If your anything like me, packing is one of the most stressful things and I without doubt will forget something important. I have devised my own checklist that helps with not forgetting the most important things.
Home sweet home – Tents, blow up bed, sleeping bag – This is by no means an advert for Decathlon (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/) however having shopped around while looking for tents and other necessary items, I have found that it seems to be the best value for money. Always get a tent that is two people too many, a four-man tent will fit 4 people, but it can often be a squash. Obviously, this also depends on the mode of transport in which you are taking and the amount of space that you have. Include some battery powered lights that you can put up inside the tent, or something that you can use to distinguish the tent. Lots of people can have the same tent and if you’re getting back when its dark – it is very awkward to try and get in the wrong tent! Having a spare duvet/sleeping bag is always a good idea, the weather in any place can change very quickly.
Secrets – It may seem obvious, but packing can be stressful, and the most obvious things can often be forgotten (take forgetting duvet and pillows when camping in Whitby!) There is nothing worse then getting to your destination and you have forgotten something vital. I always put some cash in a wash bag or somewhere similar. This also includes pills such as paracetamol etc that can easily get left behind. Sunscreen is also a good thing to keep a spare of as it gets very expensive on route or even at the destination.
All the lotions - You can never have enough sun screen. Even in colder areas or even if it is not going to sunny. You can still get sunburst through cloud and it is very painful if you get sun burnt and then it rains. I put some on regularly throughout the day and always carry some with me, you never know when you might find somewhere to swim and end up washing off all the cream. Bug protection and bug bite aftercare is a good idea. It can take one bite to drive you nuts, that can affect your sleep and ultimately affect the whole trip. My favourite tried and tested is Calypso After Sun with insect repellent, it doesn’t break the bank and coming from someone that gets bitten everywhere, this stuff if amazing! It is also available in most UK stores, or online. Water – although again seems obvious, water is expensive, it is also much better for the environment to take big bottles instead of buying little bottles while you are there. If you have the room, you will save so much! Never underestimate the usefulness of baby wipes – they will clean mud, soak up water as well as help with chaffing!
Activities – Make sure you take things to do on down time days. Even if you are only going for a long weekend, there are always days that you will need to rest. Kindles are a great way to take a lot of books without the carrying or weight issue. If reading isn’t your thing, try taking games that can also be used on the beach, like cards etc there are lots of travel games available that work both on the move and also on rainy days (godsend while being stuck in tent a during a storm in Amsterdam! Or during the sailing day on a cruise!)
Tech – When booking the plot for your tent, try to include hook up so you have access to electricity, this may cost a little more but will definitely be worth it, especially in hot countries! A fan is brilliant to have if you have the room to take one with you; one thing that always surprises me is the amount of wastage when it comes to holidays. The amount of ‘stuff’ that is brought with no intention of taking it back with you seems like such a waste, if you are going to buy something on holiday, make sure you have room to take it back with you. More often than not you will need it when traveling again!
The list is pretty much endless and can be individual to each person, I just think of what I will need in all eventualities and then try to simplify it! If in doubt – create your own checklist, let me know any ideas that you have – I always love adding more things to mine! AND one last tip - Always pack your waterproofs, even if it hasn't rained for years at your destination, chances are it will rain!
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