Pack lightly to travel sustainably. But also listen to poet John Milton’s words: “Luck is the residue of design.“
Your plane tickets are in-hand, your hotel is booked, and you are ready for your much-needed vacation. You have a solid plan set out, and you’re pretty sure you haven’t missed anything. Your toothbrush is packed, but are you missing anything else?
The worst feeling in the world is being 20,000 miles away from home and realizing you forgot something important. It’s easy to do, and everyone has done it, but that doesn’t mean that’s how it has to be. In this article we will identify some frequent vacation details that get swept under the rug, and show you how to iron them out before you get to the vacation destination of your dreams.
Digitize Your Group’s Schedule
Having a prepared schedule truly elevates any vacation, as it offloads the mental load of figuring out what to do well before you get into vacation relaxation mode. Once prepared, it can easily be shared with your entire group, and ensure everyone is where they need to be at the right time. It’s also just exciting to look forward to a long list of all the fun things you have planned!
Digital calendar scheduling tools have a variety of benefits, such as a polling option so you and your group can decide what to do, when to do it, or what to eat. While Calendly is a popular digital scheduler choice, there is a whole world of Calendly alternatives that may be a better fit for your group. These tools also allow you to easily share a group schedule, and even notify you and your group about upcoming events.
Putting in the extra effort to have a digital schedule also means mid-trip or on-the-fly additions aren’t a hassle. A spontaneous hike thrown onto the shared schedule helps keep your group informed of your whereabouts without having to reach out to every person.
Prepare for the Weather
A classic blunder when it comes to vacationing is making assumptions about the weather without checking. Assuming the Bahamas will be warm or Minnesota will be cold make sense logically, but the weather is a fickle thing, and a crazy heat wave or thunderstorm could always be around the corner. So make sure you prepare for the worst.
While it may seem obvious, step one is to actually check the weather. This is the quickest and easiest way to have an overview of which days are best for the plans you’d like to make. Making sure your planned beach day is on a sunny day instead of an overcast one can make all the difference. Knowing there is a chance of rain on certain days gives you a chance to prepare backup plans if worst comes to worst. So hop on the weather app, Google, or check local new stations to get the weather on your radar.
Step two is to be prepared for weather shifts. Even if the forecast looks warm and sunny, a light jacket may be a good choice to throw in your bag. It doesn’t take up much space, is great for any chilly flights, and when it does get cold, you’ll be thankful you brought it. No matter the expected weather, it never hurts to bring some “just in case” clothes.
Plan Out Transportation
Travelling by train is the most sustainable way to travel on this planet
You might have a ton of cool ideas as to where to go and what to do, but have you considered how to get there? Transportation is a boring, though essential, logistic you should hash out before you arrive at your destination. Though all-inclusive destinations might eliminate this need, it’s still worth looking into if there are any local spots in the area you want to travel to.
Plan to rent a car, use local transit, or taxi everywhere. These options might sound self-explanatory but deserve a little bit of time and research. Make sure your chosen option is possible, check for frequent issues, and plan ahead. If you rent a car, consider the parking situation of the locations you’ll be driving to. If using public transit, look up the schedule to ensure it is a realistic option. Planning for these problems in advance helps turn disasters into inconveniences, minimizing their impact on your trip.
Make a List, and Check it Twice
Packing can seem like a simple task, but it really can make or break a trip. Forgetting a single thing can really throw a wrench in the carefree vacation headspace, and the best way to avoid it is to not forget anything in the first place! Start by checking out a travel packing list, and systematically go through what you do and don’t have.
Taking the time to check for things you might be missing is super smart, and saves you emergency trips for chapstick or deodorant while traveling. Depending on how much you travel, it might also be worth it to make your own list. Everyone has different things they need the most, and having a personal list that you can use repeatedly will help every trip be the best it can be.
Finally, take the time to consider if you need anything specific for your trip. A towel? A water bottle for hikes or long city walks? A travel phone charger? You can pack tons of items that will nip some very real problems in the bud. If nothing else, picking up a travel size sunscreen can prevent sunburns and help you remain happy and healthy during your trip.
Author: Bhok Thompson
Bhok Thompson is an “eco-tinkerer” who thrives at the intersection of sustainability, business, and cutting-edge technology. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep fascination with renewable energy, Bhok has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that bridge environmental consciousness with profitability. A frequent contributor to Green Prophet, Bhok writes about futuristic green tech, urban sustainability, and the latest trends in eco-friendly startups. His passion for engineering meets his love for business as he mentors young entrepreneurs looking to create scalable, impact-driven companies. Beyond his work, Bhok is an avid collector of vintage mechanical watches, believing they represent an era of precision and craftsmanship that modern technology often overlooks. Reach out: [email protected]
