Travel and packing tips!

So many are probably going on holiday soon - I am one of those. And along with travelling comes packing. Some might shiver by the thought, others (just like me) clap our small hands in joy. So here are some of my tips to make the packing a lot easier - hopefully ;-)

1. RESEARCH AND TAKE THINGS INTO CONSIDERATION.

What's the weather going to be like when you're at your holiday destination? This will help you get an idea what kind of clothes and shoes to pack. If it's going to be sunny and 30 degrees (Celsius) it's probably not the full on jeans and thick jumpers you should bring. But could be ideal to throw one jumper and one pair of jeans in, just in case it decides to get cold. Is there anything that would be good to remember to bring? Do you tend to get car/flight/train/bus sick or is there any other medication you could need? Maybe it would be worth buying some anti-sick pills before you leave, just so you don't have to hunt down a pharmacy and try and explain the poor lady at the counter who doesn't speak the same language as you that you need pills to help you feel less sick. I personally need flight sick pills and sleeping pills for me to be able to take a flight, without having a crazy manic attack because of my fear of heights and flights. Also if you're on daily medication, remember to restock, you don't want to run out.
Are you visiting a country with national problems that could harm you? May be worth investing in a good insurance and having the number and address to the embassy of your country.
Are you travelling to a place where you need a visa? Get everything in order. There's nothing worse than being taken aside because you didn't read the papers properly. I've never had to apply for a visa, but after watching a lot of airport shows (guilty pleasure), I'll be forever paranoid and would make sure everything is in perfect order.

2. BRING YOUR SUITCASE OUT A WEEK TO A FEW DAYS BEFORE LEAVING.

Find your bags and keep them out. This way you can kinda motivate yourself to start packing. Make sure if you're flying that your suitcase and carry-on-bag fits the measurements (always on the company's website, else email them and give them a shit storm for not having it out), just so you avoid all the awkward fees and making people angry with you for not properly preparing! 

3. MAKE LISTS.

I used this lovely little kitty book when I went to England last year too, and it's a perfect way of having an overview over what you're going to pack. And go down in very specific details, even underwear and toothbrush! When you're packing, you can tick it off, so you know what you're left with and what you need to wash or fold or try and find. Again, do this in advance. When you've already dragged out your suitcase, start thinking about what you're going to bring.

Extra: If you're a fashionista you could also make lists for the outfits you're going to wear during the trip. Make one for each day. This will also help to avoid overpacking.

Another sneaky extra tip, you can make check lists on Word! My lovely boyfriend showed me how to and I've been having great fun ticking and unticking. And please ignore my weird terms for stuff. "Smelly cream" is an alcohol based cream I use for my sensitive dry skin on my neck (too much information? I knew you were thinking about what that meant, so I just answered!!!)

4. GET AN OVERVIEW.

When it gets closer to leaving time, get all the things you're bringing out and place it on the floor or on your bed. This way you can check if you're overestimating the amount of shoes and shirts you need for a 5 day trip, or however long you're gone. You don't want to overpack, it can end up costing you a few quid that you probably would rather use while you're out. Have the weight limit in mind. You need clothes enough for the days you're there, of course, but you don't need 9 shirts for 5 days. And if everything goes wrong, there are shops most places people travel to ;-)

5. ZIP-LOCK BAGS AND POUCHES ARE YOUR BESTIE.

I use bags and pouches so much when I travel. It'll help keeping things separated and neat, if you have liquids in your bag and it spills, having it in a plastic bag will prevent it from damaging your other things. Put your jewellery in small pouches so they won't get damaged by scratching other things, have your underwear and socks in a bag and when you're at the place you're going to stay you can unpack it and use the bag for dirty clothes. No one wants day old panties laying around! 

6. WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING AND KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE.

I got this handy little fellow from Ebay a bit back. And it's going to be a life saver. It's basically a passport holder, a wallet and a notebook in one. You don't need to buy one of these, but I would suggest writing everything down. Write the address to your hotel, address to facilities you want to go visit in whatever country or city or town you're going to, write the opening times of the theme parks and museums you're going to visit, important numbers you might need, taxi numbers, whatever you could or will need! Because I don't want to spend 3 hours faffing around trying to find out where the restaurant I was supposed to have dinner at is. And for mother of the Earth's sake keep it close to you. Keep it in your wallet or with your passport.

7. DOUBLE CHECK YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED PACKED.

There's nothing worse than arriving and realising you've forgotten something in the rush. So just give the packed bag a double check or triple check! But let's face it, if you took my advice on making lists, this will be easy for you ;-)

7. HAVE FUN

It's your holiday, so relax, go get some good food, look at some beautiful buildings or whatever you're going to do! 

I'm sorry this is a kinda rushed post, but I've been desperate for ideas and wanted something up before I leave for London. I hope you have a nice holiday, whenever yours is, and take care!