Spring Break, anyone?
Sounds like a good idea given the weather lately across this great land of ours…True, North, Snowy and Freezing.
Sadly, the 2010 Winter Olympics are over – the nonstop excitement and cheering and TV watching the last 2 weeks has been exhausting, not to mention all those heavy medals Canada won – of course we all need a vacation!
I am not a travel agent – so can’t help too much on the destination front – although I would think somewhere HOT and SUNNY would be preferable – I know it is for me.
Once you have the locale sorted – then you need to pack – aaaah – here I can help!
I personally love to have a vast wardrobe selection at my fingertips (like my whole closet!) because you never know how you’re going to feel day-to-day, right? I would have reveled in the days when you got to pack a whole steamer trunk to go away – and had a valet to transport it for you – LoL. It’s just not the same in today’s world of weighing (and paying) for luggage – what’s up with that anyway? So now that you’ve spend a small fortune on the highest tech featherweight luggage out there, time to get down to some packing!
Regardless of whether you’re going to a sun destination or not – here are a few tips to get you past the weigh scales at check-in – and look fab on vacation.
First, consider your destination – look up the long-term forecast. Granted weather can change but it doesn’t hurt to get an idea of what you may be facing. If you’re going to Mexico – leave the Ugg boots at home.
Next, think about what you’ll be doing while you’re there. Lolling poolside with a cold bevvie and a book all week – perfect – then your collection of skimpy bikinis is mandatory. But if you’re going to do some scuba diving or parasailing – then throw in a sturdy one-piece as well. Planning to do any workouts? Hikes? Sight-seeing?
Once you’ve got that figured out – make a list! Don’t forget the “vacation accessories” – sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, flip-flops, reading material, chargers for all your electronics (do you need a converter?), blow-dryer (or no blow-dryer?) – all take up precious room and weight in your luggage.
Write down everything – even if it seems obvious – I’ve heard more than one story of people arriving at check-in without their passport!
Give some thought to what you’ll be wearing. Anything high-maintenance, needs a bevy of special undergarments underneath to make it work – or uncomfortable – leave it at home. Ditto with things that stain or snag easily – you don’t need to be fussing or worrying about ruining your lacey white silk blouse. By the way, the Tide stain remover pens are amazing – add it to your list!
Give some thought to fabric. Cottons blends and silks are perfect in warmer weather – they keep you cool, wick away moisture and they don’t wrinkle as much as cotton alone. No one wants to pull out the iron on vacation.
Colour-coordinate your wardrobe choices. It simplifies things and allows you mix and match. Make sure whatever you bring can be worn with at least 2, preferably 3 other items…that way you will feel like you have a bigger selection of outfits. Layering, layering, layering – the golden rule of vacation wardrobe-planning – always!
For me, the biggest dilemma is SHOES…I love to have ALL my faves close by. Unfortunately, shoes can be both heavy and hard to pack. Rule of thumb – maximum 2 pairs – other than running shoes & flip- flops. For me, I allow myself one comfy pair and one flashier pair. Remember – comfy doesn’t have to equal ugly – nor does stylish equal uncomfortable. Make your selection wisely; ensure they go with everything – or most – of what you’re planning to wear.
And finally – give yourself some time. We’ve all heard this one before: put everything you’re planning to bring on the bed – and get rid of half (ok – a third) and you’re likely good to go! I have a rule when I go on vacation that I have to wear everything I bring – sometimes that helps cut out the non-essentials when I am packing. And if you’re planning on doing any shopping – allow some room for new goodies!
Bon Voyage – Safe Travels!
Klara Kroupa
Savant Style
http://savantstyle.wordpress.com
778*898*4251
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March 2, 2010 at 3:29 pm |
Klarko, I am 100% in agreement what you wrote about packing and planning. Also about the list!
I do so much packing that I am getting scared before we go again.
With love, mouse.