How To Pack For Christmas Break ANYWHERE

Samudraki's Saturdays

The weekend is finally here and Christmas is only 4 days away. That means it's time for Christmas Holidays, yayyy!!! As a student living in Europe with family in India there's no way i'm going to just lay around in my apartment in a completely dead city for 2 weeks. All my Christmas breaks have been spent in travelling and exploring Europe (to be honest, it's the only time I get to travel due to a tough course structure) and it's been a blast! I'm a travel enthusiast and I seize ANY opportunity I get to travel around and I think it's a family habit, thanks mom and dad. Not to brag, but I've been to almost 9 countries since I've moved to college (in a span of 2.5 years).  

Over these past few years, I've gone on student trips as well as solo trips which were alot of fun and filled with crazy activities, but at the same time I still remember how I was so terrified of what can happen on my first trip. Having been on both kinds of trips with very different and pleasant experiences I learnt how how packing really light works. Inspite of watching numerous videos and reading blogs before I did my first trip, and I still managed to overpack, haha.  As much as I hate to admit it, the minimalistic life can be surprisingly very pleasant, and this I had to learn the hard way!

So how exactly do I do it? Here are a few tips that I use which might help you in your last-minute packing for the Christmas Break (I know, I've been there). Mind you, this applies to any other kind of holiday or impromptu trip as well. You can thank me later.

Check The Weather 

This is obvious, but I suggest you check the weather a month before you leave. This will give you a rough idea if you have all the required clothes and gear. If not, you still get a month to buy all your essentials. Check the weather again a week prior to cross-check. 

Check The Flight's Luggage Allowance  

Every flight has their own suitcase allowance. So check it before you choose your suitcase. Infact, get a carryon suitcase a little smaller than the dimensions to be on the safe side to avoid checking in for small trips.

Keep Your Valuables Safe

As a student you want to travel and explore like a free bird but there's always that fear of loosing valuable items. To avoid that, I came across a DIY tricks of recycling containers and boxes to store things like keys and money. Another safe tip is to avoid bringing bigger electronics on trips like laptops and tablets. 

Last Minute Stuff

I always make a last minute list on my phone that is small enough for me to not panic. Ideally the list should only have basics like your keys, phone, charger and watch. Another really important tip is to split your money in your bags and wallet incase of theft. Lastly, identification on your bags doesn't necessarily have to be the same kind, but do have some kind of ribbons or stickers on your luggage besides your contact details. 

Golden Checklist

Here's my checklist applied to ANYWHERE. These things can stay in your suitcase even after your trip to make packing for the next one much faster.

1. Pack a smaller bag inside your full-size bag: This will give you extra baggage without paying the fees.
2. Packing Cubes: This will organise your belongings and also make it easier to remove the cubes and transfer them when changing suitcases. 
3. Compression/Vaccum Bags: These re-sealable vacuum bags isn't just a space-saver but also helps to keep your outfit safe from creases and stains. 
4. Dryer Sheets/Scented Liner Sheets: These will keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh if you're going on a longer trip.
5. Medical Kit: Make a medical kit with all the pills and creams you need for all kind of problems. It's better to be safe than sorry. Yes, some medicines need to be replaced frequently, but that can be done on the last minute. 
6. Spare Outfit: Always pack a spare outfit in case of emergencies and preferably put it in your carryon bag to avoid spending money on emergency replacement items. 
7. Passport and Wallet: In a small pouch put your passport/visas, tickets, extra ID card and a separate travel wallet. This pouch will ensure that while travelling you only need to transfer this pouch and not worry about misplacing important travel documents.  

I really enjoy the packing process of travelling as it builds up excitement for the trip. I hope these few pointers help you out on your upcoming adventures. If you have any cool tips and tricks that you use to make your packing process much more efficient. So, where are you going fellow travel enthusiast? Let me know in the comment section below!

XO, Samudraki