Travel may be for adventure or for relaxation, but your packing choices can turn even the most relaxing retreat into an adventure of a different sort. To make sure that you’re not left in miserable discomfort, consider the tips below as you pack for your next retreat.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Pack shoes you know you can wear all-day
- Consider bringing compression socks in case you will have to sit for extended periods
- Carry a refillable water bottle, snacks, and a change of underwear in your carry-on. Hygiene wipes or unscented baby wipes can also save you if there’s no time to bathe
Don’t:
- Pack new shoes or garments. You want clothing that you can rely on to stand up to your intended activities
- Bring only cotton or nylon clothing
- Forget your raincoat
Trip Insurance
It would be lovely to be certain that nothing will go wrong on your trip. However, injuries and accidents happen. If you’ve never walked on cobblestones, access to the right insurance can save you if you turn an ankle or take a fall.
Packing for different kinds of weather and terrain
One of the best investments you can make as a traveler is a slightly oversized raincoat. Depending on where you go, only carrying an umbrella may leave you soaked from the shoulders down. Additionally, an umbrella is one more item you have to remember as you leave train cars and tour buses.
If it’s rainy and warm, your raincoat will allow air to move and keep you cooler. Wear cotton under your raincoat on warm days to wick away perspiration and cool your skin. If it’s rainy and cool, you can layer up under your raincoat and keep from getting chilled. Nylon and fleece are wonderful garments to wear close to the skin when it’s chilly.
A simple ballcap is also a terrific idea that won’t take up much space. It will keep the sun off your face, keep rain from spattering your glasses, and keep the hood of your raincoat off your face.
If you know that you’re headed into rainy or snowy weather, consider bringing at least 2 pairs of walking shoes. You won’t have to miss any fun or walk around in wet shoes.
Checking the weather of your destination
A first step when you initially book your trip is to check the average temperature and precipitation information for your destination. As you get closer to your trip, track weather alerts and high and low temps in the region. When you’re ten days out, most weather apps can give you an estimated range of weather conditions you’ll face.
If a hurricane or wildfire will be impacting the area, it’s also a good idea to check your options for moving your dates. Large weather disruptions, such as hurricanes, can rapidly change the daily temps you may have to contend with. Making sure you have travel insurance can also help with any issues you may run in to.
For those who plan ahead and stay flexible, rough weather doesn’t have to mean a ruined trip. Be prepared with garments that will give you some room to expand.