Article
Packing is one of the most
tedious aspects of traveling. You have to make sure you pack everything you
need and it has to fit within a definite space. It is no secret that a majority
of Nigerians travel to their hometown during Christmas and most of these
travelers jam all sorts in their bag and end up with double worth of gear,
while others pack a bit too lightly and forget vital things like medicine, or even their money. The measure of a good
traveler is not in how light he or she travels, but in how well he or she has
packed. Shrewd travelers know how to strike the perfect balance and pack just
what they need. Jumia Travel has therefore made a list of 5 time-tested packing
tips, to help Nigerians who would be on the road this Christmas figure out what
to pack or not to pack.
Decide on what bag to
carry
First, you need to decide
on what bag you need to carry. This decision of course will be determined by
how long you are travelling for and the number of things you need to pack. It
is however always advisable to aim at carrying one bag or box. Do not dwell on
the aesthetics of the bag, aim for both stylish and functional luggage bearing
in mind what you will use it mostly for. Would a soft hold-all that can be
compressed into the boot of a car, for instance, be more suitable than a stiff
case? A good short-trip travel bag should always be within the size limits set
by airlines for cabin luggage for an out-of-the-country business trips. Avoid
bags with wheels as this will limit where you will be able to walk – up and
down stairs or across cobbles – and can quickly become a pain.
Make a packing checklist
Although lists work for
some and not so much for others, it is vital to create a checklist before
packing so you can clearly see what you have on the list that you don’t really
need as well as what you forgot. Ensure you compile this list some days or even
weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete
list, and buy any extra items you might need for your trip. Creating a packing
checklist is a foolproof way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring
something essential. Keep your final list with you so you can quickly refer to
it when you start to look for something or you are packing to return.
Pack sparingly
Packing sparingly allows
for flexibility on your trip. Spread out everything you think you might need on
the living-room floor or on your bed, then pick up each item one at a time and
scrutinize it. Ask yourself, "Will I really use this (the item) enough to
rationalize carrying them around all through the trip?" Not "Will I
use them?" but "Will I use them enough to feel good about carrying
them around?" Pack multi-purpose clothing that you can reuse in several
outfits. Again, resist last minute urges to pack extras (like extra pants).
Allow extra time before you leave for the airport to vet what you’ve put in your
bag. Aim to take at least three items out. You might want to bring back
keepsakes or buy more clothes when you’re away, so you need to make sure you
have room.
Roll, don't fold.
Many travel experts agree
that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space
than folded ones. Again, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold
creases. Stuff small items, like socks, into shoes, to make the most of space
and, if you're going away for a while and really do need
Pack an SOS bag
This is not saying that
you should pack two different bags with the same, exact content. A lightweight
smaller bag is ideal, either a little shoulder day-pack or a bag with a strap
that can be worn across the body. If you have ever had the misfortune of a lost
bag then you will understand why this is completely necessary. Your SOS bag has
your necessities in so no matter what happens to your checked-in luggage you
are sorted on arrival. So just in case, make sure anything important/special to
you gets packed in your hand luggage… just in case.
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