Many South Africans will be out and about this holiday season, with locations such as the bush or the beach high on their holiday destinations. However, with all the excitement of school and work ending for some well-deserved time off, packing mishaps are known to happen, and often the most important thing is the one that is left behind.
“The end of the year is a time when many South Africans swap their office life for days at the pool, driving around game reserves or resting at the beach. But leaving an important item behind can create stress, unnecessary spending, and time away from what you had been looking forward to doing,” explains Mario Correia, brand manager for Everysun. This can result in you arriving at the beach without a swimsuit or leaving your personal medication in your bathroom cabinet with no store in sight.
When it comes to packing, although everyone likes to wing it wanting to get to their holiday as soon as possible, packing lists are important. Correia suggests implementing the below tips when finalising what you need to take with you:
- When packing clothes, be sure to write down and tick off each item – underwear, pyjamas, swimming costumes – otherwise things may be left behind forcing you to spend a day in the shopping mall or washing the same pair of unmentionables every night.
- Don’t forget your sunscreen. Whether you are travelling somewhere warm or cold your sunscreen should be one of the first items you pack into your bag. A high SPF should be used for effective protection. Everysun has a range suitable for the entire family, from baby to granddad, and for any occasion.
- With loadshedding occurring more frequently, don’t forget to pack a power bank to keep your devices charged. Also ensure that the chords needed to charge the power bank and your devices are packed to charge when the electricity comes back on.
- If you are travelling overseas pack extra clothes in your carry-on luggage, just in case your suitcase doesn’t arrive at the same time as you. A simple outfit to carry you through the next day is all you need.
- Toiletries, especially specific items, need to be named on the list. The hotel may be able to provide you with a toothbrush, but they won’t have contact lens solution.
- Chronic medication needs to be prioritised when packing – it will be difficult to find substitutes, especially since this time of the year many doctors are also enjoying their holiday time.
- Pack comfortable shoes. If your holiday is going to include a lot of walking, be sure to pack at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes, that you already know won’t hurt you. Sandals and other shoes can get uncomfortable when walking long distances.
- If you are travelling by car, pack a small bag filled with drinks and snacks to keep the children entertained while travelling. This can help to curb the moaning while travelling and keep them busy.
- Summer time may bring with it beautiful weather, but it also brings with it mosquitoes. Be sure to pack a can of mosquito repellent to help you stay itch free while on holiday.
- Never forget your hat, especially if you know that your time is going to be spent mostly in the sun. A hat can help keep the sun off of your face and prevent damage to your skin.
“If you start making the list a week before you start packing, noting everything you use during the day and at night, this will help you minimise the chances of leaving behind something important that you are going to need,” comments Correia.
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