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The Effective Holiday Packing Checklist

What to Take Away for a Stress Free Vacation

Oct 8, 2008 Jen Syrkiewicz

The run up to a holiday can be stressful and demanding. The following tips and packing checklist can make it easier to prepare for the vacation.

A comprehensive list will pay dividends in the run up to a holiday. Effective and economical packing will ensure a stress-free vacation, while keeping the suitcase manageable and light.

The following items will ensure that the holiday maker has all the items necessary to enjoy a summer holiday abroad:

Medicines and Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the most important items you can take away with you to a tropical climate. Pack one 15 and one 25 factor sunscreen to protect from harmful rays and ensure that sunstroke or heatstroke don’t mar the time away.

Important items to include in the case for health include:

Mosquito repellent (Containing high levels of DEET) in spray and wipe forms
Antihistamine tablets to guard against allergies and rashes
An effective antiseptic cream such as Germolene or Savlon
Oral rehydration sachets and Immodium in case of upset stomachs
Plasters
After sun lotion
Travel sickness tablets.

Clothes and Accessories

Pack the following items to cover against all situations and circumstances:

Two pairs of long trousers
Four t-shirts
Two long-sleeved shirts
A sarong
Two bikinis
One pair of shorts
A beach towel
A warm fleece
A waterproof jacket
Beach shoes or sandals
Evening shoes or trainers
A protective hat
One pair of sunglasses
One beach bag

Gadgets and Gizmos

Pack the following to ensure you capture your holiday memories and keep entertained:

Enough books to last for the time spent away
A camera, charger and spare memory stick
A personal music system and speakers
Games such as Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit travel editions.

Home Comforts and Indispensable Items for Wary Travellers

Pack some home comforts if required, such as tea bags, decaffeinated coffee and a travel kettle. Find out what facilities the hotel room or apartment has, and accommodate any shortfalls. Things to consider include towels, plug-in mosquito repellents, water purification tablets, hand wash liquid, a travel iron and a hair dryer.

Safety and Security

Make a copy of passport and Visa information and keep it in a safe place. Use Travel Cheques as a more secure and convenient way of carrying currency.
Invest in a travel pouch to keep important documents such as tickets safe, dry and hidden from view.
Lock your suitcase with an airline-approved locking mechanism.
Always hire a safe where available when abroad. Keep your room number in any hotel hidden from public view, and always place the chain on the door where possible, even when inhabiting the room.
Give close friends or relatives the travel itinerary and contact details. Do not specify a permanent address on suitcases or documents, as this enables potential thieves or burglars to access the home while it is vacant.

Source:

The Lonely Planet Online Travel Guide

The copyright of the article The Effective Holiday Packing Checklist in Latin Am/Caribbean Travel is owned by Jen Syrkiewicz. Permission to republish The Effective Holiday Packing Checklist in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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