Top Packing Tips

01 Nov 2011

Do’s and don’ts of packing right for anything from a business trip to an adventure holiday. By ROSSARA JAMIL

The key to a smooth, stress-free holiday is to make sure you pack well for the type of travel activity you’ll be doing. Whether you are jet-setting on a business trip, heading for a beach holiday or an exciting adventure, getting your essentials in order can make all the difference. Anita Kapoor, TV host of Lonely Planet’s travel series Stressbuster, and Sim Yi Hui, a member of the Singapore Women’s Everest Team, share their best packing tips.

All Business

When packing for a purely business trip, it is important to put together “weather-appropriate, wrinkle-free, multi-purpose outfits”, says Kapoor.

• Rolling your clothes is a fuss-free way of packing. This is especially useful for jackets, says Kapoor. Doing so eliminates the hassle of carrying suit bags.
• For short work trips, go without check-in luggage to save time waiting for your luggage at the baggage belt. Instead, opt for a trolley bag that fits the cabin baggage allowance.
• Even if your schedule is filled with back-to-back meetings, pack versatile pieces that you can dress down if the need arises. For women, Kapoor recommends chic flats, a sleek jacket, a white shirt and extra accessories that can change your look in just two minutes.

Bright Lights, Big City

Visiting a city means that you’ll have access to most things even if you’ve forgotten to pack them in your luggage. But getting these essentials right when packing means you don’t have to waste unnecessary time.

• Leave your heels at home. Go easy on your feet with chic trainers or walking shoes – especially in cities with cobblestone pavements.
• Finding out about the fashion norms in each city means that you’ll blend in more easily. Wearing an old winter jacket in fashion-forward cities like New York and Tokyo may make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Blending in is also a neat personal safety trick, says Kapoor. So, pack suitably for your destination.
• Besides clothes and personal belongings, ensure that you have all the necessary emergency numbers. Do prior research on the contact details of your country’s embassy or consulate in the destination city and suss out the location of the 24-hour clinic nearest to your hotel.

Beach Fest

Unlike other types of holidays, hitting the beach often means doing little else but relaxing. Packing for a beach vacation may seem effortless, but getting it right is vital for the perfect getaway.

• Bring more than one swimsuit. Doing so allows the other piece to dry while your tan progresses uninterrupted, says Kapoor. Use a waterproof luggage to store clothes, which should be in fuss-free fabrics like chiffon and cotton.
• Don’t forget the sunscreen – go for a minimum SPF of 30. Even if you’re all set for tanning, protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• When you’re out in the sun, sand and sea, your passport and money should be the least of your worries. Make sure they stay dry in a resealable zipper storage bag and keep them with you at all times

Adventure Quest

Heading out to conquer peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu? Do plenty of research, advises Sim Yi Hui, a member of the Singapore Women’s Everest Team. That’s because different locations may require specific preparations, she adds.

• Get the right backpack for your size. Always choose according to your torso length – sales assistants at stores specialising in adventure equipment will be able to advise you. Make sure it comes with a good harness system, says Sim. This will ensure a snug grip on your hip for greater comfort.
• No matter the type of adventure travel, a first-aid kit is compulsory. A headlamp or torch however, is a must-have when trekking or climbing, as lighting may be poor in some areas, Sim advises further. Good walking shoes and a hat are also important items that can keep you safe and free from injuries.
• The rule of thumb when packing is to always put the heaviest items close to your back. Specifically, somewhere between your shoulder blades to ensure that your pack does not throw you off balance. Place the sleeping bag right at the bottom part of your pack and often-used items such as sunscreen, first-aid kit and snacks within easy reach.

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