2023 it goes to Corona again for many vacationers in the distance. A packing list facilitates the vacation preparation immensely, and it helps to avoid unnecessary stress. Especially long-distance trips, but also trips with a boat or yacht, require a little more thought when packing. SeaHelp gives tips for all long-distance travel and boat newcomers, what absolutely belongs in the suitcase or in the duffel bag..
The Corona restrictions for long-distance travelers are largely passé – many now want to catch up on their trips actually already planned for the last few years, while many vacationers are drawn to the distance, and more and more people discover yachts for the most beautiful time of the year for themselves – the charter market is booming.
But what should definitely be in the luggage? A small packing list facilitates the planning enormously and can help to avoid unpleasant surprises at the vacation destination, when you realize that you have forgotten to take something important, or have packed the wrong (or: too much).
Safe is safe: carry airline tickets also in paper form
It already starts at the airport: although today there are mostly airline tickets and booking confirmations online, which can be conveniently loaded into your wallet, it should be noted that some airlines still insist on paper printouts. To be on the safe side, paper tickets should be carried anyway – in case the smartphone is broken, lost, or simply runs out of battery.
In addition, the passport, the vaccination card, if necessary hotel and transfer vouchers, the driver’s license always belongs in the (hand) luggage for long-distance trips (attention: some countries require an international driver’s license, and on the Cook Islands the author even had to take a new driver’s license when he wanted to rent a motorcycle there). Boat licenses should also be remembered. In addition, it makes sense to have a current vaccination certificate with you, as well as documents for health insurance abroad.
Some countries require entry forms that should be filled out well in advance
Some countries still check the Corona vaccination status, here you should take an appropriate digital Corona vaccination certificate or test evidence. It should also be noted that to visit some countries, you must register well in advance. For example, for a trip to the USA, an ESTA form is mandatory. For the Caribbean, registrations are sometimes still required upon entry, the forms required for this are mostly distributed by the airlines during the flight.
Since in the vast majority of cases it is likely to be warm, sunny destinations to which holidaymakers are drawn, care should be taken to wear appropriately light, loose-fitting clothing: Swim trunks, bikini, flip-flops, sunglasses and summer clothing including matching headgear should not be missing. For the evening dinner in an upscale ambience, at least one elegant piece of clothing should be taken along. Just as important as having the right thing with you, however, is: don’t pack too much.
Active vacationers and sports skippers should have their functional clothing with them, suitable footwear is also important
Who wants to do active sports or hiking in his vacation, should not do without appropriate functional clothing. The same applies to boating vacationers: functional clothing protects against wetness, cold – and too much sun. Divers should at least bring their own snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel). A backpack, warm clothing for the evening and light rainwear if necessary can also be useful.
It has proven useful to stow a light outfit in your carry-on luggage when traveling to warm or tropical regions – this can then be put on in minutes at the destination airport while waiting for your suitcase. Speaking of suitcases, if you want to spend your vacation on a yacht, whether you have chartered a boat or yacht, or if you are a guest on a ship – here, large, bulky hard-shell suitcases or fixed trolleys are usually out of place.
On yachts, the rule is: if possible, do not take bulky hard suitcases or Rollis – otherwise the cabin is quickly full
Instead, you should choose a soft, crushable version of the luggage, which, by the way, are also available with wheels. The boarding shoes then also belong in there – these are either special footwear, which are available in specialized shops, or one simply helps oneself with sporty footwear, which has a light, soft, non-slipping sole.
Another important topic is medication and personal care products. It is clear that prescription and urgently needed medicines are mandatory components of the luggage. On board a yacht, there is usually a on-board pharmacy, but the same applies here: you should always have the most important things with you. These include, for example, painkillers, an antihistamine, remedies for gastrointestinal disorders, medicines for seasickness, plasters and disinfectants. If you like, add mosquito repellent.
Traveling sustainably is easy – for example, by using reusable and coral-friendly sunscreen
If you want to pack more sustainably, avoid disposable products. And: coral-friendly sun cream should ideally be biodegradable or not contain the UV filters octinoxate (INCI: ehylhexyl methoxycinnamate) and oxybenzone (INCI: benzophenone-3), which are under discussion. These sun creams are now also available relatively inexpensively from some discounters.
When traveling, especially on trips to distant destinations, a whole lot of modern technology is often carried along. Travelers should remember that there are different voltage systems internationally, and adapters for plugs and sockets may be required. In addition, you should have suitable charging cables with you, and a power bank can also be useful.
Lithium batteries belong in the hand luggage, best to inform in advance with the airlines
If you have your own headphones, you should also take them with you – so you can enjoy the entertainment program on the long-haul flight, or you simply have your peace (make sure that the headphones have a cable with a simple, small jack plug, Bluetooth has by far not yet introduced all airlines).
If you have cameras with lithium batteries, you are on the safe side if you remove the batteries from the device that is to be transported in your checked baggage and put them in your hand luggage. If you want to do everything right, stow each spare battery in its own plastic bag or transport bag. By the way, lithium polymer batteries for drones can be discharged about halfway, which is when they are most chemically stable.
With dog and cat on vacation -> Here you can read more.
