Taking the Stress Out of Holiday Packing
We all know that holidays are supposed to offer relaxation and recuperation – but sometimes they can become inordinately stressful, and often it all starts with the packing! It’s not only women who pack the same amount of belongings for two days as they do for two weeks! Men do it too, and think about how much luggage there will be if you have kids to add to that as well!

If you’ve already planned your holiday, booked your accommodation and are all set to go, keep reading for some hot and handy tips on how to keep the packing nightmare at bay.

Don’t forget, there are two steps here. Not only do you have to pack your bags, but then you have to fit it all into your car.

Clothes and Accessories
Pack skirts, dresses and pants which won’t crush and can be adapted for day or night. Don’t forget your rainwear as well.  For some of you this is boots and jacket, but for others it may simply be an umbrella.

Two other things are key. The first, especially for summer holidays, is swimwear and beach accessories including a hat, sunscreen, towels and beach shade or wind protection. The second is nightwear - even if you don’t usually wear it at home, you never know who you will meet in the bathroom whilst on holidays!

To make packing easy, roll clothes rather than folding. Not only do they crease less, but they take up less room. And don’t forget, you only need three pairs of shoes as an absolute maximum. Wear one and pack the other two – slip-on shoes, trainers or joggers and something more sturdy or formal depending on your type of holiday.

Accessories

Use a plastic bag when packing shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and moisturiser so that it does not leak all over your bag. Mini-bottles are great if you need to pack light – for shampoo, conditioner etc, because, lets face it, you won’t need the whole bottle if you are only going away for a few weeks.

If there are lots of women travelling together, work out who will take the hairdryer and then share, rather than packing one each, or find out if your accommodation has one in-house.

The necessities in the accessories department are a hair brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and a soap container to keep that slippery soap in. In addition, pack your cosmetics, shaver and perhaps some spare toilet paper as it is not provided at all properties.

Other Things You Might Need
A few added extras which might save the day include a first aid kit and sewing kit, ball games, card games, books, water toys, camera and film. Check that the batteries in your camera are working before you leave home.

You might also check with your accommodation providers whether or not you need to take your own linen, bathmats, tea towels and towels and even a pillow each. Better to be safe than sorry!

For the Kitchen
If you choose to take basics from your cupboard rather than buying them at your destination, or if there are no supplies available at your destination (e.g. houseboat or camping), the following is a list of the basics you might need.

Matches, detergent, tea, coffee, Milo, milk (perhaps some UHT milk to get started with), sugar, salt and pepper, tomato sauce, vegemite, peanut butter and jams. Don’t forget breakfast cereal or bacon and eggs and margarine or oil to cook it in. You might also like to bring from your local supermarket a variety of your favourite snacks for morning and afternoon tea as well as soft drinks, beer and a bottle of wine or two (if you partake)…

For the Car
Make sure your trip starts out on the right foot – don’t forget to pack a bottle of water (for you, and perhaps also one for the radiator), snacks, road maps and a mobile phone, in case you need to call your destination for better directions. Ensure the car is full of petrol, the tyres at the right pressure and you have enough oil and water in your windscreen wiper reservoir.  

Pack a lightweight jumper or cardigan, no matter what time of year. Some people also like to pack a light lunch and a thermos of hot water for tea and coffee.

If you are travelling with children you might like to pack some games, books and pencils to keep them busy on the trip. Pillows are always handy to encourage that daytime snooze.

Last but not least, make sure everyone in the car takes a trip to the bathroom before you depart and start your trip with a smile! Enjoy!

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