Summer vacation is just around the corner, and most of you may be traveling overseas for a long adventurous vacation. To make your life easier, here are 5 travel life hacks specifically for the summer that you can swear by.
- Overpacking
We are all guilty of doing this, usually because an outfit a day is not enough. Or we need different colors of the same shirt. Now there is nothing wrong with that, except for the fact that your suitcase will eventually run out of space. Instead of folding your clothes, roll them up to save space and prevent them from wrinkling. Be selective with what you choose to bring and only bring items that you need for the trip and remove the rest. Furthermore, learn to match a single piece of clothing multiple times. As an example, you can mix and match one pair of jeans with 2-3 tops, avoiding the need for extra pairs. Just because you are going away for a long term trip does not mean you should pack for every single day. In fact, 8 clothing items can make more than 20 different outfits which is adequate for many weeks. Before you leave for your trip, be aware of the weather in that particular country. Pack more shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops during the hot season. It will save a ton of space without unnecessary thick and warm clothing under the sun. It is important to pack accordingly to the environment of your desired destination.
2. Organizing Chargers & Cords
Depending on the number of electronics you own, dealing with tangled cables and chargers is frustrating, especially when you misplace them upon your arrival. To keep your headphones and chargers tangle free, wrap a rubber band around them in order for them to be light and compact for traveling. Another method to prevent tangled cords is to wrap them around old gift cards or using a binder clip to keep it small and tidy. Lastly, keep all the chargers for your electronics in a bag so that you know where they are located wherever you go.
3. Electric Adapters for International Charging Outlets
Almost every country has different charging outlets that may not be the same as your own country. That being said, bringing an adapter can be super helpful especially if you are bringing many electronics. The adapter is simply a connector that changes the plug shape to match the outlet of that particular country. Having an international adapter is most reliable and recommended because it will function at any location and suitable for every type of charger you own. Additionally, it is safe to bring a portable charger if you know that you are not near a wall plug or constantly on-the-go and do not have time to charge your phone/laptop. Preferably, a portable charger that contains enough battery for multiple charges.
4. Passports and Important Documents
If it ever comes down to an event where you lose or misplace your passport and any important documents, scan them beforehand and email it to yourself to have a digital copy. It is fairly easy to lose your passport in the airport due to its small size, however, that will not be an issue if you have an electronic copy of it.
5. Neat Toiletries
If you are traveling with many toiletries, keep lotions or any liquids in small bottles and seal in a plastic bag of ziplock to keep it from spilling. You do not want shampoo or body wash stained on your favorite denim jacket. Use a cling film and wrap it around the shampoo bottle with the cap screwed on top to keep it from spilling everywhere. In the luggage that is checked-in place all toiletries in a bag just to have it organized.
These 10 life hacks are not only incredibly easy to follow, but hopefully they will make traveling much more convenient before you soak up the sun at your desired destination.
Carissa Tan (10)
