Are you a last-minute vacation packer? I’m pretty good at packing myself quickly. However, I always end up with a million things to do last minute before leaving on a trip. Inevitably, even my quick last minute packing can cause stress. So, for my latest trip I tried breaking my packing up into earlier steps so I could focus better the day before travel.
2 Weeks Ahead of Time -
Prep Your List and Take Inventory
I swear by my packing list. It’s tried and true and has seen me through Asia to Alaska. I keep a copy in my nightstand that comes out for packing. However, I’m often shopping last-minute for items because I didn’t check the list early enough to see what I still need to buy.
Order Necessary Items
Put all the stuff you need to buy on your regular grocery lists or Amazon Prime that stuff to your door step. This includes any travel-sized toiletries you may need. I don’t know about you, but I am always forgetting that contact solution!
Pack Toiletry Bag
One of the most time-consuming things to pack is a toiletry bag. But 75% of it can be packed ahead. If you take travel-sized bottles of things, those can all be purchased, filled, or packed ahead of time.
Refill Medications
Yep. If you need something refilled, you can do it now. And not have to find a 24-hour pharmacy next week.
Decide On Reading or Music Material
If you need to stock up on your books or ebooks, podcasts, music or other entertainment, that can all be downloaded or acquired ahead of time.
Load Unnecessary Items Off Your Phone
Free up your storage for awesome memories.
1 Week Ahead -
Place Items Aside for Packing
There are several outfits for nice dinners on the beach or other vacation-wear that can be set aside ahead of time without causing a shortage in your everyday wardrobe. This makes some of those “what am I going to wear?” decisions before you hit 2am the night before your flight.
Think Through Outfits
Make notes of what outfits you want to pack. If those items can be set aside early, great. If not, make a note so you don’t forget them at the last minute. Deciding on clothes ahead of time just leaves the packing, which goes much faster.
Schedule Laundry
Every realize the night before you leave that your favorite shirt is dirty? Or half your wardrobe? Catch up on laundry early this week to make sure everything is clean for packing.
A Few Days Before -
Charge Your Battery Banks and Headphones
Ever have too many things to charge the night before a vacation? Most energy banks and electronics can be charged a couple days ahead of time so you don’t have last minute panic.
The Night Before -
Charge all Your Devices
Make sure your phone, tablets, headphones, laptop, energy banks, or other devices are fully charged.
Switch Your Wallet Over
You don’t want to take all your credit cards or items in a normal wallet. You should take only what you need out of a wallet for your vacation. Switch your credit cards, IDs, and insurance over to your carry-on bag. Make sure you have your passport!
Pack Your Bags
Have your carry-on and checked bags ready to go for the next day.
The Day You Travel -
Make sure you have your ID, anything that was charging, and your bags and you’ll be ready to go! Don’t forget those cords and chargers!
We are all about making sure all the distractions are handled so you can have the very best vacations. Want expert help to make your next vacation easy? Contact us today.
About The Traveling Compass:
The Traveling Compass is a full-service luxury travel agency. Our success is built on a foundation of unmatched expertise and outstanding customer service. Our travel agents specialize in international travel, corporate incentive trips, destination weddings & honeymoons, multigenerational travel, luxury leisure, and family travel. We are also Authorized Disney Vacation Planners with experience assisting families that have children with special needs or large families or groups with complicated dining reservations for over 20 guests. Our personalized travel itineraries are designed to help discerning, time-pressed travelers plan the most elaborate vacations, down to the smallest detail. As luxury travel agents, we are dedicated to creating and facilitating travel experiences that expand awareness and give each person a real sense of the country and culture they are visiting. It is our mission to make sure you have the travel experience of a lifetime, every time.
