Vacation Planning Starts With the Right Packing List

Vacation Planning Starts With the Right Packing List

From comfy shoes to waterproof slickers, having the right apparel can make or break a trip. Some pre-travel planning will ensure you'll have what you need.

By Diana Rodriguez

Medically reviewed by Kevin O. Hwang, MD, MPH

Whether you’re visiting a big city or climbing ancient ruins, your vacation memories will be made as you explore your new surroundings. But you don’t want your strongest recollections to be the blisters you got when you wore the wrong shoes or the terrible cold you developed because you brought the wrong clothes. Starting your vacation planning by putting together a smart packing list, both for the activities you’ll enjoy and the local customs you might encounter, can help you to avoid just such a scenario.

Packing List 101: Choose the Right Shoes 
For an active vacation, shoes should be a top priority on your packing list and in your suitcase. As a rule of thumb, choose the best footwear for the main activities highlighted in your vacation planning. This might include:

·         Fitness, running, or cross-trainers for walking and sightseeing

·         More rugged hiking shoes or boots if you’ll be climbing or walking over rough terrain

·         Insulated snow boots for a winter trip to the mountains

·         Well-constructed sandals with foot support for beach getaways

·         An optional pair of fashion-conscious shoes for short-walk events, like dinner or the theater

Packing List 101: Plan to Layer Your Clothes 
Each piece of your wardrobe should be comfortable and easy to move in. And, to cut down on the overall amount of clothing that you have to pack, pieces should coordinate with others that you're taking. Here are some specifics to keep in mind:

·         Coordinate. “It's always a good idea to pack a few neutrals — you can get several outfits from the same few pieces of clothing," says David Lytle, editorial director of Frommers.com, the travel-guide Web site.

·         Layer. Lytle also recommends bringing clothes that can be easily layered. Layering is especially helpful if the temperature fluctuates during the day or the weather is not predictable. You might begin a day’s outing wearing a couple of light layers and a light jacket or sweater that can be tied around your waist as the temperature warms. The last thing you want to do is waste time going back to your hotel because you’re not dressed appropriately.

·         Plan for rain. If rain is a possibility, bring a thin rain poncho that folds into a small pouch or make your light jacket one that’s waterproof or water-repellent; add a small, collapsible umbrella for your backpack or tote.

·         Plan for cold. If you’re going to a colder climate, layering is still a sensible way to dress, but make the outer layer a heavier jacket, parka, or coat.

Packing List 101: Bring Country-Appropriate Clothes 
Make sure that you have the right clothes not only for various activities but also for the local culture. Just as you wouldn’t wear an evening dress and heels, or a suit and tie, on a hiking trip, you also wouldn't want upset local residents by visiting religious tourist destinations wearing a tank top and shorts.

“Cultural adaptation is important — one of the most important things you can do when you visit another culture is connect with the locals,” says Lytle. He suggests you research the country you’re going to visit to find out what might be considered offensive dress there. "Invest in a good travel guide or do research on the Internet," he says. "These sources all do their best to give information to readers.”

For instance, there are countries where it is inappropriate for women to wear very short skirts or shorts and bare-sleeved tops, and others where pants are frowned upon. If you’ll be touring houses of worship, you may be asked to cover your head and might want to have your own scarf with you for this reason. And since shoes must be removed before going into a mosque, for example, you may want to carry a thin pair of socks to put on.

Packing List 101: Winnowing It Down 
A time-honored rule of thumb suggests that, after you stack up all the clothes you plan on packing for your trip, cut the amount in half; most people over-pack and rarely wear more than half of what they bring. If your airline is still charging by the bag, you might want to follow that adage as your last vacation planning step to save your back as well as your wallet. Bon voyage!