Last weekend, I had a blast.  It was the first time I experienced whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River!  As I was preparing for this day,  the group coordinator briefed me on what to bring and the survival pieces were pretty minimal. (Note: I’m the only one wearing a helmet!)   It’s amazing how you can enjoy a day without all the extras that we carry around.  Let’s keep that thought in mind as we plan our longer trips over these summer weeks ahead.

Keeping it simple when packing is critical — especially these days when airlines are charging for any overpacking.  I hope this brief article will help you in packing light!   Be safe and have fun!

Pack It Up

How- and how much — you pack can greatly impact your comfort level while on vacation. Follow these tips as you pack your bags.

  • Pack light. When in doubt, leave it out! Adopt a European standard for fashion by wearing your favorite things multiple times while on vacation. You can hand-wash in the hotel sink if necessary. No one ever wishes they had brought more stuff on vacation! (But you might consider bringing an empty duffel bag or backpack to cart home souvenirs.)
  • If you’re flying, consider taking only a carry-on to save time and frustration upon arrival. If you’re checking luggage, make sure to pack essentials (change of clothing, bathing suit, medications, toiletries, snacks) in a carry-on bag, just in case you’re separated from your checked bags.
  • Invest in some handy travel accessories, such as a mini-clothesline, “compression sacs” to compress your clean or dirty clothes, sleep mask, ear plugs, and inflatable neck rest.
  • Know the current airline carry-on restrictions by visiting www.faa.gov/ passengers before you go.
  • Clean out your wallet before you leave. Take only the bare essentials, such as two major credit cards, ATM card, your driver’s license or state ID, passport (if traveling abroad), health and car insurance cards, and cash or traveler’s checks. Leave all other cards at home.(You can’t lose them if you don’t bring them!)
  • Make a photocopy of the front and back of your wallet essentials and stash it in your suitcase or leave it with a trusted friend or relative back home. If you should lose your wallet, you can more easily get replacements. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary in your suitcase in case you misplace your original.

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