Highlights:
- Invest in a good pair of compression socks if you are traveling long distances, are a boomer traveler, have circulatory or medical conditions, or are an athlete and traveling to or from a competition.
- Packing lists are essential for event, sporting, and adventure vacations.
5 Items You’ll Need
Of course, packing lists should be destination- and season-specific, but here are 5 things you should always bring:1. A great pair of shoes
Make sure all footwear fits properly and is broken-in at least 1 week before your trip.
If you need hiking boots, make sure to match your activity level to the type of boots you choose. I like Merrill and Vasque for challenging terrain and Kuru and Keen for light trails.
2. Extra socks
I can’t say this often enough: the right socks, and enough of them, are crucial. Everyone needs to travel with at least 1 pair of socks that they can use for activities, though I recommend 3. If your feet sweat or get wet and your shoes rub up against your heels or other parts of your feet, you’ll end up with blisters. Normally blisters don’t go away in a day, so you’re stuck with the pain.
Synthetic high-tech materials and natural fibers that wick away moisture are much better choices than cotton. I like Fox River, Thorlos, Smartwool, DryMax and Wrightsocks as brands.
Be sure to put 1 pair in your carry-on luggage, in case your checked baggage gets delayed or lost.
Invest in a good pair of compression socks if you’re a long-distance traveler, boomer traveler or athlete. Compression socks are also great if you have medical or circulatory conditions. Correct fit is a must. Wear them for a workout and try them out at home before you leave. I recommend CEP socks or CW–X tights.
3. Clothing that you can get dirty and rinse out easily
Make sure you pack at least 1 shirt that dries quickly and wicks sweat and moisture away from your body. If you are traveling in the summer or winter, I recommend packing a lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, long-sleeved shirt, so you can cover yourself from the sun or use it as a base layer in the winter.
If you're female, bring at least 1 jogging bra that you can rinse out after using. It should be dry and ready for the next day.
4. A refillable water bottle
Don’t get dehydrated! Drinking water is important, which I’ll repeatedly suggest and explain in following chapters.
5. A sense of humor, excitement, sense of adventure, your inner child
It’s a trip of a lifetime! Remember why you’re there.
Leave These At Home
1. ValuablesNever bring anything that will upset you if it’s ruined, lost or damaged. Vacations and holidays are not times to stress about such things.
2. A lot of jewelry
Don’t bring a lot of jewelry - maybe 1 inexpensive piece, if you will be going out during the trip.
3. Too much media
Do you really need a laptop, a Kindle and an iPad?
4. Too much stuff in general
People always overpack. Often people get back and realize that they didn’t use half of what they brought - and they had to carry it around, too. Most times if you are bring it just in case, you should probably leave it at home.
5. A bad attitude, entitlement, cultural insensitivity
The opposite of what you should bring - appreciate other cultures.
