HACKS AND HOW-TO'S FOR FAMILY TRIPS
Hi, all! Packing for and going on family vacation can be very stressful! Here are a couple tips and tricks to help make your vacation a little more enjoyable.
1. Stick to the Basics
As silly as this may sound, stick to basic pieces that are easy to pack and mix and match. Stores like H&M and Forever 21 are known for the way they offer a large variety of basics for men and women at fairly inexpensive prices. Packing basic pieces offers the possibility of mixing and matching many pieces repeatedly, giving you double the outfit options.
2. Layers, Layers, Layers!
Packing light layers is really great for when one adventures to places with picky weather, especially since the weather people can so often be wrong! Having light layers allows you to stay comfortable in the climate, but can also add a little special flare to an outfit. For example, a flannel or light jacket will add a layer of warmth, but are also super cute to tie around your waist as a style piece.
3. Coordinate Who Brings What
Coordinating with your family or other travel mates who brings what can be so helpful for bulkier items, such as a hairdryer, or other things that would consume too much space. For example, asking your sister to pack a hairdryer while you take an extra sweater for the both of you gives each of you the item of concern that you needed without having it all in your suitcase. This also works well for items such as shoes that you and a sibling might be able to share, but split them up when packing so neither uses up too much suitcase space on either item.
4. Packing Equation
Only pack exactly what you need, based on what you’ll wear. For example, a trip for 7 days will require no more than three tee shirts, and four pairs of shorts. It may not seem like a lot, but with that amount, you have enough to mix and match 12 different outfits! Things such as undergarments (bras, underwear, etc.) should have at least 1 per day, but shoes can be settled for two neutral pairs that will match nearly everything you’ve packed and are comfortable. Having an idea of how much to take based on how long you’ll be away and what you’ll actually use is a great way to not over pack, keep your luggage light, and worry-free.
5. Don't Trust The Hotel Toiletries
Bring your normal products with you. Yes, it can be a hassle, especially for a short trip, but being away from home is already unnerving to some degree, and having your normal products can help a little bit. The best way to do this is to buy a fresh product, use it halfway before the trip, and just take the other half on the trip so that you won’t have to worry about bringing it home. Only packing half will allow you to take only what you need, minimize the mess if something is broken or spills, and leaves more room for souvenirs on your way home!
6. Accessorize To Change the Look of An Outfit
Accessories can completely change the look of an outfit, and are super easy to pair with a mix and matched basic outfit to enhance the entire look. A couple statement necklaces are super versatile and very pretty. The same will also work with large statement earrings, an adorable handbag, or a few colorful watches/shoes for a guy! Anyone can accessorize to change the look of their outfit, all while packing very little!
7. Be Honest With Yourself About What You're Packing
Perhaps the biggest mistake most people make when planning for a trip is buying new and expensive things that they aren’t comfortable in. This creates a problem for most people when actually on the trip, and the clothing they’ve bought is uncomfortable to wear, or new shoes cause their feet to blister. Not only does this actually leave some vacation-goers with pain, chances are, if you aren’t comfortable in what you’re wearing or what you brought with you, you’re going to be unhappy/miserable to some extent, ruining the vacation. Be honest about the things you enjoy wearing and feel comfortable in, and enjoy your trip rocking the things you love!
