Travel smart this December: Packing light, staying safe and other holiday hacks you'll love!

The December holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year, perfect for exploring new destinations or revisiting favourites with friends and family. Travelling smart can make your holiday stress-free and so much more enjoyable. Join us as we dive into helpful packing tips, clever liquid hacks and must-have first aid essentials to keep you ready for anything.

Mastering the Art of Packing Light: Essentials Only

Packing light is an essential skill that can save you both time and stress during your holiday travels. Focus on the essentials - leave non-essentials at home and opt for versatile, high-quality clothing that suits a variety of occasions. Selecting neutral tops and bottoms that layer seamlessly ensures you're prepared for both casual outings and formal dinners.

Consider Sarah who last December, embarked on a whirlwind European tour with her family. They booked for a one-week stay, but  packed for six; and ended up lugging around two massive suitcases filled with clothes that were hardly worn.(Sound familiar?) One evening in Paris, after wrestling with the suitcases on the metro, Sarah decided enough was enough. The next time she travelled, she chose a capsule wardrobe: two pairs of trousers, three tops, and a versatile dress that could easily transition from day to night. Not only did she lighten her mental and physical load by not needing to keep track of and lift a bunch of heavy luggage, but she also enjoyed more freedom to explore without the burden of excess baggage.

In addition to capitalising on a capsule wardrobe approach, for space-saving, roll your clothes tightly and use packing cubes for efficient organisation. This keeps your suitcase neat and allows you to navigate effortlessly, maintaining an elegant appearance throughout your journey. Packing cubes are not just a trend; they make life so convenient, because they help you locate the items you need without emptying your entire suitcase, saving both time and frustration.

Clothing Hacks: Preventing Creases and Wrinkles

No one wants to holiday at their dream destination, looking like they've been sleeping in every item they wear! With a few smart techniques, you can keep your outfits pristine. Use tissue paper when folding garments to minimise friction; and opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics like merino wool or high-quality blends, that maintain their shape in transit.

Expert Tip: The Hanging Method

If you're flying, consider adopting the hanging method: rather than folding each item, hang your clothes on a hanger (if your accommodation allows). Once you arrive at your destination, the weight of the clothes can help naturally smooth out wrinkles. If all else fails, many hotels offer garment steaming services, so taking a few extra minutes to freshen up before heading out can work wonders.

If you do need to pack anything delicate, place it on top to avoid pressure, ensuring you are ready to step off the plane looking your best.

Liquid Hacks: How to Prevent Spills in Your Luggage

Nothing tests your sense of humour, like having toiletries leak and ruin your carefully packed items. Transfer any liquid products into travel-sized, leak-proof bottles, which are easily obtained from your local department store or West Pack Lifestyle. For added security, place a small piece of plastic wrap under each bottle cap before securing it.

As a final fail-proof, keep all liquids in a separate resealable bag. This is guaranteed to contain any spills or leaks from a cracked or broken container; and, as an added bonus, it will simplify getting through airport security, should there be any questions.

One invaluable companion on any trip - irrespective of the duration and destination - is a small pack of wet-wipes. Whether it's cleaning little sticky fingers, wiping up spills or simply needing to freshen up, these small, moist, disposable clothes are worth their weight in gold. 

First Aid Kit Essentials: Be Ready for Anything

A well-prepared First Aid Kit is a travel must-have. Essential contents should include plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, tweezers, sharp pair of scissors, medical tape and thermometer.

In addition to any personal prescriptions that you may be taking (remember to keep these in their original packaging and place in your hand-luggage, so they're on-hand), it's always helpful to have your go-to, over-the-counter medications for colds and 'flu, headaches and pain,allergies (antihistamine), antacids, anti-diarrhea and laxatives.

Customise your kit based on your itinerary to cover all bases, ensuring you're ready for anything from minor injuries to unexpected allergies. If you plan to hike in the mountains, consider including insect repellent; and if your travels lead you to culinary hotspots, don't forget your digestive aids.

Another must-have that needs no explanation or motivation, is sun-screen!

Remember to put any sharp instrument in your main luggage that is going in the hold - and not in your hand luggage - or you could end up making an involuntary donation to ACSA. (We've all been there!)

A Word on Prescriptions

Be sure to keep a list of your medications, especially if you have a specific health condition. This can be incredibly useful if you need to seek medical attention abroad. Some countries have different regulations regarding certain medications, so do your research before your trip.

Tech Travel: Keeping Your Devices Charged and Safe

Staying connected during your travels requires keeping your devices charged and protected. A portable charger (power pack) is essential for on-the-go power; choose one with ample capacity to recharge your devices multiple times. If travelling abroad, invest in a universal adapter, preferably one with USB ports for simultaneous charging. Remember to pack your portable charger in your hand luggage. Do not put them in your hold luggage as this is not permitted and could result in your luggage not being loaded!

The Device and Cable Organisation Game

Protect your electronics by wrapping cords with cable ties or storing them in a small pouch, keeping delicate items like your tablet or camera cushioned in a separate pocket of your carry-on. Invest in some multicoloured Velcro One-Wrap Ties, which secure your cords neatly and keep them organised. These ties make it easy to create a colour-coded system, allowing you to quickly identify cables based on device type or even family members. After bundling the cords, you can store them in labelled bags, sorted by charger, device, or individual.Consider adding a small, portable Wi-Fi device or an eSIM card for easy internet access wherever you go, eliminating the stress of finding Wi-Fi hotspots or dealing with prohibitive roaming charges.

Comfort Items: Making Long Journeys Easier

Long-haul journeys can be taxing, but a few comfort items can significantly enhance your experience. A high-quality neck pillow, an eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones create a restful environment whether you're flying, travelling by rail or by road. Compression socks can also help improve circulation and reduce swelling on longer flights.

Create Your Comfort Kit

Consider packing a small pouch with your favourite snacks, a reusable water bottle and a travel journal to document your journey. These small comforts can make a world of difference when you're miles away from home.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

As you embark on your travels this December, remember the importance of not just the destination but the experiences you gather along the way. Whether it's helping a fellow traveller, discovering hidden gems in a bustling market or sharing a laugh with a local over a mispronounced phrase, these moments become the stories you cherish long after your trip ends.

So, travel smart, stay safe, and make this holiday season one to remember!

Please note, this article is provided in good faith to inspire and inform, based on available information. However, as it reflects general insights, we recommend verifying any details independently. We hope these tips enhance your experience, but please understand we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or assume responsibility for your decisions based on the content shared.

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