Spring break has arrived…. Let the adventures begin. With the time away from school many college kids are packing their suitcases as we speak. The packing process can be a pain. What do I bring? What don’t I bring? Pure torture sitting their contemptating over all the choices. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips on how to avoid easy packing mistakes.
- Know your destination
Even if you are going on a spontaneous trip just for a few days know a few things about the place you are going to. If you have a general idea of what activities are available it can help in the packing process. Maybe you look and see that your hotel is next to a horse ranch that gives horse rides, so you can pack your riding boots. Or if there are lakes in the area you can pack a swimsuit. Whatever you spring break may entail its good to know the area ahead of time.
- Check the weather
Weather can change quickly. The day before a big trip I always recheck the weather to make sure nothing has changed. Sometimes it has and I might make the decision to throw in an umbrella. That could make all the difference when you are on a walking tour of Charleston in the pouring rain you will wish you had that umbrella.
- Pack according to what you are doing
If you are not going hiking then don’t bring hiking boots. That is extra space in your suitcase you could use. I know it is the worst thing when I have something amazing planned like a swim at the lake, and I forget my swimsuit. Think about what you will be doing at wherever you go that will help you organize what you need and don’t need.
- Bring some ‘just in case’ things
I get headaches a lot. I always have my pouch of ‘just in case’. You would not want to waste a minute of your fantastic break having a headace so bring some Tylenol just in case. Even if you never use it you have it jus tin case you would.
- Make a checklist
As I begin the packing process I write down things that I need as I go along. That is the best way to know whether or not you have literally EVERYTHING you need. Phone chargers, shampoo, toothbrushes are all things I would never want to be without.
- Don’t Overpack
As tempting as it is to pack every pair of shorts that you own it is a pain having to stuff and unstuff your suitcase just trying to find your hairbrush. Trust me I been there. Jumping up and down on my suitcase trying to get it closed. Then I go on my trip and only where half of the things I brought. But then the rest of the trip I am having to go through the jumping up and down on my suitcase routine and it gets tiring. Pack what you need and what you may be important if needed.