All Travel Packing is Not Equal: Packing Mistakes to Learn From and Avoid

I have been telling Bidisha to write about travel packing since she travels a lot. A lot. A lot. But I have been travelling and will be travelling a lot too. So there is no reason for me not to do the post.

My travel plans have been a little absurd lately. I just went to Croatia for a week last week. I am leaving for Amsterdam today and then I am off to Corfu on Monday – the same day I get back from Amsterdam. I know – this isn’t the most brilliant planning. But such absurd trips required some serious packing skills and I have learnt from my recent mistakes. There will be a lot more packing tips and tricks to follow.

Print bikini from Thailand, mirror glasses from Mango, hat from Thailand, dress from Stradivarius, beaded red necklace from Anokhi, camera from Canon and passport cover from Etsy.

Mistake 1 – assuming beaches only need swimwear and summer clothes

Big mistake because sometimes beaches are cold. Sometimes you might venture out of the beach to the town. Sometimes you might go for fancy dinner or drinks. Do not go in armed only with ridiculous beach clothing.

Mistake 2 – assuming the city you are off on your city break to is exactly like your city

It might be hotter, colder, you might need to walk a lot, you might need to walk not at all. For instance, I don’t carry jeans to Bombay for the summer. Its too hot and sticky. Just similarly, Bidisha makes sure she carries a warm sweatshirt (probably her only sweatshirt) for the London summer when she visits. I carry my heels to Bombay – especially those I haven’t had a chance to wear in London. While Bidisha brings her sneakers to London.

Mistake 3 – not being prepared

Basic medicines is an essential. But another kind of essential is carrying an extra tee, a jumper or a small umbrella or even a beginner lock pick set for emergency situations when you’re locked out of your luggage or room. Sometimes its carrying a towel in case you are staying in basic hostels. I am not saying carry your house but its important to figure out what is essential for you. For me, I always carry a jumper since I am extra sensitive to cold.

Another way of being prepared is making sure you have space for your shopping or have an extra bag for it.

Mistake 4 – packing too much or too less

I packed one tee and 3 dresses. Two of those dresses were white. One was a black slip dress. (I reread this and I know I sound completely clueless).

Whatever you situation, as in the previous point, figure out your essential and carry extras, tees, underwear and a sweatshirt or proper jumper and so on. Two white dresses for a week long trip is two white dresses too many.

Mistake 5 – packing inappropriately

This comes from point 4. I took along my black nude heels to Croatia. I didn’t even unpack them. Instead I could have packed in my sneakers which I would definitely have worn since we trekked across a whole national park. Lesson learnt.

Happy and efficient travels! I will see you once I am back next week.

– Anisha