I am no stranger to packing light.  I discovered years ago that packing too much can lead to an exhausting, frustrating trip, and that’s not even considering the expense of checking bags these days–imagine dragging a large, heavy suitcase up hillsides in the Greek islands, it was not a pretty sight.  So, I have learned over the years how to continue to pack more economically and wisely to the point that I can now pack a carry on for a 7-10 day vacation.  I’ve done it before on various trips and packed this way again on my last trip to Mexico and will continue to do so and keep revising my methods based on continued info and travel materials (packing cubes are supposedly a big thing, but I’ve never used them…yet).

Some travelers prefer rolling methods (Ranger roll for example), some prefer various folding methods (KonMari for example), and of course the packing cube method.  At the end of this blog post I’ve put up two videos highlighting some interesting packing methods; the first illustrates the Ranger roll method while the second is a variation on how to fold packed items.

First of all, packing for a beach vacation can be somewhat different and less involved than another type of vacation which makes it much easier to figure out what and how to pack.  In deciding what to take along for a beach vacation in Mexico, for example, I take along my Travel Pro carry on and the largest personal bag I can get away with to fit under the seat in front of me in the airplane.  Here’s a brief list of what I typically pack for such a vacation, and what goes where…

Personal Bag

• Travel Documents.  Passport, printed confirmations of transportation and resort bookings
• Money.  If I’m going to Mexico for a week I like to take at minimum the equivalent of $300 USD in pesos for one person traveling–if I’m going to be doing a lot of excursions or staying at an upscale resort I take more, and let’s not forget that if you need to see a Dr. onsite at a resort if you’re not feeling well it will cost you at least $150 up front for the Dr. visit–Dr.’s who visit you at resorts or have an office onsite at resorts will expect to be paid upfront and this bill is NOT charged to your resort tab.  While tipping is not necessary at an all-inclusive resort, at some five star resorts it is expected by staff.  Depending on who you tip you can get outstanding service for doing so.
• Technical Equipment.  Since my blog requires a certain amount of technical equipment to be brought along in order to take photos and videos, I try and fit as much of that into my personal bag/backpack as possible.  Don’t forget your phone and charging cords!.
• Medication.  Bring only the amount of prescription medication you think you will need for the time spent away (bring it in the original prescription bottle by the way), and don’t forget to bring Imodium for the long haul, you may need it.
• Clothing.  If your flight lands after 3 p.m. you don’t have to pack any clothing into your personal bag since your room will be ready by the time you get to the resort.  If you get to your resort prior to 3 p.m. be sure to pack a swimsuit and anything else pool/beach related–sunglasses, TSA approved bottles of sunscreen, swimsuit cover up, sandals if you’re not already wearing them, etc.
• Reading material for the plane or at the resort if you get there early.
• Jewelry.  I never bring any personal item I would be devastated about if it got lost or stolen.  When it comes to jewelry I bring several pairs of costume jewelry earrings and maybe a necklace or two to match my dinner outfit.

Carry On

• Deciding what to bring in general.  Many people follow the item number system when deciding what to pack…1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 pairs of underwear (plus several bras).  Bring TSA approved bottles of soap for hand washing clothing items while at the resort.  Also, sleepwear takes up practically no carry on space so bring one or two.
• When staying at resorts you should have at least one or two fancier clothing items for a la carte dinners–one or two dresses/skirts and tops for women, while men should bring at least one nice short sleeved shirt, one pair of long pants (like you’d wear at work), and closed toed shoes.  Some resort dinner restaurants are pickier than others and will turn you away if you don’t comply with their dress code.
• Don’t forget anything pool and beach related like at least 2 swimsuits, and one cover up for women.  I always bring a microfiber towel with me on beach vacations–you can carry it to the pool to “reserve” a chair if resort towels are not available for some reason, or take it along on excursions since they absorb water readily and pack light and flat.  Don’t forget your sandals, I forgot mine this last vacation (I was so busy with work that I literally packed the night before my flight) and had difficulty finding a pair that fit at the resorts I stayed at.
• Take along several clips for keeping your towel secured to your lounger–don’t make them too fancy or desirable, however, since they may get stolen.
• KYSS bag.  I always bring my KYSS lockable beach bag with me on this type of vacation.  If you can arrange to find a lounger close to an object which does not move or only moves with difficulty you can lock up your valuables and go and enjoy the pool or swim in the ocean without worrying about your stuff.

I think I covered the basics…if I forgot anything important just comment below and let me know.  Here are the two videos I promised you; the first is a Ranger roll method of folding different pieces of clothing while the second is a variation of a folding packing method.

What do you think?  Are your packing styles different and in what way?