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The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Any Vacation

As someone who travels regularly, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks to use when packing.

How many times have you gone on a trip and realized that you’ve forgotten something at home? The first tip I have to offer is to write a list of things that you will need to pack a week in advance. Doing this allows you to add to the list throughout the week with the assumption that you won’t remember everything that you will need when you write the initial list. A week later when you can start packing everything on your presumably edited list, you can check off the items that you’ve packed as you go. This method kills two birds with one stone.

The second tip that I have is to roll your clothes rather than folding them. This saves a ton of space in your suitcase and allows you to fit more clothes or other belongings that you would want to pack. However, it’s important not to over-pack just because you have the extra room. Don’t pack clothes and shoes that you haven’t worn in years just because you might wear them on vacation. Why not pack something that you normally wear? This way you know that you will feel comfortable and look good while on vacation, no risk involved.

Minimalism is “in”. Not only is it trendy, but it is also efficient, and it should be used when packing. Minimalists pack only what is necessary to pack. For clothes, they’ll pack a few t-shirts, a jacket, a coat, a sweater, a pair of boots, and shoes. As far as toiletries, you should keep it simple. Bring a toothbrush, your favorite body wash/shampoo, and deodorant and you’re good to go. Instead of lugging around a forty-pound suitcase with unnecessary items, you can carry everything in a much smaller bag if you choose to go the minimalist route.

Another tip is to always put any creams and liquids into a large plastic bag before putting it in your suitcase. Nothing’s worse than arriving to your destination only to see that your favorite lotion spilled all over your clothes and shoes.

And now for some super quick tips:

  1. Check the weather for the place you are traveling to
  2. Pack one extra outfit
  3. Create a playlist for music to listen to on your journey
  4. Pack a satin pillowcase if you’re a curly girl that normally sleeps on one
  5. Pack a sweatshirt

Have a great vacation!

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Off the beaten path In Boston/Cambridge

Boston is one of America’s greatest cities. With its European-styled architecture, ability for its residents to walk anywhere, and its rich history, it’s nearly impossible not to love. I moved to the Boston area about three years ago for college, and I can’t say I’ve never been to a Red Sox game, strolled through the Boston Public Garden, or took a photo of the Boston Marathon finish line. However, in my two and a half years here, I’ve found countless ways to have fun in Boston without quacking at people on a duck boat.

My first few examples are for people who love to dance. Boston has a really great dance scene. Whether you like to dance swing, salsa, or bachata, Boston has your fix, along with many other dances. If you like to dance swing, then you should try out Boston Swing Central in Alewife. This dance social is located in 26 New St Cambridge in the Extreme Dance Sport dance studio which shares a building with an Iranian restaurant. Stepping inside, you’ll immediately see people of all ages lindy hopping around and eager to teach you how to join them.

If you are interested in Latin dancing, Havana Club is your best bet. They offer bachata Mondays, and salsa and bachata Fridays and Saturdays. Havana Club rents a massive dancefloor from the Greek American Political Club, which is a brick building on a side road off of Central Square. The only evidence of amazing Latin dance nights is a small sign reading “Havana Club” that they leave outside in front of the door. Immediately when you open the door you’ll go up three flights of stairs hearing the sounds of the Spanish percussion getting louder and louder as you go up the stairs. Then when you open the door you’ll hear salsa or bachata music blasting and dancers of all levels shimmying and gliding across the floor under the pink and purple lights illuminating the room. For only five dollars on Monday and twelve dollars on the weekend, you can dance with some of the best dancers around New England and you’ll won’t be able to wait for the next week.

One of my favorite things to do other than dance is find great deals. Boomerang’s is a great thrift store in the middle of Central Square in Cambridge. I never go in without finding a number of great finds. There are 50% off and one dollar sales on select apparel every single day on awesome clothing items. They also have a fantastic selection of shoes, furniture, mugs, and more. As if this store could not get any better, all proceeds directly support AIDS Action’s work. So not only are you shopping for yourself, you are always benefiting work to decrease HIV/AIDS infections.

From Boomerang’s, you can walk across the Mass Ave bridge to Boston while looking at a beautiful view of the Boston skyline. There are many cafes in Boston, but one of the coolest ones is Farmers Horse Coffee. On the outside it looks like a café that businessmen would stop by for a lunch break. However, when you step inside you are greeted by colorful graffiti-filled walls and wooden tables with drawings left by from previous customers. The staff is friendly and quick to give you your order.

Boston has something for everyone. No matter who you are, you won’t be able to have anything less than a great time in Boston. Start checking out flights to Boston now using Canada’s largest travel website, FlightNetwork!