What To Pack For Your Winter Getaway

Photo credit: energiaesociedade.org

The onset of winter is one of my favorite time to travel. The weather is not yet unforgiving and there is still a remnant of the last season's foliage that can be viewed and enjoyed. However, not all places have the same kind of pre-winter. And if you are considering a winter getaway, you have to make sure that you've done your research, you've checked the local weather in that place and other weather forecast to ensure you pack the right stuff.

Important things to pack for your winter getaway are listed below to help you bring the essential ones and not leave you bitter and cold.

Boots with warm lining
This can be a snow boots or an all terrain boots with rubber sole for anti-slip and warm lining to prevent cool draft biting your skin.

Thermal shirts and sweaters
Some places may be ultra cold so be prepared to wear thermal clothing that you can layer because most establishments and public places will have the heater on and you may need to shed of some layers of clothing for that.

A long scarf or shawl
These are good bet for warming your neck and face area. It's a nice addition to insulate you from the cold.

Ear muffs
This can be optional in some places because it may not be as cold as what you imagine. However, there is no harm in packing your ear muffs just in case it gets too cold.

Hat, beanie, umbrella
Yes, anything to cover you head and protect it from the cold. The umbrella will be very useful for some days with rain.

Parka/wind-breaker/Insulated jacket
You can bring any of the above winter garment as long as it will keep you warm and dry.

Medications for cough and cold
Winter is the season of coughs and colds and just be prepared and pack your meds if in case you acquire the sniffles.

Thermal leggings
Carry some lightweight thermal leggings you can wear underneath your jeans or pants for extra warmth and protection from the cold weather.

So, don't be caught unaware. Keep your winter essentials ready for your getaway!

What To Pack When Going To The Beach This Summer (For The Ladies)

Photo credit: livinggreenmag.com

It's that time of the year again and every beach lover out there must be raring to drive to the nearest beach resort or even fly to a great seaside retreat for a nice soak and tan. If you're one of them, you're probably starting to fill your luggage with the necessities.

Here are the essential carry-ons for your beach outing:

For those who are going to take a flight:
Your travel documents, eg. passport, visa (if required), list of important numbers, hotel vouchers and other travel documents you deem required to take along
Enough cash, debit card, credit card (try to limit the use of this only for emergency)
Your medications in a pillbox, if required

For those who are going via land:
Hotel voucher for your booking
Enough cash, debit card, credit card (try to limit the use of this only for emergency)
List of important numbers
Your medications in a pillbox, if required
Some refreshments/snacks like cookies and water

And the essentials:

• 1 or 2 swimsuits (depending on how long you plan to be in that resort)
• 1 light weight cover-up like a caftan or a sari that can dry easily
• a lightweight mat that you can fold and this is optional. You can borrow the ones in the hotel or resort.
• 1 sunglasses
• 1 hat or cap
• 1 foldable umbrella that you can bring when beach umbrellas are not available or when you're going to the market for sight seeing
• a stylish beach tote bag (go for canvas or the straw kind so it's breathable and sands can be easily shaken off)
• 1 pair of sandal or a 1 flip-flop. My rule here is, you can only choose one. If you're choosing the sandal, it better be water proof or at least, one that dries easily and can be worn fast. It has to be flexible that you can take it to other places and step it on the beach.
• 1 or 2 shorts (depending how long you are staying in the resort.  I will stick to just 1 if you'll be there only for 2-3 nights)
• 2-3 light cotton tees
• 1 pair of lightweight jeans
• 1 lightweight cardigan for that night time relaxation in the cabana
• 1 maxi dress for city touring if you need to
• undergarments - a must!
• 1 small sunblock lotion or if you want to tan, a tanning lotion
• 1 lip balm with SPF
• Toiletries like shampoo, cologne, body lotion and body gel in travel sizes that can fit a small pouch
• A couple of sanitary napkins or liners for the ladies
• A good book
• A nice camera to document those precious summer moments
• An mp3 like your iPod or other small gadget you can play music with

The list may seem long but when you're actually packing them in the bag, they're all compact and will easily fit a cabin bag. If it goes beyond that then that means you're overpacking!

People who are planning for a trip to the beach must remember to pack appropriately for the occasion. Keep it light! Have fun, rest and relax and be safe!