, so I stick with the flats.

   13. ENTERTAINMENT:

As I am traveling via train, I knew that I will have more time. So I bought some books and some movies. Added to it, my co-explorers brought some games like cards, etc. And most of the time, we chatted. So stocking up with your favorite entertainment helps to kill the time.

   14. WATER:

Make sure you always have water. Never let your body to dehydrate while traveling. Esp. when you travel to dry areas. So, drink more water, stay hydrated and fresh.

   15. ADAPTOR AND VOLTAGE CONVERTER:

Bring an adaptor and converter, as per your convenience and the electronic items you carry is also good.

The video version of this tip and tricks are linked here. Check it out!.

Traveling should always be fun filled. It is even more excited if you travel stress-free. Smart packing may reduce much of your stress. I think I helped you a bit. So, what else,  Happy Travel!!

If you missed my previous episode of the series,- click here!