The school year is finally over, the weather is warm. No homework, no assignments, sun filled days to do whatever you want, get a summer job to pass time and make some money... But wait! What's this? Oh no! No, no, and no again! Your family has just informed you that you are to accompany them on a vacation to the edge of nowhere. Talk about ruining your plans. Have no fear! The Multi-Purpose Summer Holiday Survival Guide has come to the rescue!
Packing
Step one, and absolutely essential. If you pack the wrong things, you could find yourself in a sticky situation further down the road. The first thing to consider is the location you're lucky enough to be visiting. Common sense comes into play. If you're crossing the equator, be prepared for winter. Visiting the beach is different from visiting a big city, so it's important to keep that in mind when packing. Space is the first big issue. It's impossible to fit your entire wardrobe; bathroom cupboard and kitchen sink into one suitcase. Another thing that comes into play could be weight restrictions on luggage, especially if you are traveling by airplane. Reducing the amount of space and weight is quite simple. Try stuffing shoes with socks or underwear, as this not only keeps your shoes in shape, it also means that any embarrassing items are safely hidden away if there's a random baggage test at the airport. Sample sized toiletries are a must, especially for short vacations. Keep in mind that if your holiday includes paying a visit to a nice hotel, they may have many basic toiletry items on stock in your room. If going away for a longer period of time to a built-up location, it is possible to buy toiletries while away, such as soap and shampoo, so there is no need to pack to excess. Consider placing bottles that have a tendency to leak in resealable plastic bags. One quick word for the girls who are lucky enough to be going to a foreign country: Take some, *ahem!* supplies. It could put you in a sticky situation if you are caught short and can't read the packaging.
Clothing-wise, it's important to take things that can be layered easily, and mix and match. Having 'color schemes' may work for you too. Knowledge about access to washing machines for longer trips is also useful, as you can cut back on clothing if you know they will stay clean. Always pack a sweater or two, even if you are going somewhere warm, as cold weather can arrive unexpectedly. Try to pack clothes that don't get crinkled or show dirt as easily. Pack what you feel comfortable in. If space in the suitcase is still an issue, try wrapping your clothes around other clothes, with the smallest, most "indestructible" items on the inside, and the items that are harder to care for on the outside. With a little imagination and some experimentation, you can do anything. If you think it's likely you may visit a fancy restaurant, attend a religious ceremony, or be required to dress modestly, pack accordingly. Generally, two to three pairs of shoes, three to four tops, two to four bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts), or perhaps a dress, plus your swim suit, will last 7-10 days in a beach location.
Packing
Step one, and absolutely essential. If you pack the wrong things, you could find yourself in a sticky situation further down the road. The first thing to consider is the location you're lucky enough to be visiting. Common sense comes into play. If you're crossing the equator, be prepared for winter. Visiting the beach is different from visiting a big city, so it's important to keep that in mind when packing. Space is the first big issue. It's impossible to fit your entire wardrobe; bathroom cupboard and kitchen sink into one suitcase. Another thing that comes into play could be weight restrictions on luggage, especially if you are traveling by airplane. Reducing the amount of space and weight is quite simple. Try stuffing shoes with socks or underwear, as this not only keeps your shoes in shape, it also means that any embarrassing items are safely hidden away if there's a random baggage test at the airport. Sample sized toiletries are a must, especially for short vacations. Keep in mind that if your holiday includes paying a visit to a nice hotel, they may have many basic toiletry items on stock in your room. If going away for a longer period of time to a built-up location, it is possible to buy toiletries while away, such as soap and shampoo, so there is no need to pack to excess. Consider placing bottles that have a tendency to leak in resealable plastic bags. One quick word for the girls who are lucky enough to be going to a foreign country: Take some, *ahem!* supplies. It could put you in a sticky situation if you are caught short and can't read the packaging.Clothing-wise, it's important to take things that can be layered easily, and mix and match. Having 'color schemes' may work for you too. Knowledge about access to washing machines for longer trips is also useful, as you can cut back on clothing if you know they will stay clean. Always pack a sweater or two, even if you are going somewhere warm, as cold weather can arrive unexpectedly. Try to pack clothes that don't get crinkled or show dirt as easily. Pack what you feel comfortable in. If space in the suitcase is still an issue, try wrapping your clothes around other clothes, with the smallest, most "indestructible" items on the inside, and the items that are harder to care for on the outside. With a little imagination and some experimentation, you can do anything. If you think it's likely you may visit a fancy restaurant, attend a religious ceremony, or be required to dress modestly, pack accordingly. Generally, two to three pairs of shoes, three to four tops, two to four bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts), or perhaps a dress, plus your swim suit, will last 7-10 days in a beach location.
