Packing for your Holiday
What to pack for holiday? The question on all our lips when we start to plan our break be it a short trip or long cruise. This is where some of us start weeks before hand as we know we will change our minds several times before we finalise, for others they pack at the last minute. I’m not sure which is best but holiday packing can be a pain .
One of our seasoned roving reporters Barbara has supplied us with her “Packing list” to make sure of the essentials when going on holiday. If you have any ideas to add to the holiday packing list please click here to contact us and we’ll add it!
After losing her baggage on one holiday one of the first things Barbara packs is a spare set of clothes in her hand luggage.
Holiday Health
It goes without saying to make sure you take enough of your regular medication to last the duration of your holiday – but when I was in Turkey last year some chap had forgotten his – which led to all sorts of problems for the rep – bless her she chased around for half the day to get this gentleman sorted.
Packing List
I know some of these might sound obvious but sometimes it’s just good to have a check list that you can print off and run through.
|
Item |
Organised |
Packed |
Checked |
| Medicines | |||
| Re-hydration sachets | |||
| Pain relief tablets | |||
| Diarrhoea relief tablets | |||
| Antihistamines | |||
| Insect bite relief | |||
| Heartburn tablets | |||
| Broad spectrum antibiotic – speak to your health advisor | |||
| Vaccinations –check with nurse at your GP surgery | |||
| Small first aid kit , plasters, antiseptic etc. | |||
| Note of medications , dosage and frequency as well as Doctors name and address | |||
| Tooth repair kit | |||
| Passport –valid for the next 6months | |||
| Health Insurance up to date | |||
| Note of policy numbers | |||
| ICE numbers (In Case of Emergency) | |||
| Currency – and the best way to take it | |||
| Sunglasses and sunscreen | |||
| Adaptor plugs | |||
| Chargers for phone batteries etc | |||
| Spare Glasses if you wear them | |||
| Sink plug – one size fits all type | |||
| Shower shoes | |||
| Small torch | |||
| Travel alarm clock if on an organised trip | |||
| Insect repellent plug in and body spray | |||
| A small reel of strong adhesive tape in case of damage to suitcase | |||
| Sticky labels with the addresses of people you want to send post cards to- saves taking an address book |
Food and Water advice
Always wash your hands before handling or eating food – you would be appalled at the amount of people who walk out of the toilets after “washing” their hands with just water! What is that supposed to do? in my book just spread the germs all over the hands. Soap is a wonderful and one that is the true hero against the war on germs. Antibacterial wet wipes are a brilliant invention and an excellent alternative where soap and water are not available; I don’t leave the house without them. They are great for cleaning dirty/ sticky tables in some less diligent establishments.
If you are eating out and offered water I would always advise to drink carbonated/ sparkling as you can be sure the bottle hasn’t been tampered with. It has been known for restaurants to fill empty bottles from the local spring. This practise is probably absolutely fine for the locals who are used to the high mineral content or local contaminants but more often than not our constitutions fall foul of it and we end up with bad stomach upsets which can last for days.
Always carry water with you when abroad we don’t tend to drink enough anyway and in hot climates we dehydrate more quickly.