Sunday, June 24, 2012

How to Prepare for a Summer Vacation ?

Have you ever tried to prepare for a summer vacation at the last minute? It probably wasn't a success. Was it? It’s a fact: When going on vacation, most people bring more than they need. While women are almost always guilty of this travel crime -- often bringing five pairs of shoes for a six-day getaway -- men are certainly not immune to the over-packing syndrome. If you’re flying, one way to ensure you can’t pack too much is to take hand luggage only and fold clothing properly. Of course, preparing for a summer vacation entails season-specific considerations, and because less really is best for a warm weather break, we have put together this guide on what and how to pack so the lead-up to your holiday will be hassle-free. For our top tips on how to pack like a pro, giving yourself adequate time to prepare is one of the most important steps, so let's get started!



Steps

1. Find out where the place that you want to go is located. Research the tourist activities available to you. There is nothing worse than going to a place and not knowing what it has to offer. This is particularly true if you're short on vacation time and need to make the most out of your vacation.


2. Talk to your boss ahead of time and arrange the dates that you want off of work. The standard two week notice isn't appreciated most times. Give them notice as soon as possible and keep reminding them every month until the day of your vacation.

3. Find out what kind of transportation you will be using to get there. If you are taking a plane, make sure to book it months ahead of time. There are two reasons for this. One, your tickets will be much cheaper if you pre-order them. Two, you want to make sure that your seats don't fill up and then you're forced to reschedule your flight.

4. Book your hotel right after you've reserved your plane tickets. Make sure to prioritize and find out what is important to you. Find out where the hotel is located. If it's located on the beach and your main purpose of going on this vacation is to take your children to Disneyland for a couple of days, you might want to rethink your hotel choice.

5. Research the activities and sights you want to see. Find out the cost of all these activities ahead of time. That way when you get there you won't be short of money, and you will have adequate time to have save money before you arrive at your destination. Most of us aren't able to travel all the time, so you might as well be able to see everything you want while you're there.

6. Save extra money. Even after you've researched everything you want to do, it is always good to have a couple of hundred dollars just in case you see something else that you'd want to experience while on your trip there.

7. Learn about the culture if you're going to a completely foreign country. While we tend to think that our gestures are polite and friendly, in some countries they're interpreted as being rude. For example, the thumbs up means, "f... you," in some countries. In America, however, it is considered to be a symbol of a job well done.

8. Care about safety Law differs a lot around the world. Some things which lead to a fine are punished with several years of jail elsewhere. Another issue is health. Other countries, have dirty tap water that shouldn't be swallowed. Safety comes first, so learn about the country you are visiting.

9. Pack everything that you need. Make sure to bring your battery charger so that you can take plenty of pictures of your destination. Buy sunscreen, you don't want to look bad in your pictures. Remember to always leave your house a couple of hours early if you are travelling by plane.

10. Also, remember to bring converters for electrical outlets, if you're travelling to or from places with different types of outlets; for instance, from America to Europe or vice versa.

And:


Pack summer-friendly fabrics: Unless you’re headed to the Arctic to chill out this summer, you can bet the weather will be hot on your holiday. In fact, many regions of the United States, as well as much of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, will be sweltering this time of year. To beat the heat in style, you’ll want to limit yourself to packing apparel in summer-friendly fabrics. Cotton, linen, bamboo and silk are all top choices for a summer vacation as they’re breathable, lightweight and some are wrinkle-resistant. This means that they won’t take up much room in your travel bag and they’ll help protect against perspiration in hot weather. In case temperatures drop, it’s also smart to bring along a summer-weight cashmere sweater, which will keep you comfortable on rainy days or chilly nights.

Pack double-duty items: One of the best ways to save on space in your suitcase is to bring as many versatile items as possible. In fact, almost every piece you bring should fulfill two criteria. First, all the items you’re packing should work well together. Second, you should ask yourself whether a specific article can be used in an alternative way. For example, if you bring a leather carry-on and you’re headed to a sandy destination, you won’t be able to use that bag as a beach tote. On the other hand, opting for a canvas carry-on now means you no longer need to bring a dedicated beach bag. As well, a neutral pair of swimming trunks can work as casual shorts for daytime excursions and they’re easy to clean.

Shop for disposable fashion: 
Consider picking up a few things upon your arrival rather than weighing your bag down with items that can be purchased cheaply and without difficulty anywhere in the world. Flip-flops, a pack of basic T-shirts and even a funky hat are all examples of inexpensive necessities you won’t have much trouble locating -- even in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. Similarly, avoid overloading your toiletry bag by procuring shampoo, conditioner, soap, sunscreen, bug spray, razors, and shaving gel at your destination. If they don’t already supply these products, the hotel staff will be able to tell you where to find them.

Feeling a little less stressed about packing for a summer vacation? We have more tips to calm your nerves after the jump

Pack only the essentials: For a two-week trip, you’ll want to bring the following: your most flattering pair of dark hued jeans; one pair of neutral-colored cotton trousers (navy, black, or white are ideal) that can be dressed up or down; one pair of shorts that can double as a swimsuit; three T-shirts; two dress shirts that won’t wrinkle easily -- one of which resists dirt and spill and you can wear out two nights in a row; and one blazer.

Keep in mind that clothing that weighs less will take up less space, which rules out bringing several pairs of jeans as denim is heavy. Instead, wear one well-fitting, go-with-everything pair of jeans while you’re traveling. Footwear should also be kept to a minimum -- choose between one pair of sneakers or comfy leather sandals for sightseeing, and bring one pair of slide-on loafers that are dressy enough to wear out. If you’re flying, wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane. Also, a spot-cleaner, like a Tide To Go Stick, can save your wardrobe when you’re away from home -- so throw one in to your toiletry bag before jetting off.

Downsize: Vacation is the perfect time to let your facial hair grow out and sport a sexy scruffy look. For a two-week journey, you’ll likely only need one razor -- if you plan to shave at all. Additional items you should pack include deodorant, your favorite cologne, your toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb, and contact lens solution. Air travel now requires that all liquids and gels be under 100mL and contained in a resealable clear plastic bag. Be sure to pick up all of your grooming essentials in travel-friendly sizes. Many companies now make their products available in options that comply with flying rules and restrictions.

Less is more: Aside from airport annoyances, packing for a summer break can be the most stressful part of your vacation as you scramble around frantically trying to make sure you have taken everything you could possibly need -- including those fuzzy slippers you probably won’t wear on the plane. Now that you have read our guide, however, you know exactly what to bring and what to leave behind. So take a deep breath and relax -- after all, that’s what your vacation’s all about.

So, Packing and unpacking, perhaps the best time to clear those closets and drawers is after a long summer when you finally unpack for the last time. (Or, if you haven’t been away, just “pretend” the process as the summer ends and the new school year begins.) What, in those drawers, shouldn’t you wear any longer, haven’t you worn, or are you keeping “for the future” or out of guilt? Now, is the time to simplify your storage and your wardrobe (unpack it, so to speak) and open up some space to let the cool, autumn air in. Have a good summer vacation!




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