For some, the least enjoyable part of going on holiday is the packing. It’s the job we often leave too late and find ourselves still forcing our suitcases shut right before we head out the door.
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While a UK staycation takes some of the stress out of packing, since you don’t have to worry about airline luggage restrictions, that doesn’t mean it’s a breeze. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
If you’re getting ready for family camping trips, weekend city breaks or hot tub holidays in the UK, then prepare to leave your packing woes behind. We’re going to let you in on our secrets to making sure that you arrive at your accommodation with a bag packed with exactly what you’re going to need.
Overpacking
First things first, the easiest way to make sure that your bags aren’t struggling to stay shut is to make sure you only pack the things you’re going to need. When you’re getting ready for a staycation, it’s easy to fall into the temptation of taking anything you think there’s even a small chance of your wearing.
Don’t fall into that trap! Sit down and really think through the outfits you’re going to take with you. You know exactly how many days you’re going for, so don’t go packing enough clothes for double that number. Stick to versatile pieces that you can mix and match rather than having a separate outfit for every occasion. It’s okay to be selective about what goes in your suitcase.
As long as you know you’ve got the right clothes for the sort of activities you’re planning to do – and a swimsuit or two if you’re planning on jumping in a hot tub – then you’ll be fine.
Ignoring the weather forecast
We all know that the weather here in the UK can be pretty changeable. One day, it’ll be feeling summery with clear blue skies and warm temperatures, and the next, it’ll be pouring with rain like there’s no tomorrow.
It doesn’t matter what time of year you’re planning your UK holiday. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and then pack accordingly. And don’t just check it once; keep an eye on how it’s looking right up until you’re ready to go.
Honestly, it’s always best to stick a light raincoat in your bag just in case.
Not making a packing list
Packing is already tedious enough without having to think about it beforehand. That said, writing a packing list ahead of time can actually make the entire process much simpler and quicker. When you aren’t racking your brain to remember what to put in the suitcase next, you’ll probably feel a lot less stressed.
A few days before you’re due to start packing, take some time to really think about all the things that you’re going to need to take with you. You can even cheat a little and look up someone else’s list online!
Note down any clothes, toiletries, electronics, documents and other things you have to pack and eliminate the risk of forgetting something important. When the time comes to pack, simply go down your list and tick everything off once it goes in the bag.
Not buying travel-sized toiletries
Since you don’t have to worry about going through an airport surely you can just take your normal bottle of shampoo with you, right? It’s tempting to skimp out on the travel-sized toiletries when you’re going on a UK holiday, but taking a half-empty bottle isn’t necessarily a good idea.
Not only are your regular toiletries bulkier and more awkward to fit into your bag, but there’s also a much higher risk that they might leak and get onto your freshly packed clothes. Rather than spending money on the tiny shampoos and shower gels, though, buy some small bottles to fill up yourself.
Forgetting the first aid
Nobody plans to get sick or hurt on holiday. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen, whether it’s a headache or a scraped knee, there’s always a chance that something will happen.
Save yourself the stress of trying to rush out and find supplies in the heat of the moment by packing some essentials. Keep a small stock of plasters, painkillers, tissues and any other medicines you might find yourself in need of. Hopefully they’ll just sit in your suitcase but this way you’ll have the peace of mind of being prepared.
There’s not many of us that really enjoy having to pack a suitcase. But by avoiding packing mistakes we can make our holidays even more enjoyable than before.
Now that you know where you might be going wrong with your packing approach, you can look forward to a less stressful few days ahead of your next UK holiday.
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