Vacation Checklist, Part Two...What To Pack and What NOT To Pack

So...it is finally time for your big trip! All you have left to do is pack...

If the prospect of packing for a vacation is enough to make you want to stay home, don't despair, here are some tips to simplify the process. Go here for a printable PDF file of these tips.

Vacation Checklist, Part Two

What to Pack

There is nothing worse than realizing that you have left some crucial items at home, the following packing tips should help you to better prepare.

Start by writing a packing list, be sure to check the weather forecast of the destination you are visiting and take into consideration the activities and outings you will be going on.

When packing an item think about how many times you are going to wear it. If you are not going to wear it more than three times, don't pack it!

Choose clothes that pack well and color co-ordinate. For example, choose a base color for trousers, skirts & shorts like beige or khaki and then match with a couple of highlight colors.

Be aware of local traditions and dress codes, especially if travelling to Muslim countries.

Accessorize, accessorize! Ladies scarves or wraps can give your limited wardrobe extra color. They can easily be used to dress up an outfit. Also, when visiting places of worship you will need to cover your shoulders so a wrap is perfect for this situation. Also, a few pairs of inexpensive earrings are fun to bring and can also change the look of your outfit.

Pack sunscreen and insect repellent.

Take a few plastic zip lock bags for carrying wet items or keeping things dry.

Check the electrical outlets and adapters needed for the places you are visiting.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair or at least have a copy of your glasses prescription.

To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original labeled containers. If a medication is unusual, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take it.

If you plan to wash some items in your hotel bathroom, take a travel clothesline, sink stopper & soap. Remember micro fibers dry quicker than cotton.

If taking a digital camera clean out your photo card memory and get a back-up one and spare battery.

If you have any severe allergies write them out in English and translate to languages in countries you will be visiting. Write on business card size card and keep on your person. This is easy to do by using Google language tools.

What NOT To Pack

Remembering what not to pack can sometimes be as important as remembering what to pack. Follow this simple rule - don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:

Valuable or expensive-looking jewellery.

Irreplaceable family objects.

All unnecessary credit cards.

Tips for packing your suitcase

Start by putting your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality.

Lock your luggage to prevent theft and tampering.

When packing, lay out the items you intend to take and re-evaluate your list to eliminate any unnecessary or single-use items.

Iron everything before placing it in your suitcase as you may not always have time to iron clothes when you are on tour. Button all buttons and zip all zippers to avoid items getting caught on them.

Pack chronologically, with items to be worn first on the top. This will make it easier to pull things out of your suitcase and save you time, handy for when you are on the go.

Pack items tightly so that clothes do not have too much space to move around and wrinkle.

Pack toiletries in plastic bags to avoid spillages. Individual containers with more than 3oz. of liquids are not permitted to be taken in your carry on luggage in many airports. They must be placed in your checked in luggage. Check with your airline or airport for up-to-date security restrictions.