Every day brings with it a hit of dopamine as more countries lift travel restrictions, whetting our appetites for adventure and kicking our summer plans into high gear. But exploring a new destination starts with one rather tedious aspect: making a packing list. Here, we do the legwork, putting together a list of tips and hacks by holiday type.
Beach
You’re in dire need of some vitamin sea. We hear you. But whether you’re headed to Boracay, Bora Bora, or Zanzibar in search of palm-fringed beaches and crystalline waters, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- You’ll need a beach bag, so use yours as a carry-on baggage
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A kindle packed with beach reads (why lug books around?)
- Two to three pieces of swimwear
- One or two cover-ups to take you from the beach to dinner
- A light sweater for chilly evenings
- Polarised sunglasses
- A wide-brim sun hat
- SPF lip balm
- Flip-flops and a pair of dressy sandals
- Wet wipes aplenty
- An after-sun hair product, like the multitasking Solar Sun Oil by System Professional
City
City breaks bring with them a bit of everything – food, culture, art, history, and adventure, all in a matter of days. But first? A few packing reminders rooted in comfort and practicality.
- A lightweight rain jacket
- A handful of statement accessories
- Comfortable sneakers
- Light layers to dress according to weather changes
- An anti-theft backpack
- A power bank or portable charger
- A travel document holder
- Dresses – they’re light to pack and can be dressed up or down
- A reusable water bottle
- A lightweight travel camera
- A portable WiFi device
- Packing cubes
Cruise
Taking a cruise is a great way to explore several new destinations without long layovers and having to pack and unpack multiple times. Bonus: someone else is responsible for all the planning.
- Seasickness bands/patches
- Eveningwear in case dinner comes with a dress code
- A hanging toiletry bag with clear pockets
- A backpack or beach bag
- A travel-size wrinkle-release spray
- Necessary medication and a copy of your prescriptions
- An international travel adapter
- Destination-appropriate outerwear
- A waterproof phone case
- Activated charcoal tablets in case of food poisoning
- Specialised attire for themed nights
- Oh, and steer clear of the pineapple motif – it’s code for wife-swapping!
Safari
Going on safari is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the memories you’ll make while wildlife-spotting are priceless. As for what you’ll need in the midst of a sprawling savanna? Read on.
- Insect repellent
- A wide-brim safari hat
- Moisture-wicking clothing in neutral hues
- Local currency for tipping and snacks
- A lightweight scarf
- Lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirts to prevent scrapes and mosquito bites
- A utility jacket
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes
- A multitasking antiseptic, like Sudocrem
- Proof of inoculations
- Soft-shell luggage (hard-shell suitcases are banned on the small planes flying into the parks)
- A sizable dry bag to protect your belongings from rain and mud
Skiing
Between the surge of adrenaline during the day and the après-ski traditions that follow, escaping the summer heatwave for powdery pistes is a no-brainer. Just be sure to follow these packing tips.
- Resist the temptation to buy pricy ski equipment – rent instead
- 1 to 3 waterproof ski jackets and pants
- Thermal base layers and fleece layers
- A non-cotton balaclava or ski mask
- Goggles, ideally with changeable lenses for sunshine and low visibility
- Bring your own ski boots, and roll up small clothing items inside them
- Sunscreen and lip balm, both high in SPF
- A daypack to carry all your essentials on the slopes
- Windproof and waterproof gloves
- Thick, moisture-wicking socks
- An insulated flask for hot liquids
- Disposable hand and foot warmers
