As the Autumn season nears its end a number of people are preparing for and booking their winter holiday getaways. Are you planning a holiday in the near future? I know I’m planning to relax for a few days or weeks. Packing for a trip away can be a confusing and maybe slightly annoying task to some. I know it annoys me.

Nonetheless, I have been able to develop my own ‘fool proof ‘ to-pack-list and thought I should share it. I would definitely love to know what you pack for your vacations? May be I can add it onto my list? Comment below with your suggestions!

Anyway, here is my top 10 items I definitely pack for vacation:

1 Passport/ ID

As soon as I decide which hand luggage I’m taking with me on the trip I make sure I tuck my Passport in it. This is always my first thing to pack no matter what. I’ve heard so many stories of people getting to airports or or driving for hours only to realize they forgot their passport. So as a precaution I always pack this first and it is the last thing I check on before leaving my apartment. As a Zimbabwean residing in Europe, my Passport is my gateway to most of the European countries.

I make a copy or 2 of the passport and my ID and I usually put a copy in each travel piece I take. Is that a bit too much?

2 Visas & Travel Documents

This remains my second go to item to pack. Because of my nationality I always research what documents I need to travel to each country. I do not like any surprises when it comes to visa issues. So, I always over prepare just in case things go south. 🙂

3 Clean Underwear

I mean of course you’re going to pack clean underwear in your main suitcase , but it doesn’t hurt to put a pair or two in your hand luggage or carry on. In case your luggage gets lost on a flight you still have clean underwear 🙂  I also pack a pair of comfy socks. Be it I am on a plane, or a bus or a train, as long as it takes more than 3 hours to go where I want to go…, those shoes are coming off and I put on my comfy socks. I am more of a relaxed traveller if you know what I mean. Comfortable clothing and no make up 🙂

4 Medication

We all suffer from different ailments. I know if I walk around for too long without rest my back seizes up and my legs ache resulting in a sleepless night. So I pack my painkillers and lavender oil/ spray for my pillow. Other medication or ointments to think of are: Anti Malaria tablets, Insect Repellant ,Tiger Balm , Heat rubs, Motion sickness tablets and check your prescriptions. If they need to be refilled do so days in advance. If possible check local laws on traveling with prescription medication.

5 Toiletries

For my toiletries I try to be as minimalist as possible. Fortunately my local drug store carries travel size everything so it is getting easier to pack these days (although here I made a picture of the regular sizes). Everything from toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner can be found in small travel sizes. If I’m staying in a hotel I don’t usually carry that much. Most hotels offer standard items which aren’t perfumed – i’m allergic to most perfumed soaps and deodorants. Also important are wipes. I am totally crazy about wipes! Ever since my mom introduced me to them some 8/9 years ago. Wipes for my face , wipes for my hands , wipes for my everything. Depending how long you’re travelling for you may need different types of wipes to keep yourself feeling fresh so make sure to pack them somewhere easily accessible to you.

6 Clothes & Shoes

If I am flying and there’s a risk my bags will be lost I usually pack a pair of leggings and a light sweater in my hand luggage. I try my best to minimise on what I take with me here too. For winter : 3 jeans, 7-9 tops, 1 hoodie, 3 string tops, 2 cardigans , tights, boots and trainers and 1 very warm coat. I hardly ever pack the coat , so that there’s more space in the suitcase. The trick is layering in winter, once you know what works for you your packing nightmares will be over. For warmer weather : 1-2 jeans , 3 shorts , 7-9 tops , 2 dresses , sandals, a pair of converse,  a cardigan and a light jacket.

7 Camera

I always make sure these are packed and charged. Including the camera I took this picture with.

8 Laptop, Tablet, Chargers, Power Banks & Cables

I hardly ever take my laptop anywhere (is this good to announce here? ha ha ha). Unless I am going away for more than 2 weeks then I take it with me. My tablet though has become a staple on my list.

9 Smartphone , Earphones & Headphones

No need to explain why here ! Necessities people necessities!

10 Books & Snacks

I hardly ever carry books with me these days. Thanks to technological advancements, I usually read everything on my tablet , I have my Bible, e-Books, movies and games on it. So I am always entertained.

Traveling should be a way to relax, I try to make sure that it is as least stressful as possible.  Of course things will always spring up but as long as you’re confident you have everything you need to relax then you’re halfway there!

I’m sure I’ve left out a few things but these are definitely my essentials!

Enjoy your packing!