Many people like to take large backpacks while on outdoor vacations, instead of large suitcases. The backpack will be easier to carry around, since it is on your shoulders and does not have to be dragged across the terrain. When buying a backpack, make sure it is quite large, has a very good padded straps, and plenty of compartments for all of your stuff. Also, look for one that is waterproof.

Always take a men’s sport watch with you. Taking a watch will allow you to know what the time is and if you ever go a separate way from your fellow vacationers, you will be able to set a time to meet them. Make sure your watch has a backlight on it, so you can also see the time in the dark.

Pack sleepwear with you, especially if you are traveling during a cold season. It’s a good idea to pack several pairs, just in case your pajamas get dirty or rained on.

It’s very important for you to take a very good pair of sturdy shoes with you. If your trip might include rain or snow, then take a really good pair of boots. A pair of leather brown boots is also a good purchase, especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking or climbing. These boots will protect your feet and will also be very comfortable to wear.

It is vital to your trip that you take the correct kind of sleeping bag with you. Not all bags are the same. Some are meant for warm weather and are made from thin materials, while others are meant for the cold and have a thick lining and hood. When looking for a sleeping bag, be sure to check the label to see what season it is meant for.

It isn’t always easy to decide what to take on an outdoor trip. Just be sure that you are taking the appropriate sleeping bag and clothing for the trip, and your holiday will be much more enjoyable.

One of the most important things to pack is an appropriate sleeping bag. Check the weather conditions of the location you are going to ahead of time and buy a bag that is suitable for those conditions. You can even buy one that accommodates you and your lover.

Pack a really good coat or jacket if you’re traveling during a cold season. Make sure it is also waterproof, since it is never fun to be damp all day long. Look for coats and jackets with hoods, so you don’t have to hold an umbrella all the time.

You may be tempted to pack your best outfits, but don’t do it. As appealing as this may seem, you need to plan to get a little dirty and for your clothes to take a bit of a beating from the outdoors. Only take the appropriate clothing. Pack for the weather and for the kinds of activities you will be doing.

Pack a pair of really strong and sturdy shoes. Hiking boots are always a good choice and some of them actually look quite nice. Make sure that whatever shoes you buy are strong enough to protect your feet from the weather and sharp rocks. Buy a pair that does not slip easily also. These will generally have bottoms with good grips on them.

It can be hard to sleep in a tent, so you might want to pack a good eye cream for your trip, like Lancome eye cream. This kind of cream will rehydrate your eyes and prevent them from appearing tired.

Pack yourself a portable space heater if you will be spending your nights in a cold cabin. This will keep you warm all night long.

You might want to buy a Delonghi space heater, since these heat up fast and aren’t difficult to operate.

Only pack what you need for your holiday. Focus on items that will help you make the best of your vacation.

As you pack for your vacation, it is important you follow some basic guidelines. If you ignore these, you may not have an enjoyable experience.

If you are vacationing in the sun, remember to respect it. The sun is powerful and its best not to ignore it’s harm and best to plan for it accordingly. The sun has powerful uv-rays and when not protected, you can be burnt severely. Bring plenty of sunscreen, and bring a high-spf formula if you have children, as they need to protect themselves even more.

Eyewear is another overlooked item you should pack. The sun can also damage the eyes and cause eye wrinkling. Eye wrinkling is also enhanced and affected by the way you squint. If you have eye wear, you will not squint as often.

Bring a list of emergency phone numbers, just in case something were to happen. You never know when an emergency may happen, and it is best to have relevant information handy. Also pack a first aid kit, including band-aids and cotton swabs.

Pack plenty of liquids, especially if your journey takes you in the car for several hours. Liquids include water and other consumable sodas and fruit juices. I do not advise calling beer a liquid in this reference!

Pack items that will entertain you and the family. If you have a DVD player, bring it along. A deck of playing cards is also a good thing to have with you as well. Try to keep busy even on your down time. If you feel at home while on vacation, odds are you will have a great time and not think about any of the pending or pressing issues you may have back in your home state. Vacations are for relaxing, so take your mind off your work, your school, and your relationship problems.

