Ahh, the joys of traveling... waking up extra early in the morning to be at the airport three-and-a-half hours in advance, arguing with the ticket agent about how big your carry-on luggage is, being checked through security and having all your belongings searched, waiting two hours in the gate area, and worrying about whether you packed all the essentials. Like I said, what a joy!
Well, although most of these problems might be out of your control, the last one could be avoided. So when you plan your next trip to Jamaica, you'll be free and clear when it comes to your luggage.
choose luggage wisely
The first rule of packing involves knowing how to choose good luggage. The first worry marked off your list should be whether or not your suitcase is going to rip, break, and if it can be easily opened. You need top quality for peace of mind.Samsonite is probably the first and only brand name that might come to mind (there's a reason for that, you know). For years, this manufacturer has been making high quality, strong, sturdy, and relatively theft-free luggage. They are also efficient little things: You will find hidden compartments and spaces just when you thought you didn't have enough room for that Playboy magazine.
Make sure the luggage you choose has water-resistant material inside. Many people have opened their suitcases only to discover a puddle of liquid sitting at the bottom and eating away at their expensive clothes.
A quick tip: Line the bottom of your suitcase with a few plastic bags, which can later be used as laundry bags.
pack only the essentials
When going on a trip for more than five days, you will need to carefully assess which items are essential. You wouldn't want to be stuck on your third day with nothing but dirty underwear... The following is a checklist of all the essentials you will need:Toiletries
Toothbrush, mouthwash, toothpaste, floss (traveling abroad doesn't mean your breath has to start stinking like the local farm animals), comb, nail clippers, shaving cream, razor, cotton balls, cologne, and moisturizer. If you're not picky about shampoos and conditioners, then don't bother packing your own, hotels usually provide them. However, if you hate those rough towels that they provide, then I suggest bringing your own.Maps of destination
Maps can especially come in handy if you plan on renting a car and driving around town.Hot climate essentials
When traveling to warmer climates, remember to bring plenty of sunscreen. Just in case you get a nasty burn, bring along some burn cream or spray. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses too.Important documents
Plane ticket, driver's license, passport, health insurance card, calling card, credit cards, traveler's checks, and a couple of business cards (you never know what kind of contacts you might make). You will also discover (if you already haven't) that hotels forget who you are when checking in, so bring your confirmation number and reservation documents with you.Garments
Bring ample amounts of socks and underwear. If going on a business trip, then focus on formal wear and bring a couple of casual items for your own comfort. Otherwise, if traveling for pleasure, pack all your T-shirts and G-strings, and have fun! Bringing a light jacket can also help during those rainy days or bring a snow jacket if traveling to the majestic north. (And hey, I was kidding about those G-strings, leave those to the ladies).important but not essential items
Although not as important as the aforementioned essential items, you may want to carefully consider some non-essential items as well (hey, we need to pamper ourselves sometimes). Here are some more things to consider:Watch/alarm clock
I once stayed at a hotel that had a unique art-nouveau alarm clock for me to use. Real fancy stuff. Unfortunately, overnight, the power went out and the alarm clock was reset. Suffice it to say, I looked like a fool when I showed up for my meeting an hour late the next morning. I learned a valuable lesson that day: Bring your own watch or travel alarm clock. If you'd like to be extra careful, ask for a wake-up call if the hotel provides it.Cell phone with charger
I firmly believe that technology should be kept at home when you travel, however, when traveling in North America, it might be cheaper to call home from your own cell phone rather than using the hotel's telephone services.Condoms
Some might argue that condoms are essential items (and I agree), however I included them in this section since it's not a guarantee that you'll get some or even want to for that matter (right, honey?).Pack of gum
Chewing gum can do three important things: refresh your breath, repress hunger for a while, and depressurize your ears while flying at 30,000 feet.Your favorite CDs
Some hotels now include CD players in their rooms, as do many rental cars.Medication
You don't want to be stuck with an awful headache or heartburn during your whole trip. Here are some meds you might need: Tylenol, Aspirin, antacids, and Imodium (for upset stomach).Bug repellent
While recently traveling to the Caribbean, I discovered that mosquitoes are not only native to New York. They are even more vicious down south (and harder to see since they're extremely small critters). You may also encounter sand mites and fleas. Make sure to pack bug repellent and creams.
Entertainment
Magazines, playing cards or mini electronic games will come in handy to help pass the time during your five-hour flight or if you're bored and alone in your hotel room.Camera
Whether still or moving pictures, you will thank yourself in a few years when reminiscing about that beautiful model you picked up in a classy cafe in Milan (Note: This is the only way your friends will believe you).quick travel tips
- When traveling from a cold to a hot destination, make sure to choose garments that are logical for the trip. A light, long-sleeved shirt with bottom-detachable cargo pants is the type of outfit you should wear for the first and last days of travel.
- When packing, fold your shirts flat and roll all your pants and ties to avoid wrinkling. Make sure to optimize and maximize your luggage space, and leave a bit of room for potential souvenirs and gifts that you can pack on your way back home.
- Bring two pieces of picture identification. You will be asked to provide these when checking in, going through security and even when you're boarding the plane.
- With the current situation of higher airport security, make sure not to carry any sharp or pointy objects in your carry-on bag.
- Keep your own written record of all calls made from the hotel. Hotels are infamous for charging extra for calls not made or failed Internet connections. With a written record, you can refuse the charges on your final bill.
- Do not drink coffee, tea, soft drinks or iced tea while flying unless you'd like to visit the washroom every half hour. Drink water instead.
- Buy travel, baggage, health or cancellation insurance. It will save you a ton of headaches in the long run.
- Remember which time zone you are traveling to, and appropriately adjust your watch.
- Get plenty of sleep. Traveling drains your body of energy and can be very stressful.
- Exercise whenever you have the chance, unless gaining a potbelly within a week is on your to-do list.
ready, set, go!
The more you travel, the more experienced you'll get. Let this guide help you prepare for the first few trips, and, before you know it, you'll have the best, stress-free travel experience of your life. Use this list to double check before your trip and finally, bon voyage... you're now ready to go.Resources:
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