Holiday packing? Do you do it well in advance or leave it until the last minute?

Question

I have done it both ways. When I have left it until last minute, have always found I had forgottten something.

Only problem with splitting stuff between two cases is if both go missing. Ours did, told to leave them in Reception until we could get in room. Came back (not long later thank goodness so we could start search)and Receptionist had let our cases go off with departing Icelandic guests. PANIC. Got them back about 6 hours later

Answer 1

I always do mine last minute(dot com). That way I don't pack too much. About a week before, I buy a new toilet bag and toothbrush. I always pack a jar of QT, 2x cups and a travel kettle first and the rest a couple of hours before leaving.Going away is always a good opportunity to buy a new pair of shoes(or half a dozen in Spain) or a top so I travel quite lightly. At the airport IF I've forgotten something essential I buy it there along with a sudoku book and new pen and 'away to go'
I have a friend who only takes his passport and Visa card and buys stuff at the airport and the country he's visiting and puts it in a new holdall. He buys a cheap suitcase if necessary whilst he's away
Just go and enjoy yourself and wear your coat(they weigh heavy in a case)

Answer 2

I usually write a list about a week before of everything I need to bring and add to it as the week goes on. If you leave it to the last minute you can often forget something important. I find a good way to do it is to mentally go through your day such as morning - toothbrush, face wash, toothpaste etc. and then work out what you will actually wear while there and try to get things that will work with each other rather than separate outfits. Also choose shoes that will work with all outfits including one sensible walking pair and a dressy pair. If more than one of you are travelling, split the contents between the cases in case one goes missing you will still have some clothes until it is found.

Answer 3

If it's a major holiday, I tend to make a list of stuff that I need around pay-day, that way if there is anything I need to buy (sun cream, new tube of toothpaste and the like) I can do that straight away.

As for actually packing the stuff up into the suitcase, then it's the night before and I just whatever clothes are nearby.

If it's just a weekend away, then I just grab what I need about an hour before I go.

Answer 4

Best practical solution is,on the day prior to the holiday having collected all the items you need to take beforehand, once you have that completed it is only a matter a putting them into your case. Last items on the day of going should be your toothbrush . Money passport and travel documents and you are on your way,
Don't worry about leaving anything as you can quite easily obtain same when you arrive at your destination...Enjoy your Holiday!!!

Answer 5

I normally do it two days before, so if I do need to wash or iron any clothes I have time. All you need is the basics, a change of clothes every day and wash kit.
There again, watching some people take everything bar the kitchen sink is amusing. I normally get away with taking about 10 kilos of luggage out for 2 weeks holiday fitting in a large rucksack or holdal.

Answer 6

I always leave it to the night before, I open a bottle of wine and make it the start of my holidays. I have learnt from past experience though to try to write down what I am putting in, I have ended up slightly tiddly in the past and totally clueless about what I have packed. I can go over the list in the morning, that way I tend not to forget anything.

Answer 7

I used to do it well in advance by the time I had to leave I'd forget what I'd packed so had to unpack and start again. packing the night before works best for me.

Answer 8

Either way, use a checklist, it makes things soooo much easier. Just go down the list and you are done .. example below:

Answer 9

I usually leave most of it until the last minute because prior to that there is usually something I need or want to wear.........

Answer 10

i normally start 3 days before, and finish the night before after making countless lists of things i need.