I you don’t pack properly the first time, you are setting yourself up for a disappointing vacation. You never know when you will need an important phone number in the sad event that someone gets sick or has a bad experience with an exotic food they try for the first time. Teach your children proper travel tips and set them up at an early age to be worldly travelers. This experience will be valuable when they reach the age where they start to work and even travel the world. Traveling can get lonely, and proper planning can help pass the downtime.

There is nothing more fun than going on holiday and especially honeymoon and nothing worse than packing… I am the pits at this, I am always in a hurry and normally just throw in my whole cupboard, well all the bits I like of course, and lets not forget the shoes, at least ten pairs and I am only going for three days, but with me there is always the just in case pair of pants, the what if I feel like pair of shoes, the second jacket, the jersey the scarf for in case of inclement weather, the sarong, the costume, the towel, my own pillow and well I can go on…

That is how it should not be done…

I found this list as detailed below and it is a fabulous and organized way to ensure that you are prepared ahead of time. I know it will help me in future and wanted to share it with you…

1) Prepare a list… this ensures that you have everything you need without your luggage being too heavy and in the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing you will have a full account of your losses.

2) Divide your luggage into his, hers and ours – three suitcases and one carry bag for mutual valuables.

3) The list provided is comprehensive and depending on where you are traveling to you may not require all the items, this is just a guideline.

Here is the list:

Media: Cellphone; Digital camera; batteries & manual; iPod / Discman/ MP3 player & batteries; mini-speakers; disposable underwater camera; foreign-language dictionary or phrasebook; journal/note-book and pen; maps and directions; mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs; reading material; travel guide(s).

Medical: antibiotic cream; anti-diarrhea medication; band-Aids; birth control; bug repellent; cortisone/anti-itch cream, for cruisers: sea-sickness bands or pills; pain reliever; prescription medicines.

Money & Documents: Addresses for sending postcards/e-mail; auto insurance card; business cards; cash; copy of marriage license; copy of medical history, if necessary; copy of vacation packing list; driver’s license/inter-national driver’s license; emergency numbers and embassy address; frequent flyer/frequent guest cards; paper airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation; passports and visas, if necessary; photo ID, prepaid phone card; travelers checks and receipt (keep separate); vaccination certificates, if required; vouchers/ coupons/ tickets and your itinerary.

Miscellaneous: Anti-bacterial wipes; Bubble bath; Crazy Glue; Currency converter; Keys & Luggage locks; Plastic Zip-Loc bags; Playing cards; Sports gear (tennis rackets, golf clubs, swim goggles); Sunscreen/SPF; Sunglasses, Reading glasses, Contact lenses; Umbrella .

His vacation list: Menswear – Athletic shoes; belts; boxers/underpants; socks; Casual shirts; Dress shoes; Hat; shirts; Pants; Pajamas/Robe; Sandals; Shirts; Shorts; Sports jacket; Swim trunks; Tie;
T-shirts; Workout clothes.

Men’s Toiletries: Comb / Brush; Deodorant; Floss; Lip balm; Shaving kit; Shaving Cream; Shampoo/Conditioner; Styling Products; toothbrush; toothpaste; mouthwash; nail clippers.

Her vacation list: W omens Clothing and Accessories – Bathing suit and sarongs; bras; panties /thongs; Lingerie/sleep shirt; Costume jewelery: earrings, neck-lace, bracelets; fake diamond engagement ring (leave the real one in a safety-deposit box till you return); Dress; Heels; robe; Sandals; Short/ Capri’s; Skirt; Slacks; Slip/ Body slimmer; Sneakers; socks; Stylish shirt; Sweater; Straw/wide-brimmed hat; Tank/halter/sleeveless tops; Thongs; Workout clothes.

Her sundries & toiletries: Baby powder; Blow dryer/straightening iron; Comb/ Brush; Deodorant; Eyeliner; Eye shadow; Lipsticks; Blush; mascara; make up remover; facial cleanser; moisturiser, spf sun block, tampons; toothbrush/tooth-paste/mouthwash; dental floss; Shampoo/ conditioner/styling products; scrunchies and hair ties, tweezers.

Okay…lets get packing!