Packing Tips For Travelers

Here are some ideas on what to pack and what not to pack when on vacation.

a. Separating Your Beach Luggage

When traveling you normally wants to visit many places such as monuments, national parks and beaches. So before you leave home you just pack anything you think is going to be needed.

One thing I learned is that if visiting a beach is in your schedule it is a good idea to put anything you will need like swimsuits and towels in a separate beach bag, which for me should always be made of plastic or an impermeable material. Then put it inside your backpack with the rest of your luggage. I know it might seem like a waste of space but you won't always be able to dry your wet clothes immediately, that is why an impermeable beach bag will avoid that the rest of your luggage gets wet.

b. Don't Leave Your Home Without Sunscreen

Central America is very close to the Equator and sun burns skin faster than you may be used to. So wear sunscreen. But keep in mind that in this side of the world rain can be unexpected and sudden so get a waterproof sunscreen, with the highest SPF you can find so you don't have to worry about it every 15 minutes.

c. 4 Things to Pack and Not Feel Guilty About

1. Laptop: An average laptop can replace many other items you don't need to travel with like cell phones.

2. Books: A book can also help you really disconnect from home and work when you travel and connect with your surroundings instead. They can be heavy but a good book doesn't need a power outlet so you can enjoy it anywhere.

3. Extra Shoes: There are 3 types of shoes that you can't go wrong with. A good pair of walking or running shoes, slippers, and a decent pair of dress shoes.

4. A Suitcase: This is the travel item that probably brings frequent travelers the most guilt. But it's good to have a cheap or used suitcase if you end up needing one and let it rest in your hotel. You can come back and forth to it to fill you backpack full of the things you'll need for the day.

d. A New Packing Method

I have traveled a lot, which means a lot of luggage carrying and it is never easy. The clothes always get wrinkled and it seems like you never have enough room for it. So to make it all simpler I use the 'Interweaving Packing Method': Drape longer garments (pants and dresses) across the suitcase, with the ends hanging over the sides. Then, fold smaller items like jackets, shirts, and blouses around the longer garments.

e. Do You Know Where Your Purse Is?

I know women travelers always have trouble parting with their purses and after having one too many not-so-fun mugging moments, I've decided to have a good hard look through my purse to see: Is it really necessary? I discovered that it's not!

So I made a small list of what you really need, here it is:

Money
Credit Cards
Camera
Sunglasses

So next time you go for a day tour, leave the bag at home and put all these things in the pockets of your clothes.

f. Guys Get A Mugger's Wallet

Because anywhere you go there will always be thieves why not carry a 'mugger's wallet when travelling! In case of an emergency, you can surrender it easily. In it you can carry a big bill in front and a half-dozen or so smaller bills behind, along with your photo ID library card, some other papers, hotel coupons, etc, for bulk.