Pack like a pro!
We know packing can be the hardest part of some trips! We are here to help you figure out the most efficient way to get that bag packed and on your way. When booking with Trips by Nic we’ll ensure you have a robust packing list based on your destination with special attention to specifics for safaris, trekking and other customized itineraries. Don’t forget your Trips by Nic Field Notes notebook & your luggage tag 🙂 We’ll send you all of this upon booking with us along with your travel documents!
General
We love the standard carry-on from Away travel for weekend trips. The larger carry-on is good for domestic flights, but if you are hopping around Europe it is a little too big to pass as a carry-on there. We also frequently use the Patagonia 45 or 55 Liter duffel (with or without wheels) for Africa & South America. NOTE: certain safari destinations will require a limit on the size and type of bag, opt for the Patagonia or North Face duffel without wheels to use on these special trips. A larger Away suitcase is good for non-safari, non-trekking longer trips where you can check the bag. I also have left my larger bags at a hotel before when I take off to a smaller remote location, and just take a day pack or smaller bag with me if it’s less than 4 nights. So that is always an option. Grab a few packing cubes as well in different sizes to help organize yourself. Throw undergarments into one, PJs & Workout clothes in another, formal outfits in one, etc. It’ll help you know where to look when you’re getting changed and moving around a lot.
Clothing:
- Sports Bras
- Underwear
- Regular & Strapless bras
- Sundress
- Beach coverup
- Sweater/Wrap
- Jeans
- Joggers
- Raincoat
- Workout shorts (or skorts, I love the Outdoor Voices tennis skirt and wear it for all activities)
- Maxi Skirt
- Tank tops/t-shirts for workouts or wearing while out and about all day (I tend to like golf style shirts, since I can workout in them and they have a collar to get by for a day tour, sweat wicking included! Fav of mine)
- Socks, invest in some really good ones for active days like smartwool
Clothing:
- Light jacket
- Fleece
- Long maxi style dress
- Short cocktail style dress, depending on occasions and celebrations
- Pajamas
- Long sleeve shirt, potential for a bug resistant one depending on destination that is button down
- Collared shirt for the men and maybe a button down. (If traveling for a wedding don’t forget your Tie or Bow Tie and dress shoes!)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray – make sure it has deet! And be aware of mosquito carrying viruses like malaria & Zika (especially if pregnant or planning to be pregnant in the next 6 months)
- Face wash
- Toothpaste & toothbrush
- Hair brush
- Hair spray
- Clean deodorant – we like Native
- Medication
- First aid kit
- Razor and extra blades if needed
- Nail clippers or file if wanted (not a must)
- Hair curler/straightener/blow dryer – Dry Bar’s travel size is a go-to for me
For my feet:
- Hiking boots (if trekking)
- Comfortable walking shoes (I like Rothy’s, low and high top, they are made from recycled materials and so comfy. Other tried and true include Tom’s, Sperry’s and On Cloud or Allbirds for a more athletic style)
- Slip on sandals with socks like birkenstocks
- Wedges or heels depending on the itinerary
- Running sneakers (especially if you like to have an active vacation with running or biking)
- fancier/classier sandal or flats if you skip a wedge or heel
Miscellaneous:
- Always bring a bathing suit. (I’ve been in this situation way too many times where I forgot one and am forced to purchase a new one 🙁 You would think I’d learn by now!)
- Binoculars – you can find a reasonably priced pair on Amazon
- Good camera, if you want to take your photography up a notch from your phone’s built in camera
- Chargers and adapters! A backup fully charged on the go cell phone charger is highly recommended. Make sure you know the type of outlets for the countries you’ll be in as well
- A good paperback book for planes and train rides and down time at resorts/lodges
- All your documents that your trusty travel advisor provided you with, yes printed out. Hotel, car & tour confirmations. Flight bookings.
- Local currencies – check out what the currency is and get some before you go, make sure to get small denominators for things like tipping & haggling on the street for souvenirs or food. USD is usually accepted but I wouldn’t assume this is always the case. Trips by Nic will prep you for this based on destination
- Hat or Visor
- Sunglasses! I like to bring one nice pair and one cheap pair for activities that I may easily lose them on.
- Purse, not flashy or fancy usually unless you are going to a big, safe city
- COVID-19 Vaccination Card & negative covid test results
- Yellow fever vax card
- Hair ties/scrunchies/headbands
- Snacks – almonds, granola bars, trail mix etc.
- Nuun or Liquid IV – hydration style tablets (pedialyte works too)
- backpack/day pack
- Fanny pack
- If traveling with a dog: leash, collar, poop bags, dog food, treats, travel water bowls & water bottle
- Blanket/airplane pillow for the flights
What do I put in my carry on backpack or oversized purse? In addition to lot’s of hand sanitizer, wipes and meds I need for the destination I always like to have a change of clothes. Make sure you have a clean t-shirt, underwear, compression socks and an extra sports bra handy just in case. I also will throw a bathing suit in if it’s a beachy destination and I have room. I always have my laptop, a paperback book and my relevant chargers in my carry-on as well. Maybe a snack or 2 and an empty refillable water bottle and that just about fills it up! A toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant are musts as well for any long-haul flights.
And that’s about it! You’re now ready to get going on your adventure. Let us know what else you like to bring on your vacations!
