My Top Twelve Packing Tips
- Nicole Watts
- Oct 1, 2017
- 4 min read
I'm currently in the middle of packing for my next international adventure! My girlfriend and I are heading over to Sydney to board a cruise ship sailing around New Caledonia. We leave in 12 hours so what better time to write up a quick blog post, right?!
For me, packing is probably my least favourite aspect of travelling. I always leave it to the last minute and I'm prone to over packing. So here's some of my packing tips that have helped make my life easier over the past few years...
1. Lunch Cooler Bag = Cosmetics Case
Lunch cooler bags make the best cosmetics cases. Firstly, they have a waterproof liner. This makes cleaning up those annoying spills super easy. Secondly, they are so much cheaper than actual cosmetic cases but serve the same function. In fact I would go as far to say they are more practical; I got this super cute, double compartment one for $7 from Kmart. I've gone against my own tip (#11) and have literally packed this thing with so much stuff and it could hold more. Winning!
2. Aloe Vera Moisturiser
If you're going somewhere warm and sunny, and you're pasty like me, there's a good chance your skin will need some TLC. I love taking Vaseline's Aloe Soothe moisturiser. It's super hydrating and fully absorbs into the skin (unlike other moisturisers that are quite oily) and can be used over the entire body. It also has aloe vera extract in it to help relieve minor sunburns. Two birds, one stone!
3. Take Your Own....
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and pain relief. In my experience these three items have always been a lot more expensive than purchasing them here in NZ. Lesson learnt in Vanuatu when we paid $25NZD for a tiny bottle of sunscreen.
4. Public Transport Apps
Not really a packing hack - but I always do this while preparing to leave. In a place like Sydney where public transport is the cheapest method of getting around it's handy to download any PT apps first to familiarise yourself with them. It's stressful enough navigating a new rail/bus/ferry system without also having to navigate the app too.
5. The Pen
For such a tiny item it holds so much importance! You'll be lost without it. You need one to fill in all the custom/immigration cards at the airports and the difference of having one or not could determine your fate on how long you will spend waiting in lines. Put this in your hand luggage!
6. Take NZD Cash
Seems a bit strange....going to another country and withdrawing NZD. But trust me, it will save you money in currency conversion fees! I always like to get out some cash in the local currencies of the country I travel to, but I hate getting out too much cash. It just means I have to pay double in the conversion fees to get it back to NZD when I return. Instead, I exchange an amount slightly short of what I think I'll need and then take NZD cash to supplement it. This means that when I am over there I do not have to pay any ATM fees (upwards of $8 per transaction) and I can just exchange exactly how much I need. When I arrive home it's easy to just deposit the left over cash back into my bank account.
7. Print Everything
It's a waste of trees but it's better than being stuck in a country with a language barrier and no internet to confirm your bookings. Even in English speaking countries, technology fails and the last thing I want is to not have proof of my bookings.
8. Towels and Hair Dryers?
Always double check with your accomodation whether they supply these things. It's the easiest way to save on space in your suitcase/pack. If they don't? Research whether these are items you can purchase over there and then donate to charity before you leave. Also, consider whether they are necessities: towels - yes; hair dryer - not for me!
9. Spare Underwear
I think the title is self explanatory. I always take a spare pair of underwear in my hand luggage when flying - especially on long haul flights. When we flew to Asia we where flying/in transit for 32 hours.... most people don't go that long between freshening up and travellers shouldn't have to either!
10. Stuff Your Shoes
Shoes are frankly a pain in the arse to pack. They can be awkwardly shaped and always seem to take up a lot of space. I like to stuff my shoes with small items of clothing (underwear, socks, singlets). This not only utilises wasted space but also helps to keep your shoes' shape.
11. Empty Your Bottles
If you're struggling with weight restrictions in your checked luggage a quick way to lighten things up is to only take enough product for the duration of your trip. Do you really need a brand new bottle of shampoo for your seven day holiday? There are heaps of shops that sell travel sizes bottles that you can decant all of those toiletry products into.
12. Overseas Laundry
If you're going away short term and can't wash your clothes a mesh laundry bag is a must. It keeps dirty clothes seperate and tidy while still allowing them to breathe before you can wash them a couple (10-15 haha) days after you get back. If you do have laundry facilities it's really handy to find a travel sized packs of laundry powder (or a good ziplock bag does the trick too). Powder is one of those things hostels/hotels like to charge an arm and a leg for.
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