Vacation Packing List: Vacation Packing Tips to Make Your Next Trip Stress Free

Yeah really - I know - I'm the person walking past the taxi queue or the transfer queue, to hop on the local bus or train because my luggage is not a barrier. I'm the person who can fit in that last seat in a nearly full taxi - because my luggage fits on my knee. 

Also there is Murphy's law application to luggage - if you have more than one checked piece the last piece will always be the last piece off the plane - pr oven by many years of experience waiting at the carousel. 

Prioritize in a word. Most people seem to think that packing starting with 20 different outfits that can be worn in 52 different ways. I turn it around. You see, and this a the great secret of packing light, you can buy almost anything, everywhere, often for less that it would be at home. Particularly clothing, clothing is available world-wide, really! 

You can also either do your own laundry, or, and this better, holiday somewhere that having it done for you will cost less than a couple of beers 

If you can't manage your own bags you need to pay porters, taxi drivers to manage it for you. You probably won't take the cheap hotel in Europe - because it involves carrying your bags up four flights of stairs (bonus points for narrow and twisting). 

You certainly won't take public transit to get to your hotel - as invariably you will have to do some walking at one or both ends. Walking while dragging cases along is nearly impossible on Europe's narrow city footpaths, particularly if its a busy time. 

• Money and cards
• Documents: passport and/or driver's license
• Prescription drugs plus a copy of your prescription and anything else you need for your health (I am blind without glasses so a carry a spare pair plus contact lenses). 

If you are checking a bag on a plane: these items should NOT be in it. They should be on your person (I use a good money belt a lot of the time), or in a small bag that never leaves your sight.

Really, everything else is optional. I do however take a few other things - here's what I routinely pack. 

Take The Stuff That Matters

If you love to take photos take your best camera, if writing is your thing take a notebook (paper or electronic). If you have things that make you happy - don't leave them at home. The caution here is that you have to realize there is more risk to your camera or other expensive gear when you travel. Get good travel insurance and live with the risk. If you can't - leave it at home. 

If you really enjoy diving and snorkeling then you probably will already know that a face mask that fits, really, really matters. It is also fairly light and easy to pack. flippers and other gear are much heavier and I have more than once given away flippers and body boards on the last day at the beach. If you are away for a few weeks its often cheaper to buy and give away, rather than hiring for the time. 

Clothing OK I'm getting there, yes you will probably need some. What you don't need is as much as you think you do. Male or female, young or old - you can be decently covered for an unlimited time with the following: 

• Shoes: comfortable sandals for walking plus a pair of light boots or shoes for a colder climate 
• Bottoms: shorts/trousers/skirts depending on the climate and your preferences - three. 
• Tops: shirts/T-shirts - five. 
• Add underwear, swimming gear (which doubles as underwear).

If you need more clothes when travelling there trust me - you will find a shop! 

I've taught plenty of friends how to pack light! I've even inspired a few strangers when I'm on the road. But really its a bit later then - its not that hard to pack light, but people have a hard time doing it. Trust me you can do it - and my book will detail why you have an instinct to over-pack, and how to pack light for your next trip. 

I also have a companion website for the book check it out: